For those following a ketogenic diet, finding suitable bread replacements can be a challenge. However, with a few clever ingredient swaps, you can enjoy the comforting taste of biscuits without derailing your diet. This article explores various keto biscuit recipes, offering options for different preferences and dietary needs.
Understanding Keto Biscuits
Traditional biscuits are high in carbohydrates due to their wheat flour content. Keto biscuits, on the other hand, utilize low-carb flours like almond flour and coconut flour to significantly reduce the carb count. These biscuits are typically grain-free, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
What Makes a Biscuit a Biscuit?
Biscuits, in the United States, are a type of quick bread, similar to dinner rolls but denser and flakier. Unlike traditional bread, biscuits don't require yeast for leavening. Instead, they rely on baking powder or baking soda to rise. Traditional recipes typically include flour, baking powder/soda, butter, and milk (or buttermilk).
Key Ingredients in Keto Biscuits
- Almond Flour: A staple in keto baking, almond flour provides a light, fluffy texture. Superfine blanched almond flour is recommended for the best results.
- Coconut Flour: Often used in combination with almond flour, coconut flour adds structure and absorbs moisture.
- Butter: Essential for a rich flavor and crumbly texture. Cold butter is crucial for achieving the desired consistency.
- Buttermilk (or Kefir): Adds a wonderful flavor and helps to create a fluffy texture. Kefir can be used as a substitute for buttermilk.
- Eggs: Often, egg whites are used to add structure and lightness.
- Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is commonly used in keto baking to bind ingredients and create a good structure. Cheddar cheese (freshly grated or "off the block") can be added for flavor and texture, and it can help biscuits maintain their shape during baking.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise. Ensure it's fresh for optimal results.
- Xanthan Gum: A binding agent that helps to improve the texture of gluten-free baked goods.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream is recommended for flavor and texture, but plain Greek yogurt can be substituted.
Recipe 1: Keto Buttermilk Biscuits
These biscuits are soft, buttery, and slightly crumbly, reminiscent of traditional buttermilk biscuits but without the carbs.
Ingredients
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Xanthan gum
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cold butter
- Egg whites
- Buttermilk (or kefir)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter, whisk, or fork until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Whisk together egg whites and buttermilk (or kefir) and add to the dry mixture. Stir just until combined. Let it sit for 1 minute. The dough will look somewhat lumpy.
- Drop scant 1/4 cup portions onto the lined baking sheet to make 9 biscuits.
- Slightly flatten the top to prevent a dome from rising.
- Bake for 14-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool down for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe 2: 30-Minute Keto Biscuits
These tender and flavorful biscuits are made with almond flour and require minimal prep time.
Read also: Sweet and Salty Keto Treat
Ingredients
- Almond flour
- Sour cream (full-fat)
- Baking powder
- Egg
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, and salt.
- Mix in the almond flour followed by the baking powder. The batter should be thick. If it's thinner, add ½ ounce (2 tablespoons) of almond flour.
- Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, place six mounds of the batter on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake until golden, for 15-17 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Recipe 3: Cream Cheese Keto Biscuits
This recipe utilizes cream cheese and cheddar cheese for a flavorful and satisfying biscuit.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat), softened
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Eggs (large)
- Super fine blanched almond flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Heavy cream
- Melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and eggs. Stir until cream cheese is smooth with no clumps.
- Add the super fine almond flour, baking powder, salt, heavy cream, and melted butter. Stir until combined.
- Chill the dough for 10 minutes.
- Lightly sprinkle almond flour onto a cutting board and turn the dough onto the floured surface.
- Cut the dough into 6 equal portions and pat it into biscuit shapes. The dough should be nice and thick.
- Place the biscuits onto a greased or silicone-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
Recipe 4: Keto Biscuits and Gravy
This recipe combines flavorful drop biscuits with a savory sausage gravy for a classic Southern breakfast.
Ingredients: Biscuits
- Dry ingredients (almond flour, etc.)
- Butter
- Eggs
Ingredients: Breakfast Sausage Gravy
- Sausage
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Broth
- Xanthan gum
- Ground black pepper
Instructions
- For the biscuits:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all of the dry ingredients. Add butter and eggs and continue mixing until fully combined.
- Separate dough into 10 balls and gently roll into slightly flattened disks.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, until the biscuits begin to brown.
- Allow them to cool completely or they will fall apart.
- For the breakfast sausage gravy:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown sausage until no pink remains.
- Add butter to the skillet. Break cream cheese into pieces and place into skillet. Mix until cream cheese is fully melted, (2-3 minutes).
- Pour heavy cream and broth into the skillet. Sprinkle in the xanthan gum and pepper and stir.
- Heat to a low boil then turn off the heat and continue to stir. This will allow xanthan gum time to thicken.
- Serve warm over biscuits.
Tips for Perfect Keto Biscuits
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture. Cut the butter into small pieces and work it into the flour mixture quickly to prevent it from melting.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough biscuits. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
- Thick Batter: The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape on the baking sheet. If the batter is too thin, add a little more almond flour.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use weight measurements (grams or ounces) for almond flour whenever possible, as volume measurements can be inconsistent.
- Sift Almond Flour: Sifting almond flour helps to remove clumps and create a smoother texture.
- Cool Down: Let the biscuits cool down on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
- Storage: Keto biscuits are best when eaten warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Variations and Topping Ideas
- Cheese Biscuits: Add parmesan and spices to the dough for a savory cheese biscuit.
- Sweet Biscuits: Add vanilla extract and a keto-friendly sweetener to the dough for a sweet biscuit.
- Ham and Cheese Biscuits: Add diced ham and cheese to the dough for a hearty breakfast biscuit.
- Cheddar Garlic Biscuits: Create a low-carb Red Lobster Biscuit copycat with cheddar cheese and garlic powder.
- Sausage Cheddar Biscuits: Incorporate sausage and cheddar cheese for a flavorful and filling biscuit.
- Three Cheese Biscuits: Combine sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a cheesy and aromatic biscuit.
Topping Ideas:
- Butter
- Keto-friendly jam or compote (like Keto Blueberry Jam or strawberry compote)
- Cream cheese and smoked salmon
- Sliced hard-boiled eggs
- Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, or brie
- Keto breakfast sandwich fillings (deli meat, bacon, cheese, and egg)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thin Batter: A thin batter is a common cause of flat biscuits. Ensure the batter is thick and holds its shape.
- Overbaking: Overbaking can result in dry biscuits. Bake until golden brown and just firm to the touch.
- Using Expired Baking Powder: Expired baking powder will not leaven the biscuits properly. Check the expiration date before using.
Read also: Sweet Keto Treat
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