Soft, Protein-Packed Homemade Loaf
This cottage cheese bread is soft, fluffy, and secretly packed with protein! If you’re looking for a high-protein bread recipe that’s easy enough for beginners, this one delivers every time. Cottage cheese keeps the loaf incredibly moist while adding a subtle richness that makes it perfect for toast, sandwiches, or alongside soups and salads. It’s a simple homemade bread recipe that feels bakery-worthy without complicated steps. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or baking fresh bread for your family, this cozy loaf is wholesome, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 55 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf (10–12 slices)
📝 Ingredients List
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Clean kitchen towel
- Wire cooling rack
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy on top.
2️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together cottage cheese, honey, olive oil, salt, and egg until smooth.
3️⃣ Combine & Form Dough
Add the yeast mixture to the cottage cheese mixture. Gradually stir in 2 ½ cups flour.
Mix until a soft dough forms. If sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
4️⃣ Knead the Dough
Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes (or 5–6 minutes with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft but not sticky 😊
5️⃣ First Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6️⃣ Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough gently. Shape into a loaf and place into a greased 9×5-inch pan.
7️⃣ Second Rise
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until slightly above the rim of the pan.
8️⃣ Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom 🔔
9️⃣ Cool Before Slicing
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before slicing.
💡 Pro Tips
- For a smoother texture, blend cottage cheese before mixing.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze slices individually for quick breakfasts.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.
🔄 Variations
- Whole Wheat Version: Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Herb & Garlic: Add 1 tsp dried Italian herbs and ½ tsp garlic powder.
- Seeded Loaf: Sprinkle sesame or sunflower seeds on top before baking.
- High-Protein Boost: Replace ¼ cup flour with unflavored protein powder (add 1–2 tbsp extra water if needed).
❓ FAQ
Does it taste like cottage cheese?
No, the flavor is very mild. It simply adds richness and moisture.
Can I make this without yeast?
This version uses yeast for structure and fluffiness. A quick bread version would require baking powder instead.
Why is my bread dense?
It may not have risen long enough or too much flour was added. Make sure yeast is active and measure flour carefully.
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes! Both full-fat and low-fat work well in this recipe.