This Viral Cottage Cheese Bread is a tasty and healthy treat! It’s made with creamy cottage cheese, flour, and a few simple ingredients that come together for a soft, protein-packed loaf.
The best part? You won’t need a mixer—just stir everything in one bowl! I love to enjoy it fresh with a bit of butter or jam. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient for adding protein and moisture. If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta can be a great substitute, although it will make the bread a bit creamier.
Milk: Almond milk works well, but feel free to use any milk you prefer—such as cow’s milk, oat milk, or even soy milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened if you don’t want your bread to be overly sweet.
Sweetener: Honey adds a nice flavor, but if you want a vegan option, maple syrup is perfect. For less sugar, consider using a sugar alternative like agave syrup or monk fruit sweetener, adjusting the quantity to taste.
Whole Wheat Flour: It gives the bread a wholesome texture and flavor, but you can use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the bread will be less dense.
Rolled Oats: Oats add a wonderful hearty texture. You can replace them with quick oats, but avoid instant oats, as they might change the texture of the bread.
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Mixing can be challenging, but the key to a great bread is to combine the ingredients just right. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. When you’re adding the dry ingredients to the wet, gently fold them together instead of stirring vigorously. Here’s how:
- Add your dry ingredients in batches for easier blending.
- Use a spatula and fold gently. You’ll want to mix until you don’t see any dry flour, but it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Think of it as folding a delicate dessert; you want to keep as much air in the batter as possible!
How to Make Viral Cottage Cheese Bread (High Protein)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup almond milk (or any preferred milk)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 45-55 minutes of baking time. Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes before you can slice and enjoy it. So, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper or grease it with some cooking spray to prevent sticking later on.
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, almond milk, honey (or maple syrup), and eggs. Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This part is really important for making sure the flavors blend nicely!
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the optional cinnamon (if you want that extra flavor!). Make sure everything is incorporated well, so you get a nice rise when baking.
4. Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gradually pour the dry mix into the wet ingredients while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are just fine!
5. Pouring into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, making sure it’s nice and even. Then, sprinkle some extra rolled oats on top for a lovely garnish.
6. Baking the Bread:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready!
7. Cooling Down:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Slicing and Enjoying:
When the bread is fully cool, it’s time to slice it up! Enjoy your high-protein cottage cheese bread as a tasty snack, a hearty breakfast option, or as a base for your favorite sandwich.
Can I Substitute the Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a similar consistency and flavor! Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture, making the bread denser, but it will still be delicious.
What If I Don’t Have Whole Wheat Flour?
No problem! You can use all-purpose flour instead. If you want to keep a healthier profile, you could also try a blend of half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture while still adding some whole grains.
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free cottage cheese bread, substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but it should still turn out well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw slices as needed!
