cottage cheese bread

Craving a soft, protein-rich bread with a unique twist? Discover the world of Cottage Cheese Bread—a wholesome, tender loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.

This bread combines the subtle tang of cottage cheese with the structure of bread flour, resulting in a moist, satisfying crumb.

Ingredients List

Creating a delicious Cottage Cheese Bread requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this loaf to life:

Dough Ingredients

• 1 1/2 teaspoons (5 g) active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup (75 g) lukewarm water
• 1 cup (250 g) egg whites (about 7 to 8 egg whites)
• 1 cup (255 g) cottage cheese
• 4 2/3 cups (582 g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon (10 g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand will make your Cottage Cheese Bread baking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Large Mixing Bowl: For combining and proofing your dough.
2. Blender or Food Processor: To blend the egg whites and cottage cheese into a smooth mixture.
3. Dutch Whisk or Fork: For mixing the dough ingredients together.
4. Bench Scraper: Helpful for kneading and handling sticky dough.
5. Loaf Pan (10 x 4-inch or similar): To shape and bake your bread. If you don’t have this size, use two smaller pans or a baking sheet.
6. Parchment Paper: For lining your loaf pan and preventing sticking.
7. Kitchen Scale: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
8. Stand Mixer (optional): For easier kneading, especially if you prefer not to knead by hand.
9. Aluminum Foil: To cover the bread during baking and prevent over-browning.

Dough Preparation

Preparing the dough for Cottage Cheese Bread is a straightforward process, but attention to detail will ensure a soft, airy loaf with a tender crumb. Follow these steps to create the perfect dough:

Mixing the Ingredients

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast and lukewarm water. Stir gently and set aside for a few minutes to allow the yeast to hydrate and begin to bubble.
2. Blend Wet Ingredients:
   In a blender or food processor, add the egg whites and cottage cheese. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Wet and Dry:
   Pour the blended cottage cheese and egg white mixture into the bowl with the yeast. Whisk together until well combined.
4. Add Flour and Salt:
   Whisk the bread flour in its container to aerate and remove any lumps. Measure out the flour and add it, along with the kosher salt, to the wet mixture. Use a Dutch whisk or fork to mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.

Kneading and First Rise

1. Knead the Dough:
   Dust your work surface with flour and turn out the dough. Knead for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is very sticky, dust your hands with flour or lightly oil them, and use a bench scraper to help lift and fold the dough as you knead.
   Tip: You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step.
2. First Proof:
   Shape the dough into a ball and return it to the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has almost doubled in size.

Shaping and Baking the Bread

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to shape and bake your Cottage Cheese Bread for that perfect, golden loaf.

Shaping the Loaf

1. Prepare the Pan:
   Line a 10 x 4-inch (26 x 10 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper. If you don’t have this exact size, use a slightly larger pan or divide the dough into two halves and use two smaller loaf pans. You can also shape the dough into a free-form loaf and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, though it will be flatter.
2. Shape the Dough:
   After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to deflate it. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a log shape. Pinch the ends together to seal.
3. Second Proof:
   Place the shaped dough into your prepared loaf pan. Cover and let it proof for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is visibly risen and puffed up.

Baking the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is proofing.
2. Bake:
   Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top of the bread will brown quickly—once it’s crusty and golden, loosely cover the top with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Check for Doneness:
   The bread is done when it sounds hollow after a gentle tap on the crust. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage

When it comes to enjoying your freshly baked Cottage Cheese Bread, a few simple tips can help you make the most of every slice—whether you’re serving it fresh or saving it for later.

Serving Suggestions

Cottage Cheese Bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Toasted with Butter: Slice and toast the bread, then spread with butter or your favorite jam for a quick breakfast.
• Sandwiches: Its sturdy yet tender crumb makes it perfect for sandwiches—try it with turkey, cheese, or roasted vegetables.
• Avocado Toast: Top with smashed avocado, a sprinkle of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil for a nutritious snack.
• French Toast: Use slightly stale slices to make a protein-rich French toast.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage will keep your Cottage Cheese Bread fresh and delicious for days.

How to Keep Cottage Cheese Bread Fresh

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid direct sunlight and heat.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to 5 days. Toast slices before serving for best texture.

Freezing Cottage Cheese Bread

• To Freeze: Slice the cooled bread and place the slices in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month.
• To Reheat: Toast slices directly from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Mastering Cottage Cheese Bread is a rewarding way to add a nutritious, protein-packed loaf to your baking repertoire.

With its soft crumb, subtle tang, and versatility, this bread is perfect for everything from breakfast toast to hearty sandwiches.

By following these detailed steps and storage tips, you’ll enjoy fresh, homemade bread any time you crave it.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and savor the wholesome goodness of Cottage Cheese Bread—fresh from your own kitchen!