Cloud Bread On A Keto Diet: Yay Or Nay?

Cloud bread is a keto-friendly, gluten-free, and low-carb bread alternative. It is made with eggs, a creamy fat source (like cream cheese, cottage cheese, or coconut cream), and a leavening agent (like cream of tartar or baking powder). The result is a batch of fluffy, bread-like rounds with almost no carbs. The name comes from its light, airy texture, similar to that of a cloud.

How to make cloud bread

Cloud bread is a gluten-free, low-carb, and grain-free alternative to bread. It is made with eggs, a little cream cheese, and cream of tartar. Here is a simple recipe for cloud bread:

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs (at room temperature; whites and yolks separated)
• 3 oz mascarpone or cream cheese (softened)
• 1/8 tsp cream of tartar (optional)
• 1/8 tsp sea salt

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (149 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease lightly.
• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
• In a separate bowl, use the mixer to beat the mascarpone or cream cheese, egg yolks, and sea salt until smooth.
• Carefully fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture with a spatula, being careful not to break down the air bubbles in the whites.
• Spoon the batter onto the prepared baking sheet to form 6 circular discs.
• Bake for 25-35 minutes, until golden.
• Let the cloud bread cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.

Ingredients and substitutions

Cloud bread is made with eggs, cream cheese or mascarpone, and cream of tartar. The recipe can be adapted to be sweet or savoury, with the addition of herbs, spices, or sweetener.

Eggs

For the right ratio, use large eggs, not medium or jumbo. Separate the egg yolks and whites.

Cream Cheese or Mascarpone

Most cloud bread recipes are made with cream cheese, but you can use mascarpone for a buttery flavour. You can also experiment with Greek yoghurt, thick coconut cream, or mayonnaise.

Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is optional, but it helps to stabilise the fluffy egg whites. It's a powdery acid that you can find in the baking aisle. If you don't use it, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for easier whipping.

Sea Salt

Add a little sea salt for balance. The rolls won't be salty.

Sweet or Savoury Variations

Cloud bread is a blank canvas. You can add sweet or savoury ingredients to adapt the recipe to your taste.

#### Sweet

Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favourite sweetener, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon.

#### Savoury

Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs or a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Baking and cooling

To make cloud bread, you'll need to preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. This may take around 5 minutes.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, cream cheese, and salt until smooth. Then, gradually fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to break down the air bubbles in the whites.

Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming 5-6 mounds. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until golden.

Remove the cloud bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Storage

Cloud bread can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on how soon you plan to eat it. If you want to keep it in the refrigerator, let it cool and dry at room temperature for at least a day. Then, place it in a container or bag that is not completely sealed. Wax paper or parchment paper between the rolls can also keep them from sticking together.

You can also freeze cloud bread to store it for longer. Arrange the bread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to six months.

Cloud bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. The texture is best if eaten within 12 hours of baking.

Serving suggestions

Cloud bread is a versatile keto-friendly bread substitute that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sandwiches

Cloud bread is perfect for sandwiches, especially if you're following a low-carb or gluten-free diet. You can use it to make a BLT, a turkey sandwich with sun-dried tomatoes and pesto, or even a keto peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Toast

Toast a slice of cloud bread and top it with butter, sugar-free Nutella, strawberry chia jam, or grass-fed butter. You can also spread some cream cheese or mascarpone on top for a more indulgent treat.

Meals

Cloud bread goes well with soups and salads. Try dipping it in a veggie-based soup or using it to scoop up the sauce from creamy mushroom chicken or garlic butter shrimp. You can also serve it alongside a salad, such as an antipasto salad.

Pizza

Top baked cloud bread with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Bake again until the cheese is melted, and you've got yourself a delicious cloud bread pizza!

Breadsticks

Sprinkle cloud bread with cheese and a drizzle of olive oil or butter to make delicious and crispy breadsticks.

Sweet Treats

For a sweeter option, try adding some cinnamon, sweetener, or vanilla extract to the cloud bread batter. You can also top it with sugar-free Nutella or peanut butter for a tasty dessert.

Frequently asked questions