This Blueberry Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Bread is a delightful combination of wholesome oats, creamy cottage cheese, and juicy blueberries. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this bread is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The cottage cheese adds a unique richness and moist texture, while the blueberries provide natural sweetness. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins. Whether you’re looking for a healthy start to your day or a treat to enjoy with tea, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why you will love this Blueberry Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Bread. First, it’s packed with protein, thanks to the cottage cheese, making it a great option for anyone looking to start their day with a nutritious breakfast. The addition of oats adds heart-healthy fiber, which helps keep you full longer. Blueberries bring antioxidants, vitamins, and a burst of sweetness that will have you coming back for more.
Another reason this bread is a winner is its texture. The cottage cheese gives it a moist, tender crumb, while the oats lend a hearty, satisfying chew. This balance of softness and texture makes every slice irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with a dollop of yogurt, this bread offers a flavorful and filling option. Best of all, it’s easy to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand, and the recipe is beginner-friendly, so even novice bakers will succeed.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Nutrition Information (per slice, assuming 12 slices per loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Blueberries: While frozen blueberries can work, fresh ones tend to create less moisture in the bread, giving you a firmer texture. If using frozen, don’t thaw them, as this can cause the bread to turn blue.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Separately: Always mix your wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls before combining. This helps ensure that the baking soda activates properly and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to tough bread. Stir until just combined to ensure a light, tender loaf.
- Grease the Pan Well: To avoid sticking, make sure you grease your loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Store Properly: This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze individual pieces. Reheat in the microwave for a quick snack.
Make-Ahead Tips
This Blueberry Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Bread is perfect for make-ahead meal prepping. You can mix the dry ingredients and store them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to a week. Similarly, prepare the wet ingredients in advance and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days.
To make the bread ahead of time, simply combine the wet and dry ingredients and bake as usual. The bread will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread. Each slice freezes well, and you can toast it directly from the freezer for a quick breakfast or snack.
By prepping the ingredients in advance, you can save time on busy mornings or during the week when you need a healthy grab-and-go option. It also makes it easier to share the bread with friends or family at a gathering or event.
Detailed Tips for Making the Best Bread
- Choose the Right Cottage Cheese: Not all cottage cheese is the same. For a smoother texture, opt for low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese that is creamy. If you prefer a chunkier bread, full-fat cottage cheese will add richness. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
- Use Rolled Oats for the Best Texture: Old-fashioned rolled oats are key to this bread’s texture. Instant oats or quick oats tend to absorb more moisture, which could make your bread denser. Rolled oats provide just the right amount of chew without overpowering the loaf.
- Add Extra Flavors and Mix-ins: Feel free to customize this bread by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest, a handful of flaxseeds, or some dried cranberries. You can also swap the walnuts for almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice to make the bread your own.
Recipe Card
Blueberry Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Bread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, cottage cheese, honey, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries and walnuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy!