Fathead dough has become a cornerstone for those following a ketogenic diet, offering a versatile and satisfying alternative to traditional high-carb doughs. It's celebrated for its simplicity and ability to transform into a variety of dishes, from pizza crusts to bagels and even sweet treats. This guide provides a comprehensive look at fathead dough, including its ingredients, preparation methods, tips for freezing, and even where to find pre-made options.
What is Fathead Dough?
Fathead dough is a low-carb dough made primarily from mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and almond flour. It's a game-changer for anyone on a keto diet who misses bread-like textures and the ability to create dishes like pizza, calzones, and cinnamon rolls.
Essential Ingredients for Fathead Dough
The beauty of fathead dough lies in its simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
- Almond Flour: Almond flour serves as the base. While coconut flour can be used as a substitute, it's important to note that it's much more absorbent. When substituting, use about ⅓ of the amount of almond flour called for in the recipe.
- Mozzarella Cheese: This is essential for binding the dough and creating a bread-like consistency. Pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, but shredding it yourself from a block is preferable. Block cheese doesn't contain added fillers, melts more smoothly, and tastes better.
- Cream Cheese (or Butter): Cream cheese adds richness and helps smooth out the dough. Butter can also be used interchangeably.
- Egg: One large egg helps bind the ingredients together.
- Baking Powder: This gives the dough a bit of rise, resulting in a lighter texture.
How to Make Fathead Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making fathead dough is a straightforward process:
- Melt the Cheeses: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the mozzarella and cream cheese (or butter). Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Incorporate the Egg: Stir in the egg until well combined. If the dough becomes too stiff, microwave for another 5-10 seconds to soften it.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour (or coconut flour), baking powder, and any desired seasonings.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Add the cheese and egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft, sticky ball of dough forms.
- Shape the Dough: Use wet hands to work with the dough and shape it as needed for your recipe. Alternatively, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper for an even thickness without sticking.
Detailed Recipe for Fathead Dough
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in the egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together almond flour, baking powder, and any desired seasonings.
- Combine the cheese mixture with the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Use wet hands to shape the dough for your recipe.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fathead Dough
- Cheese Quality: Using high-quality, block mozzarella cheese that you shred yourself can significantly improve the dough's texture and flavor.
- Handling Sticky Dough: Wet hands or working between parchment paper can prevent the dough from sticking.
- Even Thickness: Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper ensures an even thickness, especially for pizza crusts.
- Pre-Cooking Toppings: When making pizza, sautéing vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms before adding them to the crust prevents a soggy pizza.
Freezing Fathead Dough for Later Use
Fathead dough can be made ahead of time and frozen for convenience. To freeze, roll out the prepared dough, wrap it tightly in cling wrap, and store it in the freezer. When ready to use, bake the frozen dough for 5-10 minutes before adding toppings and finishing the baking process.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Pre-Made Fathead Dough Options
For those who prefer convenience, pre-made fathead dough products are available. Fattyhead Keto Crust offers a variety of options, including baguettes, pizza crusts, and pre-made frozen pizzas with keto-friendly toppings. These can be found online and in select stores.
Creative Uses for Fathead Dough
The versatility of fathead dough allows for numerous creative culinary applications:
Keto Pizza
Fathead dough makes an excellent pizza crust that is both chewy and sturdy. Simply roll out the dough, add your favorite keto-friendly toppings, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Keto Dinner Rolls
With a few adjustments, fathead dough can be transformed into soft and delicious dinner rolls. Adding herbs and spices can enhance the flavor.
Keto Calzones
Fathead dough can be used to make savory calzones filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables. Seasoning the dough adds an extra layer of flavor.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Keto Bagels
Fathead dough can even be used to create keto-friendly bagels.
Low Carb Cinnamon Rolls
For a sweet treat, fathead dough can be sweetened and used to make low-carb cinnamon rolls.
Nutritional Information and Considerations
Fathead dough is a low-carb option, but it's essential to be mindful of the ingredients' nutritional content. While the recipe is low in carbs, most of the carbs come from almond flour. Always calculate the nutritional information based on the specific ingredients and serving sizes you use.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto