– **Title**: Fluffy Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
– 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or parchment paper (for baking)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and eggs. Mix until well blended and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Gently fold the egg whites into the cottage cheese and egg mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites too much; you want to maintain that fluffiness.
5. If using, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Fold gently to combine.
6. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each mound.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread is set.
8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your fluffy cottage cheese cloud bread as a low-carb alternative to traditional bread!
This cloud bread is light and fluffy, perfect for sandwiches or as a side for soups and salads.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the show! Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a lower fat option, low-fat cottage cheese works too, but the clouds may not be as fluffy. Greek yogurt can also substitute, but you may need to adjust the baking powder slightly.
Eggs: They provide structure and fluffiness. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, consider using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) although the texture might change.
Baking Powder: This helps the bread rise. If you’re out, you can use baking soda, but you’ll need to add an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to activate it. Just remember it’s a 3:1 ratio (3 tsp of baking powder = 1 tsp baking soda + 2 tsp vinegar).
Garlic and Onion Powder: These are optional flavors that can enhance the taste. Feel free to leave them out or use fresh garlic/onion if you want a stronger punch. You might want to adjust quantities based on your preferences.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cloud Bread Texture?
Getting that light and fluffy texture is key for this cloud bread. Start with well-mixed cottage cheese and eggs so they form a smooth base. When combining your dry and wet ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing will lead to dense bread instead of fluffy clouds.
- Preheat your oven fully to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Fold the dry mixture into the wet just until blended, no need for perfection—some lumps are okay!
- Leave enough space between mounds on the baking sheet to allow them to rise without merging.
- Watch closely in the oven; they should be golden brown on top.
How to Make Fluffy Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cloud Bread:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes before you can enjoy your fluffy cloud bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cloud bread from sticking.
2. Mix Cottage Cheese and Eggs:
In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese and the 3 large eggs. Use a fork or whisk to mix them together thoroughly. You want the mixture to be smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, and the optional garlic and onion powders. This step is important to ensure that your bread has a nice flavor and rises well.
4. Fold Mixtures Together:
Now, gently fold the dry mixture into the cottage cheese and egg mixture. Do this with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep your cloud bread light and fluffy.
5. Scoop onto Baking Sheet:
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, place mounds of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each mound, as they will spread a little while baking.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the tops are golden brown and the bread has risen nicely.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let the cloud bread cool slightly. This way they’ll hold their shape better when you serve them.
8. Add Final Touches:
If you want, garnish your fluffy cloud bread with some fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor. Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Substitute the Cottage Cheese?
Yes, if you don’t have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese as an alternative! Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Keep in mind that ricotta may give a slightly different texture but still works well in this recipe.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs?
If you’re looking to make this dish egg-free, you can use flax eggs! To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. For this recipe, use 3 flax eggs to replace the 3 large eggs.
How to Store Leftover Cloud Bread?
Store any leftover cloud bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. They can also be frozen; just place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment in between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Add Different Seasonings or Ingredients?
Absolutely! This cloud bread is very versatile. Feel free to add herbs like chives or dill, or spices like paprika or cumin for a different flavor profile. You can even mix in some shredded cheese or cooked bacon for a tasty twist!
