Best Bread Options For A Keto Diet

If you're on a keto diet, you don't have to give up bread entirely. There are plenty of keto-friendly bread recipes and alternatives to regular bread that you can try.

Keto-friendly bread is typically made with dietary fibre and/or nut flours, which are higher in fat but lower in carbs than regular flour. As a result, keto bread tastes different from regular bread, but that doesn't mean it can't be delicious!

Some popular keto bread recipes include cloud bread (or oopsie bread), almond flour bread, and flaxseed bread. You can also find keto bread mixes and pre-made loaves in some grocery stores and online.

When making keto bread, it's important to use the right ingredients and techniques to ensure a good texture and taste. For example, almond flour is often preferred over coconut flour because it provides more flavour and a more delicious result. Separating egg yolks and whites and whipping the whites until stiff can also help create a fluffy, airy texture.

In addition to bread, there are also many creative alternatives that can satisfy your cravings for bread and bread-like foods while sticking to your keto diet. These include using large eggplant slices or Portobello mushrooms as burger buns, cauliflower pizza crusts, zucchini pasta or lasagna, and sweet potato toast.

So, if you're wondering what bread is best for keto, the answer is that there are plenty of options to choose from! You can experiment with different recipes and alternatives to find the ones that suit your taste and preferences.

Almond flour bread

Almond flour is made from ground almonds, meaning it contains the same healthy fats, omega-3s, and amino acids as almonds. It is also a good source of protein.

When making almond flour bread, it is important to note that almond flour cannot be substituted for bread flour or any other kind of flour. This is because the fat content, weight, amount of protein, and carbs differ between flours, especially almond flour.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, flaxseed meal, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and any fresh herbs you wish to include.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
• Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

This bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It is best enjoyed sliced and toasted!

Cloud bread

To make cloud bread, you will need the following ingredients:

• Eggs
• Cream cheese or mascarpone
• Cream of tartar
• Salt
• Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
• Separate the egg whites and egg yolks. Place the whites in a large bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. You can use an electric mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment for this step. Adding cream of tartar to the whites will help stabilize them.
• In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese or mascarpone with the egg yolks and salt until smooth. You can use an electric mixer or a stand mixer for this step as well.
• Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cream cheese and yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
• Divide the mixture into 6-8 mounds or circular discs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 4 inches apart.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or 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 enjoying.
• Pizza cloud bread: Stir in Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, and tomato paste into the egg yolk mixture.
• Everything cloud bread: Stir in everything bagel seasoning into the egg yolk mixture.
• Ranch cloud bread: Stir in ranch seasoning mix into the egg yolk mixture.
• Sweet cloud bread: Add a sweetener of your choice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the egg yolk mixture.

Ezekiel bread

However, there are also some potential risks associated with consuming Ezekiel bread. As a high-carb food, it may not be suitable for people with diabetes or those trying to lose weight, and it is not consistent with a keto diet. Additionally, due to the absence of preservatives, Ezekiel bread may be more prone to mould and the growth of mycotoxins.

Coconut flour bread

Coconut flour is gluten-free, nut-free, and cheaper than almond flour. It's also highly absorbent, so a little goes a long way. It has a subtle coconut flavour that works well in a variety of keto treats and baked goods.

Ingredients:

• 1/2-2/3 cup of coconut flour
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of baking powder (aluminium-free if possible)
• 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum (optional)
• 1/2-1 cup of butter, olive oil, or coconut oil
• 6-8 large eggs
• Salt to taste
• Optional: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or crushed sunflower/flax seeds for topping

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350-355°F).
• Grease an 8x4-inch or 8.5x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, melted butter/oil, and a pinch of salt until frothy.
• Add the coconut flour, baking powder, and xanthan gum (if using). Continue mixing until a thick batter forms.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake for 35-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and slicing.

Tips:

• This bread can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• For a sweeter loaf, add two teaspoons of honey.
• For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
• To make individual buns, divide the dough between the holes of a muffin or bagel pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Flaxseed bread

The main ingredient in flaxseed bread is ground flaxseed, which acts as flour, eggs, and oil. The bread also contains psyllium husk powder, which makes the bread soft and light, and baking powder, which acts as a raising agent. Other ingredients include apple cider vinegar, oil, salt, and warm water.

The bread is easy to make and only requires a few steps. First, the flaxseeds are blended into a fine flour. Then, the dry ingredients are combined in a bowl, and the wet ingredients are added and mixed until a dough forms. The dough is then shaped into a loaf and baked in the oven until golden.

One slice of flaxseed bread typically contains just 1.3g net carbs, making it an excellent option for those on a keto diet.

Frequently asked questions