Cottage Cheese Bread

Cottage Cheese Bread is a soft, moist, and slightly tangy bread that’s easy to make and delicious. The addition of cottage cheese not only adds moisture but also a slight richness to the bread. It’s great for sandwiches, toasted with butter, or enjoyed with jam. Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for Cottage Cheese Bread:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, your choice)

• 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is foamy and bubbly. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you may need a new packet.

2. Mix the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, softened butter, and salt. Mix well until smooth.

   • Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.

   • Gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing after each addition, until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough:

   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, adding a little flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer.

4. First Rise:

   • Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

5. Shape the Dough:

   • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

6. Second Rise:

   • Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the edge of the pan.

7. Preheat the Oven:

   • While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

8. Bake the Bread:

   • Once the dough has risen, bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

   • If you prefer a softer crust, you can cover the bread with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

9. Cool:

   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips:

• Adding Herbs: You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra flavor boost.

• Texture Variation: If you prefer a denser bread, you can reduce the flour by 1/4 to 1/2 cup.

• Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. It also freezes well if you’d like to store it longer.

This Cottage Cheese Bread is easy to make and has a deliciously soft, moist crumb. It’s perfect for all sorts of sandwiches, toasted with a bit of butter, or simply enjoyed on its own. Enjoy! Let me know if you want more variations or tips!