Cloud Bread: Keto-Friendly Or Not?

Cloud bread is a keto-friendly, gluten-free, low-carb bread substitute made with eggs and cream cheese. It gets its name from its light, airy texture, and requires no flour. The bread is high in protein and extremely low in carbs, making it a perfect sandwich bread for those on a low-carb, gluten-free, or grain-free diet. It is also loaded with healthy saturated fats and can be stored at room temperature if consumed within a few days.

What is cloud bread?

Cloud bread is a gluten-free, low-carb bread substitute. It is made with eggs and cream cheese and gets its name from its light, airy texture. It requires no flour and is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and easy to make. The preparation involves whipping egg whites into stiff peaks, adding in cream of tartar to achieve the right texture, and then folding in egg yolks and a full-fat dairy product like yogurt or cottage cheese. The mixture is then baked into small circles on a rimmed baking sheet.

Cloud bread has a light, chewy texture similar to bread and can be used as a substitute for sandwiches or other bread-based dishes. It has half the calories of a slice of bread and few to no carbs, making it suitable for those on a keto or low-carb diet. However, it is high in saturated fat due to the use of full-fat dairy products and lacks the nutrients and fiber found in whole-grain bread.

How to make cloud bread?

How to Make Cloud Bread

Cloud bread is a gluten-free, keto-friendly, and low-carb bread substitute. It is light and fluffy, with a texture closer to that of a thick omelette than a slice of bread. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make cloud bread:

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Cream of Tartar (optional, but helps stabilise the whites)
• Cream Cheese or Mascarpone (some recipes use cottage cheese or Greek yoghurt)
• Salt
• Sweet or Savoury Variations: your choice of sweetener, vanilla extract, cinnamon, herbs, garlic powder, etc.

Method:

• Preheat your oven to around 300°F (149°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
• Separate the egg whites and egg yolks. Place the whites in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, adding the cream of tartar, and beat on high until stiff peaks form.
• In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg yolks, and salt until smooth. If you are making a sweet or savoury variation, add your chosen ingredients to this mixture.
• Gently fold the firm meringue into the yolk mixture, being careful not to break down the air bubbles in the whites.
• Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet to form circular discs. Leave space around each disc as the mixture will spread during baking.
• Bake for around 25-30 minutes, until golden.
• Let the cloud bread cool before serving.

Tips:

• Lining the pan is crucial as cloud bread sticks to pans easily. Parchment paper works best, although a silicone mat can also be used.
• Use room temperature ingredients as these will mix and whip more easily.
• Ensure your bowl and utensils are grease-free to avoid deflating the egg whites.
• Be gentle when folding the mixtures together to avoid breaking down the whites.
• Monitor the cloud bread during baking as it can go from done to burned fairly quickly.

Is cloud bread healthy?

Cloud bread is a gluten-free, keto-friendly, low-carb, grain-free bread alternative. It is made from eggs and full-fat dairy, then baked into a fluffy, bread-like cloud. It is a good option for those who are on a low-carb or keto diet and are craving bread.

Cloud bread has a light, chewy texture and is high in protein. It has half the calories of a slice of bread and has few to no carbs. However, it is missing the nutrients and fibre found in whole-grain bread and is high in saturated fat.

Cloud bread is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. To make cloud bread, start by whipping egg whites into stiff peaks; this will give your cloud bread its light, airy texture. You can add in cream of tartar to achieve the right texture or simply keep whipping. Then, fold in egg yolks and a full-fat dairy product like yogurt or cottage cheese. Spoon the mixture into small circles on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until set.

Cloud bread can be used in most ways that you would use regular bread. It can be used to make sandwiches, toast, meals, cloud bread pizza, and cloud cream puffs.

How to store cloud bread?

Cloud bread is a keto-friendly, gluten-free, low-carb bread substitute. It is made with eggs, cream cheese, and cream of tartar. It is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store cloud bread:

• Let the cloud bread cool: After baking your cloud bread, let it cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make your bread soggy.
• Use an airtight container: Place the cooled cloud bread in an airtight container. This will help keep the bread fresh and prevent it from drying out.
• Store in the refrigerator: Cloud bread is best stored in the refrigerator, where it can last for several days. However, some sources suggest that it is safe to store cloud bread at room temperature, similar to meringue, which is also made with egg whites.
• Use parchment paper: If you are stacking multiple pieces of cloud bread, place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store cloud bread for longer, you can freeze it. Arrange the cloud bread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
• Thaw before consuming: When you are ready to eat the frozen cloud bread, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for quicker thawing.
• Consume within 12 hours for best texture: While cloud bread can be stored for several days, it is recommended to consume it within 12 hours of baking for the best texture.

Creative ways to enjoy cloud bread

Cloud bread is a keto-friendly, gluten-free, low-carb bread substitute that can be used in a variety of creative ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheesy BLTAs:

Warm two loaves of cloud bread, spread on some mayonnaise, and top with cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

Garlic Parmesan Pizza:

Spread tomato sauce onto a slice of cloud bread and top with thin slices of fresh mozzarella. Toast until the cheese is melted and the cloud bread is crisp. For a Garlic Parmesan variation, add granulated garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the batter.

Everything Bagel Cloud Bread:

Spread cream cheese onto a slice of cloud bread and top with lox and capers. For an "Everything Bagel" flavor, add sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dehydrated onion flakes, dehydrated minced garlic, and flaky sea salt to the batter.

Cloud Bread Tuna Melt:

Spread your favorite tuna salad on a slice of cloud bread, add a slice of Swiss cheese, and broil until melted.

Greek-Inspired Open-Faced Sandwich:

Layer sliced tomatoes, plain Greek yogurt, cucumber slices, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice on top of a slice of cloud bread. For a Greek-inspired variation, add crumbled feta cheese and chopped black olives to the batter.

Vermont Grilled Turkey Sandwich:

Spread butter on two slices of cloud bread and fill with shredded white cheddar, sliced turkey, and green apple slices. Grill the sandwich until the cheese has melted. For a Vermont-inspired variation, add cinnamon and raisins to the batter.

Cloud Bread Pizza:

Make mini pizzas using cloud bread as the base.

Cloud Bread Toast:

Top a slice of cloud bread with butter or honey, but be careful not to burn it when toasting.

Cloud Bread with Soup:

Dip cloud bread into a veggie-based soup for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Cloud Bread Breadsticks:

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

Cloud Cream Puffs:

Use cloud bread as the base for light and fluffy cream puffs.

Cloud Bread Pancakes:

Try making pancakes with cloud bread batter for a fluffy and keto-friendly breakfast.

Cloud Bread in Meals:

Use cloud bread to sop up sauces in creamy mushroom chicken or garlic butter shrimp, or serve it alongside salads.

With its mild flavor and versatility, cloud bread can be a creative and delicious addition to your keto diet!

Frequently asked questions