Cottage Cheese Herb Protein Rolls: The Fluffy, Cheesy Bread You’ll Fall in Love With

There’s nothing more comforting than warm bread fresh from the oven—but imagine that bread infused with cottage cheese for extra protein and filled with fresh herbs for irresistible flavor. These Cottage Cheese Herb Protein Rolls are soft, golden, and cheesy, with just the right balance of fluffy dough and creamy richness. Whether served at brunch, alongside dinner, or enjoyed as a high-protein snack, they’re a wholesome twist on classic bread rolls that make you feel like you’re indulging while still nourishing your body.

What Is Cottage Cheese Herb Protein Rolls

Cottage Cheese Herb Protein Rolls are savory bread rolls made with a dough that incorporates cottage cheese, giving them extra protein, moisture, and a tender crumb. Baked until golden brown, they’re often brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with herbs, making them fragrant and flavorful. Some versions also feature a creamy cottage cheese and herb filling inside, turning each bite into a delicious surprise.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

These rolls are the perfect marriage of comfort and nutrition. They’re fluffy yet hearty, light yet satisfying. The cottage cheese keeps them moist and boosts protein without compromising taste. They make a fantastic addition to holiday spreads, but they’re also simple enough to bake during the week. Plus, they’re highly versatile—you can serve them plain, stuffed, or with a dip like herbed butter.

How Does It Taste?

Imagine biting into a warm roll with a slightly crisp golden crust, giving way to a soft, pillowy center that’s speckled with herbs and enriched with cottage cheese. The flavor is subtly tangy from the cheese, buttery from the crust, and aromatic from the herbs. If you opt for the filled version, you’ll get an extra creamy burst of cottage cheese inside. They taste indulgent but not heavy, making them addictive—you’ll want more than one.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

These rolls aren’t just delicious; they’re nourishing too:

• Cottage Cheese: Packed with protein and calcium, it makes the rolls more satiating.
• Fresh Herbs: Add antioxidants, vitamins, and digestive benefits.
• Greek Yogurt (optional in dough): Enhances protein while giving extra tenderness.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Provides healthy fats and a beautiful golden crust.
• Garlic: Supports immunity and adds flavor depth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup warm milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives

For the Filling (optional, for stuffed rolls):

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt and pepper

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Kitchen towel (for dough rising)
• Oven

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Use whole wheat flour for a heartier, fiber-rich version.
• Swap parsley with rosemary, thyme, or dill for different flavors.
• Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the dough for cheesier rolls.
• Use vegan cottage cheese and plant-based butter to make them dairy-free.
• Stuff with spinach and ricotta instead of plain cottage cheese for variety.

How to Make

1. Activate the Yeast: Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, salt, cottage cheese, olive oil, herbs, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth (about 6–8 minutes).
3. First Rise: Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
4. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough. Divide into equal portions. If stuffing, flatten each piece, add filling, and pinch closed.
5. Second Rise: Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover and rise another 30 minutes.
6. Bake: Brush with garlic butter topping. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until golden.
7. Finish: Brush with extra garlic butter and sprinkle fresh herbs. Serve warm.

What to Serve With

These rolls complement a wide range of meals:

• With soups and stews like tomato basil soup or beef stew.
• As a side for pasta dishes like lasagna or fettuccine alfredo.
• Alongside roasted meats or holiday spreads.
• With dips like whipped feta, garlic butter, or hummus.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature cottage cheese for smoother dough integration.
• Don’t add too much flour—the dough should be slightly sticky but workable.
• For softer rolls, brush with melted butter right after baking.
• If stuffing, seal edges well to prevent filling leaks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too hot milk can kill the yeast. Keep it lukewarm, not boiling.
• Adding too much flour makes dense rolls instead of fluffy.
• Skipping the second rise results in less airy bread.
• Underseasoning the filling can make the rolls bland inside.

How to Store & Reheat

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking.

Can I skip the filling?
Absolutely! The rolls taste amazing plain with just herbs.

Can I use dry herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Do I need a stand mixer?
No, you can knead by hand, though it will take a little more effort.

Nutritional Info (approximate per roll, plain)

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 220mg

Conclusion

These Cottage Cheese Herb Protein Rolls are the perfect balance of soft, cheesy, and herby. They’re not only satisfying and delicious but also packed with extra protein thanks to the cottage cheese. Serve them at family dinners, brunch spreads, or keep them handy for a healthy snack—you’ll find they disappear faster than you think. Once you make them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your bread-baking rotation.

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September 17, 2025 by Melissa