Dill Bread

This dill bread is perfect for adding a homemade touch to any meal. With its tender crumb and fresh dill flavor, this bread pairs wonderfully with soups and salads, and works as a base for sandwiches. The addition of cottage cheese gives the bread a subtle tang and keeps it moist. Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen!

Ingredients for Dill Bread

• Active dry yeast: Yeast helps the bread rise, giving it a soft and fluffy texture. If you don’t have active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used as a substitute.
• Warm water (110° to 115°): Warm water activates the yeast, starting the fermentation process. Make sure the water isn’t too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Cottage cheese (2%): Cottage cheese adds moisture and a slight tang to create a tender crumb. Ricotta cheese can also be used if you prefer a creamier texture.
• Fresh dill or dill weed: Fresh dill adds bright, herby notes that complement the tang of the cottage cheese. Dill weed can be used if fresh dill isn’t available.
• Butter: Melted butter brings a rich flavor and helps keep the bread moist. Olive oil works well for a dairy-free option.
• Salt: Salt boosts the overall flavor to balance the dough’s sweetness and highlighting the dill. Kosher salt is a good alternative if you prefer a milder taste.
• Sugar: Sugar slightly sweetens the bread and feeds the yeast, aiding in the rising process. Honey is a good substitute if you prefer natural sweeteners.
• Dill seed: Dill seed adds a bit of crunch and deepens the bread’s flavor. You can reduce the amount or skip it entirely for a milder taste.
• Egg: Room temperature eggs mix more smoothly into the dough, helping to bind the ingredients. To quickly bring an egg to room temperature, place it in warm water for about 15 minutes.
• All-purpose flour: Flour provides structure to create a sturdy yet soft loaf. Bread flour can be used for a chewy texture. You can also try whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Make the dough

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In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Heat the cottage cheese in a small saucepan until it reaches 110° to 115°F, then add it to the yeast mixture. Stir in the fresh dill, melted butter, salt, sugar, dill seed, egg and 1 cup of flour. Mix until smooth. Gradually add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. There’s no need to knead. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about one hour.

Step 2: Prepare the dough

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Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a 6-inch circle. Transfer to a greased 9-inch cast-iron skillet or round baking pan. Cover and let rise again in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Bake and serve

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Preheat your oven to 350°. Bake the bread until the crust turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Cut into wedges to serve.

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Dill Bread Variations

• Make it cheesy: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist. It pairs nicely with the dill and adds extra depth of flavor.
• Add seeds: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for a bit of crunch and nuttiness.
• Garlic dill bread: Add one to two minced garlic cloves along with the dill for a flavorful garlic and herb bread.

How to Store Dill Bread

Wrap it tightly with plastic and store for up to three days at room temperature. You can also freeze dill bread: Let it cool completely, freeze it on a baking tray and then wrap it in plastic and foil. Freeze it for up to three months. Learn more about how to freeze bread.

Can you freeze dill bread?

Yes, you can freeze dill bread. Let it cool completely and then place it on a baking tray to freeze briefly before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This method helps maintain the bread’s texture and flavor. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 350° oven until warm.

Dill Bread Recipe Tips

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What does the cottage cheese do in this dill bread recipe?

As a high-protein, high-moisture dairy product, cottage cheese adds a rich texture and tenderness to this recipe. Its subtle tang complements the fresh dill and builds flavor. Check out more fresh dill recipes.

Why do I need room temperature eggs for dill bread?

Room temperature eggs mix more easily with the melted butter and warmed cottage cheese. (Many of our homemade bread recipes call for room temperature eggs too.) To warm the egg, set it in a bowl of lukewarm water for 15 minutes before mixing.

Can I use fresh dill instead of dill weed in bread?

Yes, you can use fresh dill instead of dill weed. Fresh dill has a brighter and more robust flavor so you may need to use more of it—generally three times the amount of dried dill weed called for in the recipe. It adds a lovely fresh taste and aroma to the bread.

How can I make my dill bread more flavorful?

Try adding garlic powder, onion powder or a touch of lemon zest to the dough. You can also brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with extra herbs or grated cheese before baking.