Keto Fathead Bread: A Comprehensive Guide to Recipes and Techniques

For those following a ketogenic diet, the craving for bread can be a significant challenge. Fortunately, the popular "Fathead" dough offers a versatile and satisfying solution. This article delves into the world of keto fathead bread, exploring its origins, various recipes, troubleshooting tips, and creative uses.

What is Fathead Dough?

Fathead dough gained fame through the movie FatHead, a tongue-in-cheek response to Super Size Me. While the movie doesn't explicitly feature the dough, it became popular on the blog associated with the film. FatHead explores a low-carb lifestyle with a blend of science and humor.

Fathead dough is gluten-free, low-carb, high-fat (LCHF), and keto-friendly. Its versatility extends beyond just a pizza base; it can be used in numerous other recipes. The dough is also very filling, making it a valuable asset for those managing their carbohydrate intake.

The Basic Fathead Dough Recipe

The foundation of fathead dough involves melting shredded mozzarella and cream cheese together. This is typically done in the microwave, taking only a minute or two. Once melted, almond flour and a beaten egg are added and stirred well to combine.

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Cream cheese
• Almond flour
• Egg

Instructions:

1. Place the mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and then cook for another 30 seconds, or until melted.
3. Stir in the almond flour and beaten egg until well combined.
4. Let the dough cool slightly, then knead until smooth.

Troubleshooting Sticky Dough

A common issue encountered when making fathead dough is its stickiness. This can be easily resolved by adding a little extra almond flour.

Read also: Mastering Keto Dough

Variations and Creative Uses

The versatility of fathead dough allows for numerous variations and creative applications.

Sweet or Savory

The mozzarella cheese in fathead dough doesn't impart a strong savory flavor. This makes it suitable for both sweet and savory recipes. Adding sweetener or cinnamon can effectively mask any subtle savory notes when making sweet treats.

Nut-Free Option

For those with nut allergies, a nut-free version of fathead dough can be made using coconut flour instead of almond flour. When substituting, start with half the amount of coconut flour and add an extra egg if needed.

Cheese Variations

While mozzarella is the traditional cheese used, other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, Emmental, or Maasdam can also be incorporated for different flavor profiles. For example, you can make cheddar cheese rolls or "biscuits" by simply folding shredded cheddar cheese into the finished dough before rolling into a ball and cutting!

Recipe Ideas:

• Pizza crust
• Flatbread
• Breadsticks
• Calzones
• Pie crust
• Puff pastry
• Sausage rolls
• Bagels
• Sliders
• Dinner rolls
• Danish pastries
• Lasagna pasta

Fathead Rolls Recipe

Keto Fathead Rolls are a favorite keto bread recipe for many. These rolls are ideal for curbing carb cravings without disrupting a ketogenic diet.

Read also: Low-Carb Pizza Crusts

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella
• Egg
• Almond flour
• Baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, add cream cheese and mozzarella. Microwave on high for 20 seconds at a time until melted.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg until beaten.
4. Add dry ingredients (almond flour, baking powder) and mix well.
5. Work mozzarella/cream cheese mixture into dough. The dough will be sticky.
6. Spoon dough onto plastic wrap. Dust the top of it with almond flour.
7. Fold the plastic wrap over the dough and gently start working into a ball.
8. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
9. Cut the dough ball into 4. Roll each section into a ball. Cut each ball in half. This will form the top and bottom bun.
10. Sit cut side down on parchment paper or a well-greased sheet pan.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and set up.

Preventing Flat Rolls

During recipe testing, instances of flat rolls can occur. Here are some factors that may contribute to this issue:

1. Old or poor-quality baking powder: Baking powder loses its potency over time, which is crucial for the rolls to rise.
2. Insufficient refrigeration: Refrigerating the dough helps it to firm up and rise better.
3. Excess water in mozzarella: Some brands of mozzarella may release excess water when melted, which can affect the dough's consistency. Draining the excess water can help.

Helpful Tips for Working with Fathead Dough

• Oiling hands: Coating hands with oil before kneading can prevent the dough from sticking.
• Refrigerating or heating the dough: Refrigerating the dough may make it easier to work with, while heating it for 10-15 seconds can also help.
• Waiting for the cheese to cool: After melting the cheese, allow it to cool slightly before handling to avoid burns.
• Using almond flour for dusting: Dusting a flat surface with almond flour before transferring the dough can prevent sticking.

Storage and Freezing

Fathead dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for longer. When storing, wrap the dough well in plastic wrap. Allow it to reach room temperature before using.

Cooked fathead dough products, such as pizza bases, sausage rolls, or bread rolls, can also be frozen. Freeze after they have cooled.

Simplified Fathead Dough Method

An alternative, simplified method for making fathead dough involves using a food processor or blender. This method eliminates the need to melt the cheeses separately.

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients (mozzarella, cream cheese, almond flour, egg) into a food processor.
2. Process on low speed until a smooth dough forms (about one minute).
3. Use as a regular fathead dough.

Adding Yeast to Fathead Dough

For a yeasted fathead dough, activate 2 teaspoons of instant yeast with 1 teaspoon of inulin in 1 tablespoon of warm water.

Read also: Ultimate Guide to Keto Fathead Rolls

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