Keto Bread: Low-Carb Option Or Carby Con?

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that puts your body into a metabolic state known as ketosis, where it burns fat instead of carbohydrates for fuel. This has made it a popular weight-loss method. A ketogenic diet typically includes less than 50g of carbohydrates per day, and a single slice of bread contains around 20g of carbs, so those on the keto diet often avoid bread. However, keto bread is a thing, and it does exist. It is typically made with almond or coconut flour, ground flax, psyllium husk, or low-carb almond meal, and is usually gluten-free. It has a slightly different taste and texture to traditional bread, but it is still bread—just a low-carb version.

Keto bread recipes

90-second keto bread

This recipe takes just 90 seconds to make in the microwave!

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons or 1 tablespoon of coconut or almond flour
• 1 tablespoon of butter or oil
• 1/2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder

Instructions:

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or ramekin. Add the almond flour, egg, and baking powder to the butter. Beat with a fork until completely mixed. Microwave for about 90 seconds, until firm. Run a knife along the edge and flip over a plate to release. Slice in half, then toast in the toaster or in a skillet.

Keto bread rolls

This recipe yields bread with a soft centre and crispy outer crust.

Ingredients:

• 1⁄3 cup (1¾ oz) ground psyllium husk powder
• 1¼ cups (5 oz) almond flour
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• Water
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 2 egg whites

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Bring the water to a boil and add to the dry ingredients along with the vinegar and egg whites. Combine well. Add boiling water, while beating with a hand mixer for about 30 seconds. Don't overmix the dough—it should have a Play-Doh-like consistency. Moisten hands with a little olive oil and shape the dough into 6 separate rolls. Place on a greased baking sheet and top with sesame seeds (optional). Bake on the lower rack in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your bread rolls. They're done when you hear a hollow sound when tapping the bottom.

Almond flour keto bread

This recipe yields a light and fluffy bread that tastes like the real deal.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon olive oil, melted
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, reserving an inch on all sides for easy removal. In a small bowl, add the almond flour, baking soda, and salt, and mix well. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and eggs. Gently stir through the dry ingredients until combined. Transfer the batter to the lined pan. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

Best keto bread

This recipe yields a delicious, low-carb bread that is ideal for slicing and making toast or sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 7 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups blanched almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a silicone loaf pan with cooking spray. Whisk the eggs in a bowl until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add melted butter and olive oil, and mix until well combined. Combine almond flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt in a separate bowl, and mix well. Gradually add to the egg mixture, mixing well until a thick batter is formed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

Wholesome Yum keto bread

This recipe yields a soft, airy, gluten-free, and keto-friendly bread with just 5 ingredients and 1 net carb per slice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (or 5 tbsp + 1 tsp; measured solid, then melted; can use coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 12 large egg whites (~1 1/2 cups, at room temperature)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°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, sweetener (if using), xanthan gum (if using), and sea salt in a large food processor. Pulse until combined. Add the melted butter and pulse again 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. Add 1/2 of the stiff egg whites to the food processor and pulse a few times until just combined. Do not overmix. Carefully transfer the mixture from the food processor into the bowl with the egg whites and gently fold until no streaks remain. Transfer the batter to the lined loaf pan and smooth the top. Push the batter toward the centre a bit to round the top. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Tent the top with aluminium 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°F. Cool completely before removing from the pan and slicing.

Keto bread ingredients

Keto bread is a low-carb alternative to traditional bread. It is typically made with ingredients such as almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk, cream cheese, and eggs. These ingredients are combined and baked to create a bread that is fluffy, chewy, and tastes like regular bread. Here is a closer look at some of the common ingredients used in keto bread:

Almond Flour

Almond flour is a popular ingredient in keto baking due to its low-carb content. It gives keto bread a light and fluffy texture. When using almond flour, it is important to use blanched almond flour, as almond meal can make the bread denser and heavier. Almond flour is also a good source of healthy fats and protein.

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is another low-carb flour alternative that can be used in keto bread. It helps improve the texture of the bread and gives it a moist consistency. However, it is important to note that coconut flour is not a zero-carb flour and can absorb moisture from other ingredients.

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is a type of dietary fibre that is sometimes used in keto bread recipes. It helps add bulk and texture to the bread, and it is also a good source of prebiotics, which can support gut health. However, it is important to dilute psyllium husk and not consume it on its own.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is often used in keto bread recipes to add moisture and richness. It also helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the bread a creamy, tangy flavour.

Eggs

Eggs are a staple ingredient in keto baking, including keto bread. They act as a binding agent and provide structure to the bread. Eggs also contribute to the fluffy texture and help the bread rise. Room-temperature eggs are typically used in keto bread recipes.

Other Ingredients

In addition to the main ingredients mentioned above, keto bread recipes may also include baking soda or baking powder as leavening agents, salt for flavour enhancement, and olive oil or butter for added richness. Some recipes may also include sweeteners, xanthan gum, or apple cider vinegar to enhance the texture and flavour of the bread.

How to make keto bread

Keto bread is a low-carb alternative to traditional bread, usually made with almond or coconut flour, ground flax, psyllium husk, or low-carb almond meal. It's a great option for those following a keto diet, which involves eating high-fat and low-carb foods to achieve a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for fuel. While keto bread may not taste exactly like regular bread, it's a healthy and delicious option that can be easily made at home. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon olive oil, melted
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 5-7 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups blanched almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175-180°C). Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal.
• In a small bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, maple syrup (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a thick batter forms.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• Keto bread should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, and will keep for up to 2 weeks.
• You can also freeze leftover slices for up to 6 months.
• If you prefer a denser bread, you can use almond meal instead of almond flour.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with unrefined coconut oil.
• Feel free to add some sweetener to balance out the saltiness, such as monk fruit or allulose blend.
• You can also add xanthan gum for a chewier texture and cream of tartar to stabilize the egg whites.

Keto bread is a versatile and tasty option for those following a low-carb diet. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy sandwiches, avocado toast, grilled cheese, and more while staying on track with your keto goals!

Storing keto bread

If you want to freeze keto bread, it's best to slice it first, then store the slices in a freezer bag or ziplock bag for up to six months.

It's not recommended to store keto bread in anything that traps moisture, like plastic bags or plastic wrap, as condensation will form. If the bread does become a little wet, you can recover it by toasting it.

Buying keto bread

Keto bread is a thing, and you can either buy it or make it yourself. If you're looking to buy keto bread, there are a few options to consider.

Firstly, it's important to understand what keto bread is and why it's different from traditional bread. Keto bread is typically made with ingredients that are low in carbohydrates, such as almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk, cream cheese, and eggs. It's a great option for people following a keto diet, which involves eating high-fat and low-carb foods to achieve a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for fuel.

When buying keto bread, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips and options to consider:

• Ingredients: Look for keto bread that is made with low-carb ingredients. Avoid breads that contain heavy whole wheat or grains, as these are high in carbohydrates. Instead, look for breads made with almond or coconut flour, ground flax, psyllium husk, or low-carb almond meal.
• Nutritional content: Check the nutritional label to ensure the bread is truly low in carbs. Look for options that have a minimal amount of net carbs, which is the total carb content minus fibre and other indigestible components. For example, Nature's Own Life offers keto bread with 1g net carb per slice.
• Taste and texture: Keto bread may have a slightly different taste and texture compared to traditional bread. While it may not taste exactly like regular bread, it can still be enjoyable, especially when paired with your favourite meats, cheeses, or toppings.
• Online retailers: You can find a variety of keto bread options on online retailers like Amazon. A quick search will yield several results, including popular brands such as Nature's Own, Hero Bread, Sola, and Base Culture. These breads typically come in packs of two or more loaves and offer different flavours like white, seeded, or sweet oat.
• Brick-and-mortar stores: In addition to online options, you can also find keto bread in some physical stores. For example, Nature's Own Life Keto Soft White Bread is available at Walmart and other retailers.
• Specialty stores: If you have specific dietary needs or preferences, consider checking specialty stores or health food stores. For instance, Holland & Barrett offers a range of dietary products and may have keto bread options available.
• Consider making your own: If you can't find keto bread that suits your taste or budget, you can also make your own at home. There are several simple recipes available online that use basic ingredients like almond flour, eggs, olive oil, and baking soda.

Remember to always read the labels and check the nutritional information to ensure the bread fits your dietary needs and preferences. By choosing keto bread, you can enjoy bread while staying true to your keto diet and reaping the benefits of ketosis.

Frequently asked questions