Keto Cottage Cheese Bread: Recipes, Tips, and Variations

Cottage cheese is experiencing a surge in popularity, and for good reason. It’s a versatile ingredient that’s packed with protein and easily incorporated into numerous recipes. For those following a keto or low-carb diet, cottage cheese bread offers a fantastic alternative to traditional bread. This article explores various keto cottage cheese bread recipes, providing detailed instructions, helpful tips, and creative variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

The Allure of Cottage Cheese Bread

Keto cottage cheese bread is a game-changer for individuals restricting carbs. It’s incredibly versatile, suitable for plain consumption, toasting, or pairing with various toppings. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, high protein content, and adaptability to different flavor profiles.

Two-Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Bread

This recipe is possibly the easiest keto bread you’ll ever encounter. It yields a high-protein, low-carb bread with just 1 gram of carbs and 10 grams of protein per slice.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (192 grams) 4% small curd cottage cheese
• ½ cup water
• 6 tbsp dried whole egg powder (or see notes for fresh egg substitution)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8x4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, spraying only the bottom with avocado or coconut oil cooking spray.
2. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake on the middle shelf for 35 minutes.
4. Turn off the oven and leave the bread inside for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Check the center with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, remove the bread. If not, bake for another 5 minutes and check again.
6. Remove the bread from the loaf pan immediately and place it on a wire rack to cool.

Storage:

Once cooled, slice the bread and store it in an airtight container. It can be left on the counter for up to 3 days or frozen with parchment paper between slices in a Ziploc bag for easy toasting.

Important Notes:

• Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for a creamier and more satisfying result. Fat-free cottage cheese might not be as flavorful.
• Egg White Powder: It is not recommended to substitute the egg white powder with anything else for this particular recipe.
• Fresh Eggs: Some have successfully replaced the dried whole egg powder with 3 fresh eggs, reducing the water to ¼ cup. However, results may vary, potentially leading to a denser bread.
• Loaf Pan: A glass (1.5 quart) 8x4 loaf pan is considered the best for this recipe. Ceramic loaf pans with parchment paper (spraying only the bottom of the parchment) can also be used. Metal loaf pans may require slightly less cooking time (about 5 minutes less).

Fluffy Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread

This version of cottage cheese bread delivers a light, airy texture, perfect for those missing the sensation of traditional bread on a keto diet.

Read also: Cottage Cheese Keto Guide

Ingredients:

• Full-fat cottage cheese
• Egg yolks
• Cream cheese
• Cornstarch (optional, can be substituted with almond flour)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, blended cottage cheese, cream cheese, and cornstarch (if using).
4. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the egg yolk mixture.
5. Scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, creating about six portions.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature before serving.

Storage and Reheating:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in a toaster oven or under the broiler to revive its soft texture.

Tips for Success:

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Ensure egg whites are whipped properly to achieve an airy texture.

Keto Cottage Cheese Flatbread

This flatbread version is incredibly versatile and can be used for pizzas, wraps, or sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Asiago cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
2. Blend cottage cheese, eggs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a food processor or blender until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
4. Optionally, sprinkle with oregano or other desired seasonings.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes. If using Asiago cheese, sprinkle it on top after 20 minutes and continue baking until golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before handling.

Air Fryer Option:

1. Place parchment paper in the air fryer and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Spoon the batter onto the parchment paper, smoothing it into a square or rectangle.
3. Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions:

• Use as a flatbread for pizzas by adding your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake at 400°F (204°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Create sandwiches or wraps with turkey slices, red onion, baby spinach, and garlic aioli.

Low Carb Cottage Cheese Bread

This recipe focuses on creating a bread that closely resembles wholemeal bread in taste and texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (low fat or 2-4% is suitable, ensure it's well-drained)
• 3 eggs (large, room temperature)
• 1 cup almond flour (100g)
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour (12g)
• 3 tablespoons psyllium husks (14g, or 1.5 tablespoons of psyllium husk powder)
• 3 tablespoons chia seeds (26g)
• ½ tablespoon baking powder (6g)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons mixed seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line a small loaf tin (18x9cm / 7x3.5 inch, 450ml volume) with parchment paper.
2. In a blender, mix the cottage cheese until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Add the eggs and continue blending for a further 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and airy.
4. Add the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
5. Add the chia seeds, psyllium husks, and half of the optional seed mix. Blend until fully incorporated and a thick dough forms.
6. Fill the dough into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the psyllium and chia to absorb the liquid.
7. Sprinkle the remaining seeds on top.
8. Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C).
9. Bake for around 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, feels springy to the touch, and a skewer inserted comes out without any crumbs sticking.

Tips:

• Blender Use: A blender is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy cottage cheese mixture.
• Loaf Pan Size: Use a small loaf pan for the best results.
• Cooling: Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Sweet Variations: Top with butter, peanut butter, or sugar-free jam.
• Cottage Cheese Bread Rolls: Shape the dough into rolls and bake for 35 minutes.
• Doubling the Recipe: If using a full-sized bread pan, double the recipe and increase baking time to 60 minutes.
• Bread Machine: While not specifically tested, many users report success using bread machines with a quick bake setting.
• Freezing: Pre-slice the loaf and layer parchment paper between slices for easy removal.
• Spice it up: Experiment with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or even curry blends for different flavor profiles.
• Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, or chives can add a burst of freshness to your flatbread.
• Cheese Choices: Asiago, Parmesan, or even ricotta cheese can be used to alter the flavor.

Common Questions

• Can I make this recipe without cornstarch? Yes, almond flour can be used as a substitute or omitted entirely.
• Can I use fat-free cottage cheese? Full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for better texture and flavor.
• Why did my cloud bread turn out flat? Under-whipped egg whites are a common cause. Ensure stiff peaks form before folding them into the egg yolk mixture.

Read also: Delicious Cottage Cheese Dishes

Read also: Protein on Carnivore: Cottage Cheese

tags: #keto #cottage #cheese #bread #recipe