Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F/45°C). Add a pinch of sugar to help feed the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, milk, honey, egg, and melted butter. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough starts to form.
- Add yeast mixture: Pour the activated yeast into the dough mixture and stir until everything is incorporated. The dough will be a bit sticky at this point.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Flour your surface: Lightly dust a clean countertop or surface with flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface and begin to knead.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes: Continue to knead the dough until it becomes smooth, elastic, and less sticky. Add a bit more flour if needed, but try not to add too much, as you want to keep the dough soft.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
- Grease a bowl: Lightly grease a large mixing bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- First rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1 ½ hours or until it has doubled in size. A warm spot in your kitchen or inside the oven (turned off) works well.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any trapped air.
- Shape into rolls: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball by pulling the edges underneath and rolling it between your hands.
- Arrange in a baking dish: Place the rolls onto a greased baking sheet or in a round cake pan, leaving a little space between each roll for them to expand.
Step 6: Second Rise and Preheat the Oven
- Second rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they have puffed up.
- Preheat oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
- Brush with butter and oats: Once the rolls have risen, gently brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with a few extra oats for a decorative touch.
- Bake: Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: After removing them from the oven, brush the rolls with a bit more melted butter to give them a soft, glossy finish. Let the rolls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
These Cottage Cheese Oat Rolls are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm with a slather of butter, or pair them with soups, salads, or your favorite dinner. They’re also great for making sandwiches or enjoying as a healthy snack with jam or hummus.
Tips for Success:
- Cottage cheese texture: If you prefer a smoother dough, you can blend the cottage cheese before adding it to the dough mixture. This will eliminate the curds and create a more uniform texture.
- Oat topping: Sprinkling oats on top of the rolls before baking adds a nice texture and visual appeal. You can also add seeds like sesame or poppy seeds for extra crunch.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge, and bake the rolls fresh the next day. This is perfect for meal planning or holiday gatherings.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and warm in the oven.
Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese Oat Rolls:
- High in protein: Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, which helps in muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
- Whole grains: The oats provide fiber, which aids digestion and promotes heart health.
- Lower in fat: Using cottage cheese and oats makes these rolls lower in fat compared to traditional bread rolls.
Storage and Reheating:
- Store at room temperature: Place the rolls in an airtight container or bag and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls for up to 1 week. Warm them up in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezer: These rolls freeze well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Enjoy these Cottage Cheese Oat Rolls as a wholesome side or snack that brings both nutrition and deliciousness to your table! With their soft texture and unique flavor, they’re bound to become a favorite in your bread-making rotation.