Cottage cheese cloud bread is a soft, fluffy, and protein-rich twist on the original viral cloud bread recipe. Popular on TikTok and low-carb food blogs, this version swaps out cream cheese for cottage cheese, giving the bread a delicate tang, an airy bite, and a nutritional boost.
This bread is naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and ideal for anyone following a keto or high-protein lifestyle. Whether you’re making sandwiches, sliders, or enjoying it as a snack, cottage cheese cloud bread is a satisfying alternative to traditional baked goods — without the heaviness of flour.
With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create pillowy rounds of bread that are golden on the outside and almost melt in your mouth. Let’s dive into what makes this bread so special and how to perfect it in your own kitchen.
Ingredients Overview
Cottage cheese cloud bread uses just a handful of ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in its texture and flavor.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is the star of this recipe. It replaces the typical cream cheese used in cloud bread, adding a tangier flavor and higher protein content. Full-fat or 2% cottage cheese works best, as the richness helps create a better structure.
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Texture Tip: Blend the cottage cheese until smooth for the best results. Lumpy cottage cheese can lead to uneven bread.
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Alternative: Ricotta cheese can be used in a pinch, though the final texture will be slightly more cake-like.
Eggs
Eggs form the foundation of cloud bread. You’ll need to separate the yolks and whites.
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Yolks: Provide richness and help bind the ingredients.
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Whites: When whipped into stiff peaks, they create the cloud-like, airy structure that gives this bread its name.
Use room temperature eggs for easier separation and better whipping volume.
Cream of Tartar
This helps stabilize the egg whites, making them firmer and more stable for folding into the batter. If you don’t have it, a tiny bit of lemon juice or vinegar can work, but the stability won’t be quite as strong.
Optional Add-ins
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Salt: A pinch balances the flavor.
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Garlic powder or herbs: For a savory spin.
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Sweetener: Add a touch of honey or stevia if you prefer it sweet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You’ll also need two mixing bowls, a hand or stand mixer, and a blender or food processor.
2. Blend the Cottage Cheese
Start by blending about ½ cup of cottage cheese until completely smooth. This ensures there are no lumps in your final bread rounds. Set aside.
3. Separate the Eggs
Crack 3 large eggs, carefully separating the yolks from the whites. Place the whites in one clean, dry bowl, and the yolks in another.
Tip: Even a small drop of yolk can prevent the whites from whipping properly, so take your time.
4. Whip the Egg Whites
Add ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar to the egg whites. Using a mixer, beat them on high speed until stiff peaks form — this can take 3 to 5 minutes.
Stiff peaks mean the whites should stand tall without drooping when you lift the beaters.
5. Mix the Yolks and Cottage Cheese
In the second bowl, combine the egg yolks with the blended cottage cheese. Mix until smooth. Add a pinch of salt or your preferred seasoning here.
6. Fold Gently
Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cottage cheese mixture. Work slowly to avoid deflating the whites — the goal is to keep the mixture airy and light.
Start by adding a small scoop of whites to lighten the yolk mixture, then gradually fold in the rest.
7. Shape and Bake
Scoop the batter into round mounds on your lined baking sheet — about ¼ cup each. Space them out, as they will spread slightly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly golden on top and firm to the touch.
8. Cool
Let the cloud bread cool completely on a wire rack. They will firm up slightly as they cool but remain soft and fluffy inside.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Chef’s Tips
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Don’t skip blending the cottage cheese — it’s key for a smooth batter.
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Avoid overmixing the egg whites when folding, or they’ll collapse.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Toast or warm before serving for best texture.
Flavor Variations
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Savory: Add chopped chives, grated parmesan, or a dash of smoked paprika.
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Sweet: Mix in a few drops of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of sweetener, then top with cinnamon.
Substitutions
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Dairy-Free: Try a blended tofu or dairy-free cream cheese alternative, but results may vary.
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Keto-Friendly: Ensure any sweeteners used are low-carb (e.g., monk fruit, erythritol).
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High-Fiber: Add a teaspoon of psyllium husk for extra structure and fiber.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Cottage cheese cloud bread is incredibly versatile. Its neutral flavor makes it suitable for both savory and sweet applications.
Ideas:
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Sandwich Base: Stack with turkey, avocado, and greens.
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Mini Pizzas: Top with marinara and cheese, then broil.
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Breakfast: Spread with almond butter and berries or use for an egg-and-bacon sandwich.
Occasions:
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Meal prep for high-protein lunches.
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Gluten-free party sliders.
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Light brunches or low-carb snacks for holidays.
The texture is airy yet satisfying — a cross between a soufflé and a soft roll. Its lightness feels almost indulgent without being heavy.
Nutritional & Health Notes
Cottage cheese cloud bread is not only low in carbs, but also rich in protein, especially when compared to traditional bread.
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Protein: Thanks to eggs and cottage cheese, each piece offers around 4–6g of protein.
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Calories: Each serving stays under 100 calories, making it great for portion control.
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Fat: You can adjust the fat content based on your choice of cottage cheese (full-fat vs. low-fat).
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No Gluten or Refined Flour: Ideal for those avoiding processed grains or following a gluten-free diet.
This bread is perfect for high-protein, low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly meal plans. It’s a clean alternative for those wanting to enjoy bread-like textures without the nutritional trade-offs.
FAQs
Q1: Why is my cottage cheese cloud bread flat?
A1: The most common reason is under-whipping or over-folding the egg whites. Be sure to whip to stiff peaks and fold gently to maintain volume.
Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A2: While cottage cheese is dairy, you can experiment with dairy-free alternatives like silken tofu or vegan cream cheese, though the texture will differ.
Q3: How do I store cloud bread?
A3: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the toaster oven or microwave for best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze cottage cheese cloud bread?
A4: Yes, once cooled, freeze between layers of parchment paper in a sealed container. Defrost at room temp or in the toaster.
Q5: Is this bread good for keto diets?
A5: Absolutely. It’s low in carbs, high in fat and protein, especially if made with full-fat cottage cheese — making it ideal for keto.
Q6: Why do I need to separate the eggs?
A6: Separating eggs allows you to whip the whites into stiff peaks, which is crucial for the cloud-like structure. The yolks add richness.
Q7: Can I use this for sandwiches?
A7: Yes! While it’s not as sturdy as sliced bread, it holds well for sandwiches — especially when cooled or lightly toasted.