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Protein Cottage Cheese Monkey Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Protein Monkey Bread recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic pull-apart treat, using blended cottage cheese for added protein and a tender texture. The dough balls are coated in melted butter and cinnamon sugar, then air-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a moist, flavorful bread. Topped with a creamy cream cheese and maple syrup icing, it’s a delicious snack or breakfast option that’s high in protein and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 2 cups blended 2% cottage cheese
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Icing

  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup 2% blended cottage cheese
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 300℉ to ensure even cooking for the monkey bread dough balls.
  2. Mix dough ingredients: In a large bowl, combine blended cottage cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir thoroughly with a silicone or wooden spoon until combined, then press together with your hands to form a dough ball.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth, adding a little flour if the dough is too sticky.
  4. Shape dough balls: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each into a 6-inch log. Cut each log into 5 pieces and roll each piece into a small ball, setting them aside.
  5. Prepare cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined.
  6. Coat dough balls: Roll each dough ball in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Set aside.
  7. Prepare air fryer basket: Line the air fryer with a round parchment paper insert or shape parchment paper to fit the basket. Place all the coated dough balls snugly into the parchment, making sure they are touching.
  8. Air fry dough balls: Air fry at 300℉ for 25 minutes. Expect some melted brown sugar liquid at the bottom when they’re done.
  9. Make the icing: While the bread cooks, combine the softened cream cheese, blended cottage cheese, and maple syrup in a bowl. Use an electric mixer to mix until smooth and creamy, avoiding lumps.
  10. Rest and serve: Let the monkey bread rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Serve warm with the cream cheese maple icing poured over or as a dip on the side.

Notes

  • Greek yogurt can be substituted for blended cottage cheese, though it will slightly alter texture.
  • This recipe was developed using a 4 qt. air fryer; cooking times may vary slightly with different models or sizes.
  • To avoid sticky dough, dust your hands and work surface with extra flour as needed during kneading and shaping.
  • Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth icing without lumps.
  • If you don’t have a round parchment paper insert, layering two pieces and shaping them to fit the basket works well.

Find it online: https://linadinner.com/protein-cottage-cheese-monkey-bread-recipe/