Keto Bread: How Is It Made?

Keto bread is a low-carb alternative to traditional bread, which is made using ingredients such as almond or coconut flour, ground flax, psyllium husk, cream cheese, and eggs. It is a staple food for those following a strict low-carb ketogenic diet and can be made at home or bought from a store.

Keto bread recipes vary, but they typically involve mixing dry ingredients (such as almond flour, coconut flour, and baking powder) with liquid ingredients (such as eggs, butter, and apple cider vinegar). The dough is then baked in an oven for around 30-40 minutes.

Keto bread has a similar taste and texture to traditional bread, but it is made without wheat flour and other high-carb ingredients. It is a popular option for those following a ketogenic diet, as it allows them to enjoy bread while adhering to the diet's strict low-carb requirements.

Keto bread ingredients

Keto bread is made with a variety of ingredients, depending on the recipe. Here is a list of ingredients that are commonly used in keto bread:

• Almond flour: This is a popular choice for keto bread as it is low in carbs and gluten-free. It gives the bread a light and fluffy texture.
• Coconut flour: This flour is often used in combination with almond flour to improve the texture of the bread. It absorbs moisture differently than almond flour, so the right ratio is important.
• Baking powder: This is a leavening agent that gives the bread some rise and fluffiness.
• Butter or oil: Butter or oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil can be used in keto bread. Butter adds a rich flavour, while oils can make the bread more moist.
• Eggs: Eggs are a crucial ingredient in keto bread, as they provide structure and help the bread rise. Some recipes call for separating the egg whites and yolks to create a fluffier texture.
• Salt: Salt is important to balance the flavours in the bread and enhance the other ingredients.
• Sweetener: A small amount of sweetener, such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia, can be added to keto bread to balance out the saltiness and create a neutral flavour profile.
• Xanthan gum: This ingredient is used to add chewiness and stability to the bread, giving it a more bread-like texture.
• Cream of tartar: Cream of tartar is sometimes used to stabilise the egg whites and help them form stiff peaks, resulting in a fluffier bread.
• Protein powder: Some keto bread recipes call for unflavoured protein powder or egg white powder to provide structure and a fluffy texture.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is used in some keto bread recipes, along with cream cheese, to create a stretchy, dough-like consistency.
• Sour cream: Sour cream is a secret ingredient used in some keto bread recipes to add flavour and help the bread rise.

These are some of the most common ingredients used in keto bread. The specific ingredients and quantities can vary depending on the recipe and the desired texture and flavour of the bread.

Keto bread recipe

Ingredients:

• Almond flour
• Coconut flour
• Baking powder
• Butter or coconut oil
• Egg whites
• Sea salt
• Sweetener (optional)
• Xanthan gum (optional)
• Cream of tartar (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8- or 8.5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
• Combine the dry ingredients (almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, sweetener, xanthan gum, and sea salt) in a food processor and pulse until uniform.
• Add melted butter or coconut oil and pulse again until crumbly.
• In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. You can add cream of tartar to stabilize the egg whites and help them form peaks more easily.
• Add half of the stiff egg whites to the food processor and pulse briefly until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Gently fold the mixture from the food processor into the remaining egg whites until no streaks remain.
• Transfer the batter to the lined loaf pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Tent the top with foil and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the bread is firm and doesn't make a squishy sound when pressed. The internal temperature should reach at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

Tips:

• This bread does not rise a lot, so you may want to round the top a little before baking.
• Make sure not to break down the whipped egg whites during mixing or folding.
• The center of the bread can take a long time to cook through, and underbaking is a common issue. To prevent this, tent the top with foil during baking to prevent burning.
• A toothpick test is not recommended for this recipe. Instead, check that the bread doesn't make a squishy sound when pressed and that the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
• This keto bread will not have a crusty texture like a baguette but will be soft, fluffy, and airy.

Keto bread baking process

Keto bread is a staple food for people following a strict low-carb ketogenic diet. It is made by replacing traditional wheat flour with low-carb sources and other functional ingredients used in gluten-free baking, such as eggs and hydrocolloids.

Step 1: Dry Ingredients

First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175-180°C). Then, whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl: almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk powder, salt, and baking powder. You can also add in some xanthan gum to improve the texture.

Step 2: Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: eggs, melted butter or oil, apple cider vinegar, and water. You can also add in some sour cream or Greek yogurt to enhance the flavour and help the bread rise.

Step 3: Combine

Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. The batter should be thick.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer the batter to a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. Smooth out the top and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, bake the bread for around 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing.

Tips:

• Make sure to use room-temperature eggs as this will help the bread be airy and taste better.
• If you want a crispier exterior, you can tent the bread with foil after it has started browning and continue baking until the centre is cooked through.
• Keto bread can also be made in a bread machine or a blender if you don't have an oven or prefer a quicker method.
• This bread freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store one loaf in the freezer for later!

Keto bread flour alternatives

When making keto bread, it's important to use flour alternatives with a low-carb content. Here are some of the best keto-friendly flour alternatives for baking bread:

Almond Flour

Almond flour is one of the most widely used keto flour substitutes. It is made from crushed almonds and has a very low-carb content, with only 3 grams of total carbs and 1 gram of net carbs per 2-tablespoon (14-gram) serving. Almond flour can be used as a 1-to-1 substitute for wheat flour in baking, although baked goods made with almond flour tend to be slightly spongy. It is also a good option for breading fried or baked foods.

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is made from the coconut flesh and has a mild coconut flavour. It is another popular choice for keto baking. A 2-tablespoon (15-gram) serving of coconut flour provides 9 grams of total carbs and 4 grams of net carbs. Coconut flour absorbs a lot of liquid, so it is important to add extra liquid ingredients when using it in recipes. It is best suited for baking desserts and can also be used as a thickening agent.

Flaxseed Meal

Flaxseed meal is made from ground flaxseeds, which are low in carbs and rich in omega-3 fats. It has a mild nutty flavour and absorbs a lot of liquid, so it is usually mixed with other keto-friendly flours in baking. Flaxseed meal is commonly used to make crackers and can also be used as a breading.

Lupin Flour

Lupin flour is made from sweet lupin beans, which are related to peanuts and soybeans. It is commonly used in gluten-free pasta and keto-friendly bread recipes. A 1/4-cup (28-gram) serving of lupin flour provides 11 grams of total carbs and 1 gram of net carbs. It is also high in protein. Lupin flour is often combined with coconut flour or almond flour in baking recipes.

Chia Seed Flour

Chia seed flour is made from ground chia seeds and is high in soluble fibre. It absorbs a lot of liquid, similar to coconut flour and flaxseed meal. A 2-tablespoon (12-gram) serving of chia seed flour contains 5 grams of total carbs and 0 grams of net carbs. Chia seed flour is usually mixed with other flours in baking recipes but can be used on its own to make a low-carb, high-fibre pudding.

Psyllium Husk Powder

Psyllium husk powder is made from the husks of psyllium seeds and is commonly used as a fibre supplement. It absorbs water and adds structure to baked goods. A 1-tablespoon (9-gram) serving contains 8 grams of total carbs and 1 gram of net carbs. It is typically mixed with other flours in keto bread recipes to improve the texture.

Oat Fibre

Oat fibre is made from the crushed husks of oats and is often added to keto baked goods to provide structure and a bread-like consistency. It contains 4 grams of total carbs and 1 gram of net carbs per teaspoon (4 grams). Oat fibre is usually combined with other low-carb flours in baking recipes.

Sesame Flour

Sesame flour is made from ground sesame seeds and has a strong sesame flavour. It is high in fat and low in carbs, with 10 grams of fat and 3 grams of carbs per 1/4-cup serving. Sesame flour is suitable for making biscuits, bread, and pizza crusts.

Sunflower Seed Flour

Sunflower seed flour is made from ground sunflower seeds and is a good option for those with nut allergies. It is low in carbs, with 5.7 grams of carbs per 1/4-cup serving. Sunflower seed flour can be used to make pizza crusts and flatbreads.

Keto bread rolls

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese (for minimal flavor)
• 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese (full-fat or dairy-free)
• 1 1/2 cups of almond flour (blanched or superfine; avoid almond meal)
• 3 large eggs (2 for the dough and 1 for the egg wash)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder (optional, for some rise and fluffiness)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
• In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded cheese and cream cheese. Microwave for 30 seconds or until the cheeses are mostly melted. Whisk them together until smooth.
• Allow the cheese mixture to cool slightly, then add in the almond flour and two of the eggs. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
• Using your hands, form 8-10 balls of dough and place them on the lined baking tray.
• Whisk the remaining egg and brush the exterior of each roll with it.
• Bake the rolls for 23-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Serve warm.

Tips:

• These keto rolls must be enjoyed warm. They become dense and sturdy at room temperature or when chilled.
• Ensure that your cheese mixture is not hot when adding the eggs, as they will start to cook.
• You can use these rolls as slider buns for mini burgers.
• For garlic dinner rolls, brush the tops of the uncooked rolls with melted butter mixed with minced garlic.

Storage:

• To store: Keep leftover rolls in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week.
• To freeze: Place cooled rolls in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
• To reheat: It is best to reheat the rolls as they are too dense at room temperature. Microwave for 30 seconds or place in a preheated oven until warm.

Frequently asked questions