Fluffy, light, and wonderfully satisfying, this cottage cheese cloud bread is a delightful twist on traditional bread. Perfect for those seeking a low-carb option or simply something new to try, this recipe offers a delicate texture with a hint of tanginess. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or a pairing with your favorite spread, this cloud bread is sure to become a favorite. Let’s get baking!
Steps
- Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl, then add water and mix until the ingredients are just combined, resulting in a sticky dough.
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 3 hours, or until it doubles in size and becomes bubbly.
- Preheat a heavy-based pot with a lid in the oven at 240°C/450°F (220°C fan-forced) for 30 minutes before the dough is ready.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, pat it into a disc, and layer it with cheese, reserving some cheese for topping.
- Fold the dough inwards four times, incorporating cheese between the layers, then flip it onto parchment paper and shape it roughly into a round.
- Top the dough with the reserved cheese and transfer it, using the parchment paper, into the preheated pot.
- Bake the bread covered for 35 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the crust.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of bread flour (all-purpose flour can be used as an alternative)
- 2 teaspoons of instant yeast (also known as rapid rise yeast)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of cooking or kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups of very warm tap water
- 2 1/2 cups (tightly packed) of freshly shredded Colby cheese, or any other meltable cheese of your choice (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or gruyere)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2730cal | Carbohydrates: 290g | Protein: 130g | Fat: 110g | Saturated Fat: 70g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 310mg | Sodium: 5520mg | Potassium: 1020mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3290IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 2340mg | Iron: 10mg
FAQ
- Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
- Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if you don’t have bread flour. While bread flour provides a chewier texture due to its higher protein content, the bread will still turn out delicious with all-purpose flour.
- What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
- Colby cheese is recommended for its melting qualities and flavor. However, other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and gruyere work well too. Avoid mozzarella as it doesn’t provide as much flavor.
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this bread?
- It’s better to shred your own cheese because store-bought shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can inhibit melting. However, in a pinch, pre-shredded cheese will work, though the bread might not rise as well.
- What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a metal pan filled with boiling water in the oven to create steam, mimicking the effect of a Dutch oven.
- How should I store the bread?
- The bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for 24-36 hours. After this, it’s best toasted and served with butter to enhance its flavor.
Tips
- Use bread flour for a better texture: Bread flour contains more protein than all-purpose flour, leading to more gluten development, which results in a fluffier and chewier bread. However, if you’re in a pinch, all-purpose flour will still yield a delicious loaf.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures better melting and integration into the bread, enhancing both flavor and texture.
- Ensure the dough rises in a warm place: For optimal dough rising, aim for a temperature around 25°C/77°F. A handy tip is to run an empty dryer for a few minutes, then place the dough bowl inside for a warm, draft-free environment.
- Allow the bread to rest before slicing: After baking, let the bread rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period allows the interior to finish cooking and firm up, preventing it from appearing undercooked when sliced.
Equipment
- Knead Cheese Bread, here are some main equipment items that one might need to purchase from Amazon if they don’t already have them at home:
- Heavy-based pot with a lid (such as a Dutch oven, 24-28cm / 4.5-8 quart).
- Dough scraper.
- Baking/parchment paper.
- based pot with a lid, which is crucial for this recipe.
