Cheese And Bread: Keto-Friendly Or Not?

Keto cheese bread is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional bread. With a variety of recipes available, this cheesy treat is perfect for those following a keto diet, offering a satisfying and versatile option. From flatbreads to breadsticks, pizza crusts and more, keto cheese bread is an excellent side dish or snack, and can even be used as a base for sandwiches.

Keto cheese bread recipes

Overview

Keto cheese bread is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional bread. It's perfect as a side dish or a snack and can even be used to make sandwiches. The best part? Most recipes require just a few basic ingredients and less than 30 minutes to prepare and bake!

Ingredients

The exact ingredients vary depending on the recipe, but here are some common ones:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Cream cheese
• Almond flour or coconut flour
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Recipe 1: Keto Cheese Bread Sticks

This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and easy keto-friendly snack. It requires just three basic ingredients and a few simple steps.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups of freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• A pinch of Italian seasoning

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (177° C).
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk two large eggs until the yolks and whites are combined.
• Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and seasonings to the bowl.
• Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly consistency.
• Use your hands to form the dough into a ball.
• Coat an 11x7" baking tray with water and add a sheet of parchment paper.
• Place the dough on the tray and press it out evenly.
• Bake for around 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
• Let the bread cool, then cut it into 8-10 pieces.

Recipe 2: Keto Cheese Bread with Almond Flour

This recipe uses almond flour to create a delicious, gluten-free cheese bread. It's perfect for those who want a more substantial bread to enjoy with soups or salads.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• ⅓ cup almond flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 425˚F (220˚C).
• Melt the mozzarella and cream cheese together in the microwave for 1 minute, stirring every 20 seconds.
• Combine almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and an egg in a mixing bowl.
• Mix well, then stir in the melted mozzarella until fully incorporated.
• Stir in the cheddar cheese, then shape the dough into a ball, cover, and chill for 30 minutes.
• Cut the dough into 4 even pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
• Cut each ball in half and place the cut side down on a greased baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Recipe 3: Keto Garlic Cheese Bread

This recipe adds a delicious garlicky flavor to your keto cheese bread. It's perfect for those who want a more flavorful and chewy texture.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 1 ½ cups almond flour
• ½ tablespoon baking powder
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• ¼ cup lukewarm water
• 1 teaspoon inulin powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese for filling

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350° F (176° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Process the almond flour, baking powder, and eggs in a food processor.
• Melt the mozzarella and cream cheese together in the microwave.
• Add the melted cheeses to the food processor and process until a dough forms.
• In a separate bowl, stir together the warm water, inulin, and yeast. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to bloom.
• Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the food processor and pulse until combined.
• If the dough is sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.
• Form the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disc (about ¾ inch tall and 7 inches in diameter) on the prepared baking sheet.
• Use a knife to cut rows in the dough, about 1 inch apart, without cutting all the way through. Repeat in the perpendicular direction to form a grid.
• In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the dough, letting it drip into the cuts.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella inside the cuts, avoiding a ½ inch border at the edges.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the bread is golden and cooked through.

Tips and Variations:

• Feel free to add your favorite herbs and seasonings to any of these recipes. Some options include red pepper flakes, parsley, or Italian seasoning.
• You can also turn your keto cheese bread into a complete meal by using it as a base for a sandwich or pizza.
• For a nut-free option, you can substitute coconut flour for almond flour in most recipes.
• If you're looking for a more crispy texture, try baking your keto cheese bread in a skillet.

Nutritional info for keto cheese bread

Keto cheese bread is a flatbread made entirely of cheese, with a chewy and delicious texture. It is a versatile side dish that can be used as a base for keto breadsticks or a pizza crust. The best part about this keto-friendly bread is that it has zero carbs per slice.

Ingredients:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Eggs
• Almond flour
• Baking powder
• Cream cheese

Nutritional Breakdown:

A serving of keto cheese bread has approximately 125 calories. Here is the nutritional info for a single serving:

• Calories: 125
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: Not specified
• Fat: Not specified
• Sodium: Not specified
• Potassium: Not specified
• Fiber: 0g
• Vitamin A: Not specified
• Calcium: Not specified
• Iron: Not specified

Storing and Reheating Instructions:

Keto cheese bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or place in a preheated oven for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.

How to store keto cheese bread

Storing keto cheese bread is easy. If you're keeping it in the refrigerator, make sure it's completely covered, and it will stay good for up to five days. Be sure to remove any air pockets, as the bread can go from soft and fluffy to dense and hard very fast.

If you want to freeze your keto cheese bread, place slices of the cooled bread in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.

When you're ready to eat your frozen keto cheese bread, you can reheat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven for about five minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Keto cheese bread as a pizza crust

Keto cheese bread is a great alternative to traditional pizza crust, especially for those on a keto diet or looking to cut down on carbs. The crust is made with a combination of shredded mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, almond flour, and eggs, with some recipes also calling for additional ingredients like baking powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Here's a step-by-step guide to making keto cheese bread as a pizza crust:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 ounces (or 1/4 cup) of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of almond flour
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Optional: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or other desired herbs and spices

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking tray or pizza pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
• In a small bowl, mix together the almond flour and baking powder (if using).
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. Microwave in short intervals of 20 seconds, stirring in between, until the cheeses are mostly melted. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
• Transfer the melted cheese mixture to a food processor. Add the eggs and dry ingredients (almond flour, baking powder, and any optional herbs/spices). Blend until a sticky dough forms.
• Place the dough on a large sheet of parchment paper. Top with another sheet of parchment paper and roll out the dough to your desired thickness, typically around 1/4" to 1/2" thick.
• Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and transfer the dough to your prepared baking tray or pizza pan.
• Bake the crust for about 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
• Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can now add your desired pizza toppings! Some popular options include pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
• Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove the pizza from the oven, slice, and serve!

Tips and Variations:

• For a crispier crust, you can flip the crust over and bake it for a few additional minutes before adding your toppings.
• If the dough is sticky, lightly oil your hands or the parchment paper to make it easier to work with.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the dough to suit your taste preferences.
• When choosing mozzarella cheese, opt for low-moisture varieties as they will result in a chewier and less soggy crust.
• You can also freeze the baked crust or the entire pizza after baking for future use. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy!

Keto cheese bread as keto garlic bread

Keto cheese bread is a great option for those on a low-carb diet, and it can be easily adapted into a delicious keto garlic bread. Here's a detailed guide on how to make keto cheese bread as keto garlic bread, with some extra tips and tricks included!

Ingredients

Firstly, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need:

• Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella. Avoid fresh mozzarella as it has too much moisture.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat plain cream cheese is best, but low-fat or neufchatel would also work.
• Almond Flour: Opt for finely ground blanched almond flour. Some brands may be too coarse, resulting in a grittier texture.
• Baking Powder: This helps the bread rise slightly. Ensure you use baking powder and not baking soda to avoid bitterness.
• Yeast (Optional): For a more classic flavour and a little extra lift, you can include active dry yeast.
• Water (if using yeast): It needs to be lukewarm to activate the yeast properly.
• Inulin Powder (if using yeast): This prebiotic fibre is necessary if using yeast, as keto sweeteners won't work.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter.
• Italian Seasoning: You can use your favourite blend or make your own.
• Garlic: You can use garlic powder for convenience, or 2 cloves of minced or crushed garlic for a stronger flavour.

Method

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process:

• Bloom the Yeast (if using): Stir the warm water, inulin, and yeast together in a small bowl and set aside to bloom.
• Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, combine almond flour, baking powder, and eggs. In a separate bowl, melt the mozzarella and cream cheese together. Once melted, add the cheese mixture to the food processor and process until a dough forms.
• Add Yeast (if using): Once the yeast mixture is frothy and puffy, add it to the food processor and pulse until combined.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels sticky, place it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to make it firmer and less sticky.
• Shape the Dough: Using oiled hands, form the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disc about 3/4 inch tall and 7 inches in diameter.
• Cut the Dough: Use a knife to make cuts about 1 inch apart in the dough, almost cutting through to the bottom but not quite. Create a grid pattern by making cuts in the perpendicular direction as well.
• Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic. You can also add some shredded mozzarella to this mixture.
• Brush and Stuff the Dough: Brush the garlic butter mixture over the dough, letting it drip into the cuts. Then, stuff shredded mozzarella into the cuts, avoiding a 1/2 inch border at the edges to prevent seepage during baking.
• Bake: Place the keto garlic cheese bread in the oven and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes, or until it's golden and cooked through.

Tips and Tricks

• Work Quickly: When mixing and kneading the dough, try to be efficient to ensure the dough is uniform and doesn't cool down too much.
• Avoid Sticky Dough: If your kitchen is warm or humid, the dough may become sticky. Chill the dough in the fridge for a while to make it more manageable.
• Thin Dough Disc: A thinner disc of dough works best. If it's too thick, the top may burn before the inside is cooked.
• Wipe Your Knife: Wipe down the knife between cuts to prevent the dough from sticking to it.
• Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the bread while it's in the oven, as cook times may vary.
• Cheese Pulls: Freshly shredded mozzarella will give you better cheese pulls than pre-shredded cheese.
• Storage: You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3-6 months.

With these instructions and tips, you're well on your way to enjoying delicious keto cheese bread as keto garlic bread! It's a perfect side dish or snack, and you can even dip it in marinara sauce for extra flavour. Happy baking!

Frequently asked questions