Oatmeal Bread's Cheesy Partners: Which Cheeses Work Best?

Oatmeal bread is a healthy, gluten-free alternative to traditional bread. It is made with oatmeal and no flour, and can be packed with nutrients and flavour. But what cheese goes with it?

Cottage cheese is a popular choice for oatmeal bread, adding protein and moisture to the dough. This bread can be made with or without yeast, and can be flavoured with seeds, cinnamon, raisins, or even chorizo.

One recipe for cottage cheese oatmeal bread includes rolled oats, low-fat cottage cheese, flax seeds, baking powder, and nigella seeds. The ingredients are mixed together, formed into a loaf, and baked for around 60 minutes.

So, if you're looking for a healthy, tasty, and filling bread, why not try oatmeal bread with cottage cheese?

Oatmeal bread with cottage cheese

To make this bread, preheat your oven to 180°C/356°F or 350°F. Spray a bread pan with oil. In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, baking powder, and cottage cheese. Pour the mixture into the prepared bread pan and bake for 35 minutes. You can also add seeds of your choice to make the bread even healthier.

This bread is high in protein and other nutrients, making it a nutritious and filling option for breakfast or a snack. It pairs well with various spreads, such as herbed mushroom spread, Moroccan Harissa tuna spread, or Mediterranean hummus bake. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or beer.

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute oat flour or other types of flour such as almond flour, rice flour, or bread flour for the rolled oats. Additionally, you can add an egg to the mixture to make it more moist.

Oatmeal and cottage cheese for breakfast

The Benefits of Oatmeal and Cottage Cheese

Oats are a gluten-free whole grain that provide a great source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. They are also rich in plant-based protein, containing 16.9g of protein per 100g. Cottage cheese, on the other hand, is a curd cheese with a mild flavour and smooth texture. It is high in protein, B vitamins, and minerals like calcium, selenium, and phosphorus.

Making Oatmeal with Cottage Cheese

When making oatmeal with cottage cheese, it is recommended to cook the oatmeal first and then stir in the cottage cheese after it has finished cooking. This is because adding the cottage cheese before cooking will result in an undesirable consistency. You can cook the oatmeal on a stovetop or in a microwave, and then simply stir in the cottage cheese. Start with 1/4 cup of cottage cheese and add more to suit your taste.

Customising Your Oatmeal

You can customise your oatmeal by adding various toppings or mix-ins. For example, you can add sliced bananas, cinnamon, vanilla, or a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. If you're looking for some healthy fats, try adding a drizzle of peanut butter, flaxseed, sliced almonds, or coconut flakes. You can also get creative and add crushed pineapple and coconut with some almonds for a pina colada-inspired breakfast!

Oatmeal and Cottage Cheese Bread

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make a bread using oatmeal and cottage cheese. This bread is simple to make, requiring no kneading or yeast, and can be a great gluten-free option if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Simply mix the ingredients in a bowl and bake! You can also add various seeds, spices, or cheeses to customise the flavour and texture.

So, there you have it! Oatmeal and cottage cheese is a nutritious and versatile breakfast option that will keep you full and fuelled for the day ahead. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and toppings to find your favourite combinations.

How to make oatmeal bread

Oatmeal bread is a delicious, basic bread recipe made with dry active yeast. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oatmeal (regular, not quick oats)
• ½ cup warm water (about 110º)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons dry active yeast (1 envelope)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into about 12 pieces, plus more for greasing the bowl and pan

Method:

• Grease an 8 ½ x 4 ¼ inch loaf pan with butter and set aside.
• Pour boiling water over oats in a bowl. Stir and set aside until cooled to room temperature.
• Put warm water in a small bowl and add yeast. Stir and set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt and stir to combine.
• Fit the mixer with the dough hook and add oatmeal, yeast mixture, and butter pieces. Knead dough on low for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, flip a couple of times to coat all sides with butter and cover with greased plastic wrap. Let rise until the dough doubles in bulk, about one hour.
• Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a lightly floured work surface. Deflate the dough with the palm of your hand.
• Form the dough into a rectangle, slightly longer than the pan length. Fold sides in so that the dough is slightly less in length than the pan, then roll to form a tight cylinder.
• The dough should stick to itself, but if it doesn't, you may dab a bit of water on the surface to increase adherence.
• Place the cylinder of dough, seam side down, into the prepared pan.
• Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about an hour.
• Preheat oven to 375º.
• Remove plastic from the risen dough and place the pan in the oven.
• Immediately decrease oven temperature to 350º and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the loaf is brown and sounds hollow when tapped and/or the internal temperature reaches 210º.
• Remove from pan to cooling rack. Slice when cooled.

Tips:

• Remember that yeast is a living organism, and if you add water that is too hot, you can kill the yeast. Use a kitchen thermometer to make sure your warm water is around 110º and no hotter than 120º.
• Check the expiration date on your yeast. If it has expired, purchase a fresh batch.
• A stand mixer fitted with a dough hook is a terrific way to knead bread. Just make sure your mixer does not overheat by monitoring it during the kneading process.
• Letting the dough rise, or proofing the dough, works best in a warm location. Cover the bowl of kneaded bread with greased plastic wrap. An ideal location is about 80-85º. Forcing the dough to rise in a too hot environment will compromise the texture.
• If your dough is sticky enough, the oats will adhere to the top of the bread. If not, you can brush a very light coat of water or milk over the surface, then sprinkle with oats. Milk will darken the crust a bit due to its sugar content.

Variations:

You can expand upon this recipe by adding raisins or other dried fruit or by sprinkling with cinnamon and sugar before rolling and shaping the dough into a loaf to make a cinnamon oatmeal bread.

What cheese goes with oatmeal bread

Oatmeal bread is a versatile and nutritious option for meals and snacks. It can be enjoyed in both savory and sweet dishes. Here are some cheese options that pair well with oatmeal bread:

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a popular choice to pair with oatmeal bread. It is a curd cheese with a mild flavor and smooth texture. Cottage cheese is high in protein, B vitamins, and minerals like calcium, selenium, and phosphorus. It is a healthy option for those looking to lose weight or build muscle. A simple recipe for oatmeal and cottage cheese bread involves combining rolled oats, baking powder, and cottage cheese. This bread can be enjoyed as a savory appetizer or light meal, pairing well with various spreads and dips.

Cheddar Cheese

For a flavorful twist, shredded cheddar cheese can be mixed into the oatmeal bread dough before baking. The sharpness of cheddar adds a distinct taste to the bread.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese, known for its stretchy and creamy texture, can also be incorporated into oatmeal bread. It adds a stringy and gooey element to the bread, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches or simply enjoyed melted on top of a slice.

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese, with its salty and tangy flavor, can be crumbled and mixed into the oatmeal bread dough. The result is a bread with a subtle salty kick and a creamy texture from the feta. This bread would pair well with Mediterranean-inspired toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Cream Cheese

For a richer and more indulgent option, cream cheese can be spread on oatmeal bread. The cream cheese provides a creamy and slightly tangy contrast to the bread. This combination is perfect for breakfast or brunch, perhaps with some smoked salmon and fresh herbs on top.

In conclusion, oatmeal bread is a versatile base that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. Whether mixed into the dough or spread on top, these cheese options enhance the flavor and texture of the bread, making it a more exciting and delicious part of any meal or snack.

How to make oatmeal bread without yeast

Oatmeal bread is a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought bread. This bread is soft, fluffy, and can be made without yeast, making it a quick and easy option for those who don't want to wait for the dough to rise. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make oatmeal bread without yeast:

Ingredients:

• Oat flour (or rolled oats that can be ground into flour)
• Baking powder (optional) (aluminium-free is recommended to avoid a metallic taste)
• Plain whole-milk yogurt (or dairy-free alternatives such as soy, coconut, oat, or almond milk yogurt)
• Eggs (for binding and moisture; flaxseed eggs can be used as a vegan alternative)
• Olive oil (or another oil of your choice, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil)
• Salt (optional, to enhance the flavour)
• Mix-ins of your choice (such as chopped nuts, seeds, shredded cheese, or bacon)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: oat flour, baking powder, and salt (if using).
• In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: eggs, yogurt, and olive oil.
• Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. The dough should be thick and sticky.
• If desired, add in your choice of mix-ins and combine.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Storage:

This oatmeal bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Now, let's talk about what cheese goes well with oatmeal bread. A few suggestions include:

• Cottage cheese: As seen in some of the oatmeal bread recipes, cottage cheese adds protein and a creamy texture to the bread.
• Butter: Spread some butter on a slice of warm oatmeal bread for a classic, comforting treat.
• Herbed mushroom spread: A savoury spread like this can complement the nuttiness of the oatmeal bread.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or feta cheese can be mixed into the bread dough for a flavourful twist.

Frequently asked questions