Description
Cottage Cheese Bread is a soft, mild-flavored bread that combines the moisture and richness of cottage cheese with a tender crumb. This homemade loaf is easy to prepare and perfect for sandwiches or toast, offering a subtle tang from the dairy with a texture similar to classic white bread.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F or 41 to 46 degrees C)
Cottage Cheese Mixture
- 3/4 cup egg whites (about 6 to 7 egg whites)
- 3/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare yeast mixture: Combine warm water and dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Blend cottage cheese mixture: While waiting, blend egg whites and whole milk cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until completely smooth and creamy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the yeast mixture and whisk together until fully combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in bread flour and salt using a wooden spoon until the dough is formed; it should be sticky at this point.
- Knead dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth but still slightly tacky, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape dough: Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and gently form it into a loaf by patting and pinching the edges underneath.
- Second rise: Place shaped dough seam side down into the prepared pan. Cover and allow it to rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat oven and score loaf: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife, make a shallow lengthwise slit down the center of the loaf to help with expansion while baking.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the bread sounds hollow when tapped. To prevent overbrowning, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and serve: Immediately remove the bread from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature for activating yeast is between 105 to 115°F for optimal yeast activity.
- Do not add too much flour while kneading; the dough should remain slightly tacky for a soft loaf.
- Covering the dough during rising helps maintain humidity and allows proper expansion.
- Using parchment paper in the loaf pan prevents sticking and makes removal easier.
- Letting the bread cool completely before slicing prevents it from becoming gummy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American