High-Protein Cottage Cheese Parmesan Bread
Yield
- 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Prep Time
- 10 minutes
Cook Time
- 45–55 minutes
Total Time
- About 1 hour
Ingredients
- 2 cups (450 g) cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Diced jalapeños
- Cooked bacon bits
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl combine:
- Cottage cheese
- Eggs
- Milk
- Olive oil
Mix until mostly smooth. A few curds are fine.
Step 3
In another bowl whisk together:
- Flour
- Parmesan
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
Step 4
Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
Do not overmix.
The batter should be thick.
Step 5
Pour into prepared pan.
Smooth the top.
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired.
Step 6
Bake for 45–55 minutes, until:
- Golden brown
- Toothpick comes out clean
- Internal temperature reaches 200–205°F (93–96°C)
Step 7
Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack.
Cool another 20 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Per slice (10 slices):
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350–450 mg
Values vary depending on ingredients used.
Storage
Counter:
- 2 days in an airtight container.
Refrigerator:
- Up to 5 days.
Freezer:
- Wrap slices individually.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas
- Toast with butter
- Avocado toast
- Sandwich bread
- Soup side
- Breakfast with eggs
- Grilled cheese
- Garlic bread
Tips for Success
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer loaf.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Let the bread cool before slicing.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor.
- Check doneness with a thermometer if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes. The bread will still work but may be slightly less moist.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt?
Yes. Replace cottage cheese with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt. The texture will be smoother.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that contains xanthan gum.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Slice first, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why is my bread dense?
Common reasons include:
- Overmixing the batter
- Old baking powder
- Too much flour
- Cutting before fully cooled
Can I add other cheeses?
Absolutely. Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère all work well.
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes. Fill muffin cups about ⅔ full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Is yeast required?
No. This is a quick bread that rises with baking powder and baking soda.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. The flavor often improves the next day after the loaf has rested overnight.
