Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour or oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Ingredient Notes and Smart Swaps
Cottage cheese. Full-fat or 2% cottage cheese gives the best flavor and moisture. Low-fat versions work, but the loaf may be a little less rich. If your cottage cheese looks watery, drain off the excess liquid before blending, so the batter does not turn out too wet. Small-curd and large-curd both work once blended.
Eggs. Eggs provide structure, protein, and lift. Use large eggs, and bring them to room temperature if possible so they blend smoothly with the cottage cheese.
All-purpose flour or oat flour. All-purpose flour gives a lighter, more traditional crumb. Oat flour makes a softer, slightly denser, and more wholesome loaf, and you can make your own by blending rolled oats into a fine powder. Measure carefully: spoon the flour into the cup and level it off, or weigh it for the best accuracy. Too much flour makes the loaf dry and dense.
Baking powder. This provides the lift in a no-yeast loaf. Check that it is fresh. Old baking powder loses its power and produces a flat, dense result. To test it, stir a half teaspoon into a little hot water; it should fizz right away.
Fresh dill. Dill is the star herb here, with a bright, grassy, slightly anise-like flavor. Pat it dry before chopping, so you do not add excess moisture to the batter. If you only have dried dill, use about 2 teaspoons, though the flavor will be more subdued.
Garlic powder. It adds savory depth without the moisture or harshness of fresh garlic.
Salt and black pepper. Salt sharpens every other flavor. Black pepper adds a gentle bite.
Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning. The topping creates a crunchy, flavorful crust and the signature bagel look. Everything bagel seasoning typically includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt, so you can adjust the salt in the batter slightly if your blend is very salty.
Instructions
- A blender or food processor
- A mixing bowl and spatula
- A small loaf pan (about 8½ x 4½ inches), lined with parchment or greased
- A toothpick or skewer for testing doneness
- A wire cooling rack
- A serrated knife for slicing
- Measuring cups, spoons, or a kitchen scale
How to Make Cottage Cheese Dill Bagel Bread (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang so you can lift the loaf out easily, or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
Add the cottage cheese and eggs to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, usually about 30 to 60 seconds. Scrape down the sides once if needed. A smooth base is the secret to an even, tender crumb.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, chopped dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, which can make the loaf tough. The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to a loose muffin batter.
Step 4: Prepare the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning if you like. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the loaf is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final minutes of baking. Because this loaf is moist and dense, the center takes a while to set, so do not pull it out early.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool before slicing for the best texture. A warm loaf can seem soft and custardy, and it slices much more cleanly once cooled.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Toast the slices and top them with cream cheese, avocado, or smoked salmon for a delicious savory breakfast. Toasting crisps the edges and deepens the flavor.