Keto Bread Basics: Low-Carb Loaf Recipes

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that restricts carbohydrate consumption and replaces it with fat and protein. This diet aims to send the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

Keto bread is a type of bread that is low in carbohydrates and can be consumed by people on the keto diet. It is usually made with almond flour, coconut flour, or other low-carb flour alternatives. Here is a simple keto bread recipe that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup almond flour

- 1/4 cup coconut flour

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

- 1/3 cup unsalted butter or coconut oil

- 12 large egg whites

- Optional: sweetener, xanthan gum, and cream of tartar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, salt, and optional sweetener and xanthan gum in a food processor. Pulse until combined.

3. Add the melted butter or coconut oil and pulse until crumbly.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and optional cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.

5. Add half of the stiff egg whites to the food processor and pulse until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Gently fold the mixture from the food processor into the remaining egg whites until no streaks remain.

7. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

8. 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.

9. Let the bread cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade keto bread!

Ingredients

The ingredients for keto bread vary depending on the recipe, but here is a list of ingredients for four different keto bread recipes:

Keto Bread Recipe 1:

• 1 cup of blanched almond flour
• 1/4 cup of coconut flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1/3 cup of unsalted butter or coconut oil
• 12 large egg whites
• Optional: sweetener, xanthan gum, and cream of tartar

Keto Bread Recipe 2:

• 1 3/4 cups of almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• 5 large eggs

Keto Bread Recipe 3:

• 1 cup of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of inulin or sugar or honey
• 2 teaspoons of instant dried yeast
• 2 large eggs
• Pinch of salt flakes
• 2/3 cup of golden flax meal or almond meal
• 1/2 cup of oat fiber
• 1 1/4 cups of gluten flour
• 70 grams of salted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum

Keto Bread Recipe 4:

• 7 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cups of blanched almond flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum
• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

Method

How to Make Keto Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan

Preheat the oven to 325-350 degrees F. Line an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some parchment paper hanging over the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl or food processor, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder/baking soda, sweetener (if using), xanthan gum (if using), and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, olive oil, or coconut oil and pulse or mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Whites

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar (if using) with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial, as it gives the keto bread its structure and airy texture. Make sure not to overmix, as this can cause the egg whites to break down.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures

Gently fold the egg whites into the dry mixture until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the bread's texture.

Step 6: Bake the Keto Bread

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent the top with aluminum foil if it starts to brown too quickly. The bread is done when the top is golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees F.

Step 7: Cool and Store the Bread

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Store the keto bread in the refrigerator, wrapped in parchment paper and placed in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 6 months.

Baking

The baking instructions for keto bread will vary depending on the recipe used, but there are some general tips and tricks that can be followed to ensure the bread turns out well. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bake keto bread, with some variations depending on the recipe:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your recipe. This is usually between 325-375°F (163-190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. You can also grease the pan with cooking spray or butter. The size of the pan may vary depending on the recipe, but an 8-9 x 4-5 inch loaf pan is typically used.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl or food processor, combine the dry ingredients. This usually includes almond flour or coconut flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, olive oil, or coconut oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a thick batter is formed. Some recipes may require you to separate the egg whites and yolks, whipping the egg whites until stiff peaks form before adding them to the batter.

Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Some recipes suggest rounding the top of the batter slightly to ensure the bread doesn't come out too flat.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-70 minutes, depending on the recipe. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or when the internal temperature reaches 200°F. Tent the bread with foil if the top is browning too quickly.

Step 7: Cool the Bread

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing. This step is important as it allows the texture inside the bread to set properly. Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 6 months.

Tips for Baking Keto Bread:

• Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting, especially the eggs. This will help the bread rise and have a better texture.
• Don't overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Overmixing can cause the bread to become dense and gummy.
• Be careful not to break down the whipped egg whites if your recipe calls for them. This will help give the bread a light and airy texture.
• The center of the bread can take a long time to cook through, and the bread may sink if removed from the oven too soon. It's better to slightly overbake the bread than to underbake it.
• Some recipes suggest rounding the top of the batter before baking to ensure the bread doesn't come out too flat.
• Toasting the bread can improve its texture and make it more crispy. However, be aware that it may take longer to toast than regular bread.

Storage

Storing your keto bread is important to ensure it stays fresh and lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing your homemade keto bread:

Refrigerator Storage:

• Unlike traditional bread, keto bread should be stored in the refrigerator. It will last for about a week in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment paper.
• If you don't plan on eating the entire loaf within a week, it's best to slice it and freeze the portions you won't use right away.
• Avoid using plastic bags or plastic wrap for storage, as condensation can form and make the bread "wet."

Freezer Storage:

• Keto bread freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• It's best to slice the bread before freezing so you can easily grab a slice or two and pop them in the toaster when needed.
• Parchment paper between slices can prevent them from sticking together.

By following these simple storage guidelines, you can enjoy your homemade keto bread for weeks or even months!

Serving suggestions

• Make a sandwich! Try turkey, lettuce, and homemade mayo, or add a couple of strips of crispy bacon.
• Toast it and serve with olive oil, chimichurri sauce, creamy grass-fed butter, or nut butter.
• Make keto grilled cheese.
• Top it with a creamy salad, like classic egg salad, keto chicken salad, or avocado tuna salad.
• Make French toast by dipping the keto bread in egg beaten with cinnamon and sweetener.
• Enjoy it on the side with a low-carb dinner, salad, or soup.
• Try it with cream cheese, sugar-free jam, almond butter, or healthy Nutella.
• As a side dish to keto chicken soup or keto lasagna.
• Crisped up and turned into croutons.
• Whip it up into bread pudding.
• Dip it in olive oil.
• Try it with melted butter.
• On toast with almond butter.
• Whip up an egg sandwich with air fryer bacon and over-medium eggs.
• Try it with avocado and tomato.
• Use it for avocado toast.
• Try it with keto mayo.
• Make a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Use it for a hamburger or hot dog.
• Try it with butter and everything bagel seasoning.
• Make it into crackers.
• Try it with keto chicken parmesan.
• Use it for a keto BLT sandwich.
• Make it into pita chips.
• Try it with garlic butter.
• Use it for a keto grilled cheese sandwich.

Frequently asked questions