Have you ever wondered how to transform humble cottage cheese into pillowy, protein-packed bread that rivals any bakery loaf? This cottage cheese bread recipe proves that homemade baking doesn't require fancy ingredients or professional skills. Making your own cottage cheese bread at home allows you to control the ingredients, boost nutritional value, and enjoy fresh-baked goodness whenever you crave it. With its incredibly soft texture and subtle tang, this bread offers an easy way to sneak extra protein into your daily meals while delivering authentic bakery flavor straight from your kitchen.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
Timing / Cooking Schedule
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rising time)
This timeline includes two rising periods which develop the bread's signature fluffy texture. Plan ahead by starting the dough in the morning for fresh afternoon bread, or prepare it the evening before for next-day baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast Combine warm water and honey in a small bowl, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves your yeast is alive and ensures proper rise. If no foam appears, your yeast may be expired—start over with fresh yeast to avoid dense bread.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, blend cottage cheese, egg, and melted butter until well combined. The cottage cheese doesn't need to be completely smooth—small curds add texture and moisture pockets throughout the finished loaf.
Step 3: Combine and Knead Add the yeast mixture to the cottage cheese mixture. Gradually incorporate flour and salt, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops gluten structure, creating the perfect chewy-yet-tender crumb. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for 5-6 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes until doubled. For faster rising, place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) with a pan of hot water underneath.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Place in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until the dough crowns above the pan rim. This cottage cheese bread recipe relies on this second rise for maximum fluffiness.
Step 6: Bake Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the loaf with egg wash and sprinkle with seeds if desired. Bake for 28-32 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F. The crust should sound hollow when tapped.
Step 7: Cool Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Resist slicing immediately—cooling allows the crumb to set properly for clean, even slices.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 12 slices):
- Calories: 142
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 8% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Beyond basic nutrition, the cottage cheese bread benefits include increased satiety from higher protein content compared to standard white bread, making it excellent for weight management and sustained energy throughout the day.
Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (1:1 ratio) and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for structure.
Whole Grain Boost: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutty flavor.
Savory Twist: Mix in minced garlic, shredded cheddar, and fresh chives for a savory breakfast bread perfect with eggs.
Sweet Version: Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough, then brush the finished loaf with honey butter.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese blended with non-dairy milk to mimic cottage cheese's consistency.
Meal Prep Tip: Double the recipe and freeze one unbaked loaf after shaping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, let rise, then bake fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using Water That's Too Hot Water above 120°F kills yeast. Always test temperature with a thermometer or your wrist—it should feel comfortably warm, not hot.
Mistake 2: Insufficient Kneading Under-kneaded dough produces dense, crumbly bread. Knead until the dough becomes smooth, springs back when poked, and passes the windowpane test (stretches thin without tearing).
Mistake 3: Skipping the Second Rise Rushing through the second rise results in dense texture. Patience creates those airy pockets and tender crumb we love.
Mistake 4: Overbaking Bread continues cooking from residual heat after removal. Pull it from the oven when just golden to prevent dryness.
Mistake 5: Slicing Too Soon Hot bread compresses and tears when sliced. Wait at least 20 minutes for optimal texture.
Storage / Leftovers Tips
Store your cottage cheese bread at room temperature in an airtight container or bread box for up to 3 days. The cottage cheese keeps it naturally moist longer than traditional bread. For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to 7 days, though this may slightly firm the texture—simply toast slices to restore softness.
For freezing, wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or slice frozen bread and toast individual pieces as needed. This cottage cheese bread recipe actually freezes exceptionally well thanks to its high moisture content, which prevents freezer burn.
To refresh day-old bread, wrap slices in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast lightly. The cottage cheese bread benefits extend to leftovers—make French toast, bread pudding, or savory croutons that retain more protein than ordinary bread alternatives.
