Ingredients
Here is everything you need for one small loaf:
- 1½ cups (135 g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Rolled oats. Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice because they blend into a flour easily and keep a hearty texture. Quick oats also work, though the loaf may be slightly softer. Steel-cut oats are not recommended because they do not blend or absorb moisture the same way. If you need a gluten-free loaf, choose oats that are labeled certified gluten-free.
Cottage cheese. Any style works, but the fat level changes the final texture. Full-fat or 4% cottage cheese gives the most tender, moist crumb, while low-fat versions still work and produce a slightly firmer slice. Small-curd cottage cheese blends more smoothly, though large curd is fine if you blend it well.
Eggs. Two large eggs provide structure and richness. Bring them to room temperature if you can, as they blend more evenly into the cottage cheese.
Baking powder. This is the only leavening agent, so make sure it is fresh. Old baking powder is a common reason for dense quick breads. To test it, stir a little into hot water; it should fizz right away.
Salt. Salt balances the mild flavor of the oats and cottage cheese. Do not skip it, even if you plan to add sweet toppings.
Olive oil (optional). A tablespoon adds softness and helps the crumb stay tender for longer.
Honey (optional). A touch of honey adds subtle sweetness and helps the crust brown. Maple syrup is a good alternative. Leave it out if you want a fully savory loaf.
Chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional). These add texture, a little extra fiber, and a rustic look. They also absorb moisture, so the batter may thicken slightly as it rests.
Instructions
How to Make High-Protein Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a small loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Parchment is the easiest option because it lets you lift the loaf out cleanly once it has cooled.
Step 2: Prepare the Oats
- Place the rolled oats in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until they resemble a coarse flour.
- For a heartier texture, leave a few small oat pieces. They give the finished bread a pleasant rustic bite.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
- Add the cottage cheese and eggs to a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Add the olive oil and honey if using, then blend briefly to combine.
Step 4: Make the Batter
- Transfer the oat flour to a mixing bowl.
- Add the baking powder, salt, and optional chia or flaxseeds, and stir to combine.
- Pour in the cottage cheese mixture and stir until you have a thick batter.
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some of the moisture. This short rest makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the loaf is set and golden.
- Check the center with a toothpick. It should come out without wet batter.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining baking time.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to cut clean slices.