Discover what might just become your ultimate go-to appetizer! We’ve transformed our signature high-protein dough into an extraordinary jalapeño cheddar cottage cheese pull-apart bread that’s bursting with flavor. This creation delivers a delightful combination of gooey cheese, a kick of spice, and an irresistible chewy texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Prepare this showstopper for your upcoming game day gathering, and watch as your friends clamor for it at every event, just like they do with mine.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Irresistible taste profile: The pairing of fresh jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese is simply perfection. This bread achieves an ideal balance of rich cheesiness with just the right hint of heat that elevates every bite.
- High in protein: Each generous serving provides a whopping 21 grams of protein, making it a nutritious choice without sacrificing indulgence.
- Game day essential: My circle of friends has made this a staple, repeatedly asking for it to headline our watch parties and celebrations.
Essential Ingredients for Success
Blended cottage cheese: Opt for 2% fat or higher to infuse this pull-apart bread with exceptional protein content, superior moisture, and a creamy taste. Avoid low-fat or fat-free varieties, as they hold excess water that can affect the dough’s texture and rise.
All-purpose flour: This forms the foundational structure of the pull-apart bread dough, yielding a beautifully crispy exterior and tender, chewy interior upon baking. While we haven’t experimented with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour alternatives yet, adventurous bakers are welcome to test and share their results in the comments.
Baking powder: Essential as the leavening agent since this recipe skips yeast entirely. It ensures the dough rises properly—definitely not an ingredient to omit.
Jalapeños: Finely mince them, removing seeds if you prefer milder heat. For an eye-catching finish, scatter additional sliced jalapeños across the top prior to baking, adding both visual appeal and extra zest.
Cheddar cheese cubes: Select small 1/2-inch cubes of cheddar; if using a block, simply cut it into the appropriate size. These pockets of cheese melt into gooey surprises throughout the bread.
Melted butter: After forming the dough balls, coat them generously in melted unsalted butter. This step not only enhances the savory flavor but also ensures the pieces separate effortlessly after baking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Pull-Apart Bread
- Prepare the dough base: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sea salt, and minced jalapeños. Stir vigorously with a spoon until the ingredients start to come together. Then, use your hands to press and fold the mixture until it forms a cohesive dough ball. Move the dough to a surface dusted with flour and knead gently but thoroughly until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Form the individual pull-apart balls: Split the dough into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a log approximately 6 inches in length. Slice each log into 8 smaller segments. Insert one cheddar cheese cube into the center of each segment, then roll tightly into a neat ball. Repeat for all pieces.
- Coat with butter: Transfer all the cheese-stuffed dough balls into a large bowl and pour the melted butter over them. Toss carefully to ensure every ball is evenly coated, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Assemble in the loaf pan: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy release. Arrange the buttered dough balls snugly into the pan, filling any gaps. Tuck additional cheese cubes between the balls on the surface for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover the loaf pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow even cooking. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 30 minutes, watching closely until the top turns a deep golden brown and the center is fully set. Once done, pull from the oven and allow the bread to rest in the pan for a full 10 minutes. This resting period helps it set and makes removal seamless.
- Finish and serve: Lift the bread from the pan using the parchment overhang. Generously drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness that complements the spice, then serve warm for the best experience.
Simple Ways to Customize
Tone down the heat: If you adore jalapeños for their fresh flavor but shy away from intense spice, be meticulous in removing all seeds before mincing. This keeps the taste vibrant without overwhelming fire.
Crank up the heat: For spice enthusiasts, retain the seeds during mincing and layer on extra sliced jalapeños atop the assembled bread before it goes into the oven. This delivers bold, fiery notes in every pull.
Perfect Pairing Ideas
A light drizzle of honey over the warm bread introduces a subtle sweetness that masterfully offsets the jalapeños’ bold spiciness. This simple addition transforms the bread into a harmonious balance of flavors, making it even more addictive.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep your pull-apart bread fresh by placing it in an airtight container and refrigerating for up to three days. For reheating, use the microwave for quick portions or warm it in a covered oven to restore that melty cheese goodness and soft texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups blended 2% cottage cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large jalapeños, minced and seeds removed
- 32 small cheddar cheese cubes (1/2 inch cubes), +more for topping
- 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Detailed Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhangs for easy handling later.
In a large bowl, add the blended cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, sea salt, and minced jalapeños. Stir with a silicone or wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated into the wet. Transition to using your hands to bring everything together into a single dough ball, pressing firmly to eliminate any dry pockets.
Transfer the dough ball to a work surface generously sprinkled with flour. Knead for several minutes, adding small amounts of extra flour as needed to prevent sticking, until the dough is silky smooth and no longer tacky.
Divide the smooth dough into four equal parts. Roll each part into a compact log measuring about 6 inches long. Carefully slice each log into 8 equal pieces. Nestle a single cheddar cheese cube into the center of each piece, then roll securely into a tight ball. Arrange them aside on the floured surface as you work.
Gather all the cheese-filled dough balls into a large bowl. Drizzle with the melted butter and gently toss until each ball is thoroughly coated, enhancing flavor and aiding the pull-apart feature.
Evenly distribute the buttered balls into the prepared loaf pan, pressing lightly to fit snugly. Intersperse additional cheese cubes among the top layer of balls for a cheesy, bubbly finish.
Bake covered with foil for the first 30 minutes. This steams the interior gently. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the crown is gorgeously golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the middle is fully cooked.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest undisturbed in the pan for 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the structure to firm up, making it easy to lift out using the parchment paper.
Finally, drizzle generously with honey right before serving to meld sweet and spicy notes. Enjoy straight away while warm and gooey. Alternatively, skip the drizzle and provide a small dish of honey for dipping each piece individually.
For an even bolder kick, incorporate the jalapeño seeds when mincing.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 461 kcal, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 21 g, Fat: 26 g, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 2 g. Note that these values are estimated and may vary slightly based on exact measurements and brands used.
