Bread Machine Cottage Cheese Bread

Bread machine cottage cheese bread is soft, slightly tangy, and packed with protein. Throwing your ingredients in a bread machine makes the process effortless, giving you a tender, golden brown loaf every time. Enjoy it toasted with butter or as a sandwich base for extra richness!

Why you will love this recipe

• Effortless: The bread machine does all the hard work – just add the ingredients and press start.
• High in Protein: Cottage cheese and milk add extra protein, making this more nutritious than basic white bread.
• Soft & Tender: The texture is fluffy with just the right amount of chew.
• Mildly Tangy: The cottage cheese gives a subtle tang that makes this bread unique.
• Great for Sandwiches: This loaf holds up well to spreads and toppings without falling apart.

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Bread flour: Provides the structure for a chewy, sturdy loaf. You can use all-purpose flour, but the texture will be softer, and it will have less protein.
• Cottage cheese: Adds protein, moisture, and a slight tang. Full-fat works best, but low-fat is fine too. Blend for a smooth consistency.
• Filtered milk: Enhances flavor and softens the crumb. Regular or lactose-free milk works well.
• Butter: Gives richness and a tender texture. Swap for coconut oil or olive oil if needed.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness. You can use honey instead.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough. Sea salt or kosher salt works best.
• Instant yeast: Helps the bread rise beautifully.

How to make bread machine cottage cheese bread

1. Blend the cottage cheese: Use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender to create a smooth texture. This helps it mix evenly into the dough.
2. Add ingredients to the bread pan: Place the flour, butter, sugar, salt, milk, and blended cottage cheese into the bread machine pan, following your machine’s instructions.
3. Add yeast separately: If your machine has a yeast compartment, use it. Otherwise, sprinkle the yeast on top of the dry ingredients.

4. Select the right setting: Choose the “Milk Bread” or “Basic White Bread” setting, large size. This should take about 4 hours.
5. Check dough consistency: During the first mixing cycle, peek inside. The dough should form a soft, tacky ball. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of warm water. Too wet? Add a bit of flour.
6. Let it bake: Once the machine finishes, remove the loaf from the bread pan. It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
7. Cool before slicing: Rest the bread on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting to keep it from becoming gummy.
8. Enjoy! Slice and slather with butter, sour cream, or more cottage cheese for an extra protein boost.

Recipe notes and tips

• Bread machine: I use a Panasonic SD-YR2550 bread machine. It makes fantastic bread!
• Cool before cutting: Allowing the bread to cool completely before cutting makes it easier to slice, especially if you want thin slices.
• Room temperature ingredients: Using warm water and room-temperature cottage cheese helps the yeast activate properly.
• Best yeast choice: Instant yeast can be used without proofing – just add it directly to the flour.
• Slicing tip: Use an electric knife or a sharp serrated knife for clean, even slices.

Variations

• Dill Bread: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried dill weed for a herby twist. Pairs great with savory spreads!
• Garlic & Herb: Mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs for a flavorful loaf.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or gouda) for extra richness.
• Whole Wheat Version: Swap half the bread flour for whole wheat flour for a denser, heartier loaf.
• Sweeter Option: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a subtly sweet, slightly richer bread.
• Sour Cream Substitute: If you’re out of cottage cheese, use full-fat sour cream for a similar texture and tang (but less protein).
• Nutty Crunch: Toss in ¼ cup chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for added texture.

Storage instructions

• Room Temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container or in a paper bag for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration Not Recommended: Storing bread in the fridge can dry it out faster, so it’s best to keep it at room temperature or freeze it.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It stays fresh for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Tips: Toast frozen slices straight from the freezer, or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

What to serve with bread machine cottage cheese bread

• Breakfast: Toasted with butter, honey, or a spread of cottage cheese for extra protein.
• Savory Spreads: Cream cheese, hummus, or garlic butter make this bread even more flavorful.
• Soups & Stews: A warm slice pairs perfectly with tomato soup, beef stew, or a hearty chili.
• Sandwiches: Great for deli-style sandwiches, grilled cheese, cottage cheese toast, or even an open-faced avocado toast.
• Egg Dishes: Serve with scrambled eggs, omelets, or alongside a poached egg for a protein-packed meal.

Frequently asked questions