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Delicious & Easy Gluten-Free Cottage Buns: High Protein, Fiber-Rich Bread for Every Meal

Lovely, seedy, and packed with protein and whole grain goodness, these gluten-free cottage buns are a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you prefer them split and toasted, generously buttered alongside warming soups and stews, or as the foundation for your favorite sandwiches or burgers, these versatile buns are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. (Skip to recipe)

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding moments of culinary joy can sometimes feel like a challenge. There are days when inspiration flows freely, and then there are others when even the simplest task seems daunting. You might find yourself staring at a blank page, or perhaps, a blank counter, wondering what to create that is both satisfying and simple. For those moments, or indeed, any moment you crave something wholesome and delicious, these gluten-free cottage buns offer a perfect solution.

This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about crafting a comforting staple that effortlessly fits into your healthy lifestyle. Forget complicated bread-making processes. These cottage cheese buns are designed for ease, delivering incredible flavor and texture without the fuss. They’re a testament to the idea that truly nourishing food doesn’t have to be complex or intimidating. Even when your mind is buzzing with a million thoughts, or perhaps, enjoying a moment of quiet reflection, the straightforward steps of this recipe will guide you to a rewarding bake.

The Power of Simplicity: Why These Cottage Buns Stand Out

Sometimes, the most extraordinary things come from the most ordinary ingredients and straightforward methods. These gluten-free cottage buns embody that principle. They prove that you don’t need a lengthy backstory or an intricate narrative to appreciate truly good food. The simple truth is, they taste fantastic, possess an appealing texture, and are incredibly nutritious. That’s all the story you need.

These buns are a celebration of wholesome ingredients, meticulously crafted to deliver a product that is not only delicious but also genuinely good for you. They are high in protein, thanks to the star ingredient, cottage cheese, and rich in fiber from the blend of gluten-free flours and seeds. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a satisfying, nutritious bread alternative that supports a balanced diet and promotes digestive health.

The original inspiration for these incredible buns comes from a cherished handwritten recipe from my friend Anja. It’s a testament to the power of shared recipes and the joy of adapting them to suit modern dietary needs, like making them completely gluten-free without compromising on flavor or texture. This adaptation has resulted in a recipe that maintains all the comforting qualities of traditional cottage buns while offering a healthier profile suitable for everyone.

Unbeatable Texture and Taste

One of the most remarkable aspects of these gluten-free cottage buns is their texture. They are wonderfully soft yet substantial, with a delightful chewiness that makes them incredibly satisfying. The inclusion of various seeds not only boosts their nutritional value but also adds a fantastic textural contrast and a subtle, earthy flavor profile that complements a wide range of dishes. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tender crumb and crunchy seeds, making them far more interesting than your average bun.

Versatility for Every Occasion

Beyond their amazing taste and texture, these healthy gluten-free buns are incredibly versatile. They are perfect for practically any meal of the day. Imagine a warm bun, split and toasted, with a dollop of butter for breakfast. Or, elevate your lunch game by using them as a base for hearty sandwiches filled with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, or roasted vegetables. For dinner, they make excellent burger buns, holding up well to juicy patties and all the fixings.

Their robust nature also makes them an ideal companion for a variety of comforting soups and stews. Here are just a few ideas for pairing these delicious gluten-free rolls:

Perfect with Soups:

Sausage, Kale, & Bean Soup
Baked Potato Soup
End-of-Winter Root Vegetable Soup
Lemon Chicken Soup with Egg Strands
Homemade Chicken Soup
Garlic Lentil Soup
Creamy Root Vegetable Soup
Gingered Pumpkin Soup
Green Soup
Turmeric Broth
Borscht
Sorrel Soup
Green Pea Soup
Corn Bisque
Tortilla Soup

And hearty Stews:

White Chili
Tomato Mulligan
German Lentil Stew
Mushroom Ragu
Fish Veracruz
Easy Chili Recipe
Eggplant, Kale & Bean Ratatouille
Lentil Sloppy Joes
Shipwreck Casserole
Baked Caponata

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Kitchen Frau Notes: Expert Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Cottage Buns

To ensure the best results for your homemade gluten-free cottage buns, keep these essential tips in mind:

Choosing Your Cottage Cheese: For this recipe, it’s crucial to use creamed cottage cheese, which typically comes in tubs and has a moist, somewhat liquid consistency. Avoid the dry curd kind, which is sold in bags and is primarily used for specific baking applications where less moisture is desired. If creamed cottage cheese is not readily available in your region, ricotta cheese can be a good substitute due, to its similar moisture and texture profile, though I haven’t personally tested this variation. The creaminess of the cottage cheese is key to the moisture and texture of the buns.

Gluten-Free Flour Blend: The choice of gluten-free flours in this recipe is deliberate. Buckwheat flour and oat flour are known for their slightly “sticky” properties among gluten-free options, which helps to bind the dough and achieve a desirable texture. You can use either light or dark buckwheat flour, depending on your preference; light buckwheat has a milder flavor, while dark buckwheat offers a more robust, earthy note. For oat flour, you can easily make your own by simply blending gluten-free rolled oats in a powerful blender or food processor until a fine flour consistency is achieved. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Role of Flaxseeds: Ground flaxseeds are a nutritional powerhouse, adding both omega-3 fatty acids and fiber to these buns. They also act as a natural binder, contributing to the structural integrity of the gluten-free dough. I prefer golden flaxseeds for their milder flavor and lighter color, but brown flaxseeds work just as well.

Gluten Free Cottage Buns Recipe

These protein-packed, fiber-rich buns are incredibly simple to make and yield a fantastic, versatile bread perfect for sandwiches, soups, or just a delicious snack.

Ingredients:

1 cup (100gms) almond flour
1 cup (150gms) buckwheat flour
1 cup (100gms) gluten-free oat flour
½ cup (60gms) ground flaxseeds (I use golden flaxseeds)
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 cups (500 grams) creamed cottage cheese (not dry curd cottage cheese)
½ cup (120ml) oil (I like avocado oil for its neutral flavor)
¼ cup (60ml) water
2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or 1 tablespoon honey for a slightly different sweetness)
½ cup (70gms) sunflower seeds
½ cup (70gms) pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping)

Instructions:

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare two baking sheets by greasing them lightly or lining them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the almond flour, buckwheat flour, gluten-free oat flour, ground flaxseeds, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Separate Eggs: Carefully separate the two large eggs. Place the egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large, clean mixing bowl if using a hand mixer). Place the egg yolks into two small separate bowls, one yolk per bowl.
Whip Egg Whites: Using the stand mixer (or hand mixer) with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks. This step is crucial for adding airiness and lightness to the buns. Gently scrape the whipped egg whites into another small bowl and set them aside. There’s no need to clean the mixer bowl at this point.
Combine Wet Ingredients & First Yolk: Into the same, uncleaned mixer bowl, add the cottage cheese, oil, water, coconut sugar (or honey), and one of the reserved egg yolks. Beat these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients and Seeds: Gradually add the reserved dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl. Beat on low speed just until everything is moistened and no dry streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing. Then, incorporate the sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, beating briefly until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Fold in Egg Whites: Remove the bowl from the mixer stand. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites using a spatula. The goal is to incorporate them without deflating them too much. Fold until no large chunks of egg white are visible, but stop short of completely combining them to retain as much air as possible for a tender crumb.
Shape the Buns: Using two tablespoons, scoop up approximately ½ cup (120ml) of dough for each bun. Drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them out to form 12 buns. Use the spoons to gently shape the plops of dough into rustic, rough buns. For flatter buns, ideal for slicing and toasting or making sandwiches, leave them as slightly spread-out mounds. If you prefer a taller, more traditional dinner bun shape, use the back of a spoon to tuck and push the dough into higher, more compact mounds.
Egg Wash and Sesame Seeds: In the second small bowl with the remaining reserved egg yolk, add about 1 teaspoon of water and beat until foamy. Using a pastry brush, dab this beaten yolk mixture onto the tops of each bun. This egg wash will give the buns a beautiful golden-brown crust and a slight sheen. Immediately sprinkle the tops of the buns with the sesame seeds.
Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach around 200-210°F (93-99°C).
Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the buns cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

These versatile gluten-free cottage buns make 12 delicious servings and are perfect for preparing ahead. They also freeze exceptionally well, making them ideal for meal prep or having a healthy bread option on hand whenever you need it. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven or toaster.

Guten Appetit! Enjoy your homemade gluten-free goodness!

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