Pepper Bread
Pepper Bread offers a savory crust infused with black pepper and onion, complemented by a tender, cheesy interior. Its aromatic flavor and hearty texture make it perfect for casual gatherings or as a flavorful accompaniment to meals, appealing to bread lovers seeking a spicy, cheesy treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in very warm water and set aside.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons coarse black pepper and 2 tablespoons dried chopped onion.
- Beat together eggs, cottage cheese, and butter and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until warm.
- Combine the yeast mixture with the cheese mixture.
- Add dry ingredients and mix well.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it forms a stiff ball.
- Cover with a large bowl and let rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and let rise again.
- Shape the dough into loaves on cornmeal-dusted cookie sheets and let rise again.
- Mix 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush on the loaves just before baking.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, incorporate some bread flour into the mix. If you're out of cottage cheese, ricotta or plain yogurt can work as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. Letting the dough rise in a warm area, like an oven with just the light on, can help it rise better.
Serving Suggestions
This pepper bread is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with Foam Green Salad for a light meal. It also works well as a side for soups or stews, particularly hearty ones like chili. For a special treat, serve it with butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or enjoy it alongside Dutch Apple Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pepper bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the slices in aluminum foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepper Bread contains roughly 262 calories, with 8g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for dry yeast. Use about three times the amount of fresh yeast as the dry yeast called for in the recipe. Allow it to dissolve in the warm water with sugar as directed.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
To check if the bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. The internal temperature should also reach about 190°F for a fully cooked loaf. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! Consider adding ingredients like grated cheese, chopped olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content of any extras, as it may affect the dough's consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).