Keto Bread Basics: Baking The Perfect Loaf

Keto bread is a great way to enjoy bread without the carbs. It's a delicious, low-carb option that is perfect for those on a keto diet or simply looking to cut down on their carb intake. The bread has a light and fluffy texture, making it ideal for sandwiches, toast, or even keto grilled cheese.

There are many different recipes for keto bread, but most include a combination of almond flour, coconut flour, eggs, butter or olive oil, and baking powder. Some recipes also include additional ingredients such as protein powder, xanthan gum, or apple cider vinegar to improve the texture and taste of the bread.

Keto bread is typically baked in the oven and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later consumption. It is a versatile bread that can be used for a variety of dishes and is a great alternative to traditional bread for those on a keto diet.

Choosing the right ingredients

Almond Flour: Opt for blanched almond flour to ensure a finer texture. Using almond meal or a coarser brand can result in a grittier bread. Super-fine almond flour is ideal, as it ensures a powder-like consistency, contributing to a smoother batter.

Coconut Flour: Coconut flour enhances the texture of your keto bread. Different brands vary in their moisture absorption, so choosing the right one is crucial. Look for coconut flour that blends well and doesn't dry out your batter.

Baking Powder: Ensure you use baking powder and not baking soda, as the latter will leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Check the expiration date, as fresh baking powder is essential for optimal rising.

Butter: Unsalted butter is the preferred choice for keto bread. If you want a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with the same amount of unrefined coconut oil. Avoid oils that are liquid at room temperature, such as olive or avocado oil.

Egg Whites: You'll need a substantial amount of egg whites for structure and airiness. You can use either fresh separated egg whites or carton egg whites. If you opt for carton egg whites, include cream of tartar to stabilize the whites and help them form peaks more easily.

Sea Salt: Sea salt is essential for balancing the flavors in your keto bread. It enhances the other ingredients and ensures your bread isn't bland.

Sweetener (Optional): Adding a sweetener is optional but can help balance the saltiness and create a neutral flavor profile. Monk fruit, allulose blends, or your preferred sweetener can be used.

Xanthan Gum (Optional): Xanthan gum gives your keto bread a chewier texture and makes it more sturdy. It's a useful ingredient if you want your bread to hold up better when used for sandwiches or toast.

Cream of Tartar (Optional): Cream of tartar is beneficial when working with egg whites. It helps stabilize them and makes it easier to form stiff peaks. This ingredient is especially useful if you're using carton egg whites or if your egg whites are cold, as they may not whip as well without it.

Baking methods

Preheat your oven to 325-350℉. Line an 8 or 8.5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl, lightly beat your eggs. Whisk in the oil, maple syrup, and Apple Cider Vinegar (don't skip the vinegar or the bread will not rise properly) until smooth. Next, mix in the almond flour, baking soda, and salt until incorporated and the batter is uniform and thick. Transfer to your loaf pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden on top.

Cool the loaf for 10 minutes in the pan, remove to a cooling rack, and cool for another 20 minutes. Slice and enjoy as a sandwich bread, avocado toast, or with honey and butter.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a silicone loaf pan with cooking spray.

Whisk eggs in a bowl until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add melted butter and olive oil; mix until well combined.

Combine almond flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt in a separate bowl; mix well. Add gradually to the egg mixture, mixing well until a thick batter is formed.

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Add shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted.

To a food processor, add melted cheese, eggs, almond flour, protein powder, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pulse until combined.

Add the bread dough to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper and coated with cooking spray.

Bake in a 325-degree oven for 30-32 minutes. Let cool for 3-5 minutes before removing from the loaf pan.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (163 degrees C). Line an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 in (22×11 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, with extra hanging over the sides for easy removal later.

Combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, Besti, xanthan gum, and sea salt in a large food processor. Pulse until combined.

Add the melted butter. Pulse, scraping down the sides as needed, until crumbly.

In a very large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites and cream of tartar (if using), until stiff peaks form. Make sure the bowl is large enough because the whites will expand a lot.

Add 1/2 of the stiff egg whites to the food processor. Pulse a few times until just combined. Do not over-mix!

Carefully transfer the mixture from the food processor into the bowl with the egg whites, and gently fold until no streaks remain. Do not stir. Fold gently to keep the mixture as fluffy as possible.

Transfer the batter to the lined loaf pan and smooth the top. Push the batter toward the center a bit to round the top.

Bake for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Tent the top with aluminum foil and bake for another 30-45 minutes, until the top is firm and does not make a squishy sound when pressed. Internal temperature should be 200 degrees. Cool completely before removing from the pan and slicing.

Storage

Storing keto bread is a little different from storing regular bread. The ingredients in keto bread are more fragile, so it's important to keep it covered and refrigerated at all times. Here are some detailed instructions for storing your keto bread:

Refrigerating Keto Bread:

• Always store keto bread in the refrigerator. The ingredients are too fragile to keep at room temperature, and it will spoil quickly if left out.
• Make sure the bread is covered. You can use an airtight container or wrap it in parchment paper and keep it in a sealed bag or container.
• Keto bread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• It is recommended to slice the bread as you need it, rather than slicing the whole loaf at once.

Freezing Keto Bread:

• Keto bread freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• Slice the bread before freezing. This way, you can easily grab a slice or two and pop them in the toaster whenever you need them.
• Place parchment paper between the slices to prevent them from sticking together.
• Store the sliced bread in a freezer bag or a ziplock bag.
• To thaw, simply leave the slices out overnight, and they will be ready to eat in the morning.

Additional Tips:

• Do not store keto bread in the fridge door. The temperature is higher there, and your bread may spoil quickly. Place it on the shelves inside the fridge instead.
• Avoid storing keto bread in anything that traps moisture, like plastic bags or plastic wrap. Condensation will form, and the bread may become soggy.
• If your bread does become a little wet or soggy, you can recover it by toasting it in the toaster.

Nutritional value

The nutritional value of keto bread varies depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, compared to traditional bread, keto bread is typically lower in carbohydrates and calories. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional profile of keto bread:

Macronutrients: Keto bread is usually made with almond flour or coconut flour, which are lower in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats and protein compared to wheat flour. This makes keto bread a good source of healthy fats and protein, which can help increase feelings of fullness and provide sustained energy.

Calories: Keto bread tends to be lower in calories than regular bread. For example, one recipe for keto bread yields slices with only 82 calories each, while another recipe's slices have 35 calories each. In contrast, a slice of traditional white bread typically contains around 70 to 120 calories.

Carbohydrates: The main feature of keto bread is its low carbohydrate content, which is crucial for individuals following a ketogenic diet. The carbohydrate content of keto bread varies depending on the recipe and ingredients, but it is generally much lower than that of regular bread. For instance, one recipe for keto bread has only 1 gram of net carbs per slice, while another has 2 grams. In contrast, a slice of traditional bread can contain anywhere from 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fiber: Keto bread can be a good source of dietary fiber, depending on the ingredients used. For example, one commercially available keto bread lists 8 grams of dietary fiber per 9 grams of total carbohydrates, resulting in a net carb count of 0 grams per slice. Including high-fiber ingredients in keto bread, such as almond flour, coconut flour, and added fiber sources like chicory root fiber, can help increase the fiber content.

Micronutrients: Keto bread can provide various micronutrients, depending on the specific ingredients used. For example, almond flour is a good source of magnesium, vitamin E, and manganese. Additionally, some recipes for keto bread include added sea salt, which provides sodium and can help balance flavours.

Variations

Using Different Flours

Although almond flour is the most popular choice for keto bread, other options are available. Coconut flour, for instance, can be used as a substitute. However, it's important to note that coconut flour and almond flour have different properties, so a direct 1:1 substitution may not work. You might need to adjust the amounts and add other ingredients to get the right consistency.

Adding Extra Ingredients

Some keto bread recipes call for less common ingredients like psyllium husk, xanthan gum, or vital wheat protein. These ingredients can affect the bread's texture and rise, so feel free to experiment with them if you want to create a different type of keto bread.

Sweetening the Bread

While keto bread is typically savoury, you can add sweeteners like monk fruit or erythritol to make it slightly sweeter. This can be a good option if you want to use the bread for desserts or sweet snacks.

Making it Dairy-Free

If you're avoiding dairy, you can substitute butter or ghee with coconut oil or olive oil in most keto bread recipes. This will give your bread a slightly different flavour and texture, but it will still be delicious!

Adding Extra Flavours

Feel free to experiment with adding extra flavours to your keto bread. For example, you could try adding herbs like rosemary or oregano, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even some grated cheese. These additions can completely transform your bread and make it even more enjoyable.

Using a Bread Maker

If you have a bread maker, you might be able to use it to make keto bread. However, keep in mind that not all keto bread recipes are suitable for bread makers, so you may need to experiment with different recipes and settings.

Storing and Freezing the Bread

Keto bread is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to a week. You can also freeze keto bread for up to six months. Simply wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Toasting the Bread

Keto bread is excellent for toasting, and it can be used to make delicious avocado toast, keto French toast, or even keto grilled cheese. Toasting the bread can also help improve its texture and make it crispier.

Making Crackers or Chips

Keto bread can be sliced thinly and baked to make crackers or chips. This is a great way to use up any leftover bread, and the crackers can be a delicious, crunchy addition to soups or salads.

Using Different Pan Sizes

The size of the loaf pan you use can affect the height and shape of your keto bread. A narrower loaf pan will result in a taller loaf, while a larger pan may make the bread flatter. Experiment with different pan sizes to find the perfect one for your desired bread shape and size.

Frequently asked questions