Introduction

Oh, the smell of freshly baked bread! Doesn’t it just bring back memories of grandma’s kitchen, or maybe a cozy cafe on a rainy day? Today, we’re going to recreate that magic with a recipe so simple, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life: Cheesy Cottage Cheese Bread! Seriously, with just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a warm, cheesy loaf that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a baking superstar, even if you’re just starting out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in under an hour, from mixing bowl to oven!
Easy: We’re talking minimal steps and no fancy techniques required.
Giftable: Wrap it up in a cute kitchen towel and you’ve got a lovely homemade gift!
Crowd-Pleasing: Who can resist warm, cheesy bread? It’s a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You probably have most of these on hand right now!

1 cup full-fat cottage cheese: This is our secret ingredient for moisture and a little protein boost. Full-fat gives the best texture, but you can use low-fat if you prefer.
1 cup self-rising flour: This is key! Self-rising flour already has leavening agents (like baking powder and salt) mixed in, which is why our recipe is so fuss-free.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that irresistible cheesy goodness! Feel free to use your favorite type of cheddar – sharp, mild, or even a blend!

How to Make It

Let’s get baking! It’s as easy as 1-2-3 (well, a few more steps, but still super simple!).

Get the oven ready: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a small loaf pan and give it a good grease and flour. This will make sure your beautiful bread doesn’t stick.
Mix the dough: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cottage cheese and self-rising flour. Mix them together with a spoon or spatula until they’re just combined and start to form a dough. Don’t overmix; we want a tender loaf!
Add the cheese: Now for the best part! Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the magic happens, creating those delicious cheesy pockets.
Into the pan: Press the dough evenly into your prepared loaf pan. It might be a little sticky, and that’s totally okay. Just use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth out the top.
Bake to golden perfection: Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color on top. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
Cool down: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up properly. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue here, but smelling that amazing aroma is the hardest part!

Substitutions & Additions

Want to get a little more creative? Here are some ideas to make this Cheesy Cottage Cheese Bread your own!

Cheese Swap: Instead of cheddar, try shredded Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Herbs and Spices: Want to add a little kick? Fold in some chopped chives, a pinch of garlic powder, or a dash of paprika with the cheese.
A Little Crunch: For a textural contrast, you could add a tablespoon or two of toasted sesame seeds or poppy seeds to the dough.
No Self-Rising Flour? No problem! You can make your own by whisking together 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make this already simple recipe even better!

Don’t overmix: Just like with muffins or pancakes, overmixing can lead to a tougher bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Use full-fat cottage cheese: I know I mentioned it before, but seriously, the full-fat version contributes to a softer, more tender crumb.
Ensure your oven is properly preheated: This helps the bread bake evenly from the start.
Prep Ahead: You can shred your cheese and measure out your flour the night before to make the morning even quicker!

How to Store It

This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it stores nicely for a few days.

Once completely cooled, you can store your Cheesy Cottage Cheese Bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If your kitchen tends to be warm or humid, you might want to pop it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 4-5 days. To reheat, a few minutes in a toaster oven or a quick zap in the microwave will bring back that warm, gooey cheese!

FAQs

Can I make this bread in a muffin tin?

Absolutely! You can bake these in muffin tins for individual servings. Fill them about two-thirds full and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Is cottage cheese really okay in bread?

Yes! Cottage cheese adds incredible moisture and a slight tang to baked goods. It breaks down during baking, contributing to a tender texture without a strong cottage cheese flavor, especially when paired with cheddar!

How do I get a crusty top?

For a slightly crispier top, you can sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top of the dough before baking. You could also briefly place it under the broiler for the last minute or two, but watch it very carefully to prevent burning!

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, you can! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It should last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight at room temperature and reheat as desired.

Cheesy Cottage Cheese Bread

A quick and easy 2-ingredient bread made with cottage cheese and self-rising flour, packed with cheesy goodness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Servings 8 slices

Equipment

Small loaf pan greased and floured
Medium-sized bowl
Spoon or spatula
toothpick
Wire rack

Ingredients

Hauptzutaten

1 cup full-fat cottage cheese This is our secret ingredient for moisture and a little protein boost. Full-fat gives the best texture, but you can use low-fat if you prefer.
1 cup self-rising flour This is key! Self-rising flour already has leavening agents (like baking powder and salt) mixed in, which is why our recipe is so fuss-free.
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese For that irresistible cheesy goodness! Feel free to use your favorite type of cheddar – sharp, mild, or even a blend!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a small loaf pan.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cottage cheese and self-rising flour. Mix until just combined and a dough starts to form. Do not overmix.
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
Press the dough evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Can be made in a muffin tin for individual servings (bake for 18-22 minutes). For a crustier top, sprinkle extra cheese on top or broil briefly. Store at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for 4-5 days. Can be frozen for 2-3 months.