For those embracing a low-carb lifestyle, finding satisfying bread substitutes can be challenging. This keto flatbread recipe, crafted with almond flour and mozzarella, offers a flavorful and versatile solution. It’s perfect for sandwiches, pizza crusts, or simply enjoying as toast. This recipe is a game-changer, providing a chewy, perfectly seasoned alternative to traditional bread that aligns with a keto diet, and unlike many store-bought options, you control the ingredients.
Why Choose Homemade Keto Flatbread?
When cravings for bread strike, store-bought keto options often fall short. They might contain undesirable additives like guar gum, xanthan gum, and fumaric acid, or come with a hefty price tag without delivering on taste or texture. This mozzarella flatbread recipe offers a practical and budget-friendly alternative, using minimal ingredients easily found at the grocery store.
A common question is whether homemade keto bread is superior to store-bought varieties. Store-bought keto breads frequently include preservatives and fillers to extend shelf life, while homemade versions, like this mozzarella flatbread, use simple, wholesome ingredients. By making keto bread at home, you have complete control over the ingredient list, avoiding unwanted additives and artificial components. Furthermore, many commercially produced keto breads have a distinct taste and texture that some find unappealing, often being too spongy or lacking flavor. While convenient, store-bought options can be expensive. This recipe allows you to create a batch of keto-friendly flatbread using ingredients you likely already have, saving money in the process.
One of the greatest advantages of homemade keto bread is the ability to customize it to your liking. Adjust the amount of garlic powder, experiment with different herbs, or even add toppings to create a personalized flatbread pizza.
Key Ingredients
This recipe relies on a few simple ingredients to create a satisfying and flavorful flatbread:
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- Shredded Mozzarella: The base of this recipe, mozzarella cheese provides a soft, chewy texture and savory flavor. It melts beautifully when heated, binding the other ingredients together.
- Almond Flour: A keto lifestyle staple, almond flour is commonly used in keto bread recipes. It’s gluten-free, low in carbs, and offers a nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella. Remember to use blanched almond flour, not almond meal, to avoid a gritty texture.
- Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping the flatbread maintain its shape.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory element that enhances the flavor without increasing the carb count.
- Oregano: Dried oregano contributes a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean dishes.
Some recipes may include cream cheese for added richness. You can also add psyllium husk powder to help with the chewiness and pliability of the dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This low-carb bread recipe is simple and straightforward, here are some step-by-step photos of the naan recipe so you can make them along with me.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also use a silicone baking mat.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, psyllium husk powder (if using), garlic powder, onion powder (optional), and salt. Set aside.
- Melt the Cheeses: Melt the mozzarella and cream cheese (if using) together in a double boiler or microwave. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted cheese to the almond flour mixture, along with the egg. Mix well until a dough forms.
- Shape the Flatbread: Divide the dough into equal portions. On the parchment-lined baking sheet, flatten each portion into your desired shape, about ¼ inch thick. Wet your hands before forming the naan pieces. If your hands are wet, the dough won't stick to them as much. This is a very sticky dough, so this tip is super important.
- Add Seasonings (Optional): Top with additional seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) or 400°F (200°C), depending on the recipe. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. To check for doneness, you can insert a toothpick and it should come out clean.
- Serve: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley (optional). Serve warm with your favorite keto-friendly toppings or as a side dish.
Tips for Success
- Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Don’t skip the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Watch Carefully: Ovens can vary, so monitor the flatbread closely to prevent over-browning.
- Don't Burn the Cheese: When melting the mozzarella cheese in the microwave, do it in 30-second intervals and stir it really well in between intervals. This way, the mozzarella cheese won't burn.
Serving Suggestions
- Sandwich Bread: Slice the flatbread and use it as a base for your favorite keto-friendly fillings.
- Pizza Crust: Top with sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings for a keto-friendly pizza.
- Side Dish: Serve alongside soups, salads, or grilled meats.
- Naan Bread: Serve it with some homemade keto butter chicken for an authentic experience.
- Wraps: Add your favorite meat and dressing and use it as sandwich bread or a wrap.
- Chips: Cut them up and toast them or even fry them. You can even crisp them up in an air fryer.
Storage Instructions
This flatbread is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for later use:
- Refrigerator: Store in a resealable bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 1 month.
Variations and Substitutions
- Coconut Flour: While almond flour is preferred, coconut flour can be used, but use only about 1/4 the amount, as it is more absorbent.
- Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Italian seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, and cinnamon and sugar (for a sweet twist) are all great options.
- Nut-Free: Try using coconut flour as a substitute for almond flour. Use about 2 tablespoons of coconut flour for this recipe.
- Egg Whites: Yes, this recipe can be made using just egg whites instead of whole eggs.
- Cheese: There is a way to make fathead naan, but you will have to decrease how much mozzarella cheese you use.
- Leavening: Adding ½ to 1 teaspoon of baking powder will give your flatbread a thicker consistency.
Common Questions
- How many grams of net carbs are in this recipe? This recipe contains approximately 7 grams of net carbs per serving. Use milled almond flour and part-skim mozzarella for accurate carb counts.
- Can I use a different type of flour? Almond flour is recommended, but coconut flour can be used in smaller quantities.
- Is this flatbread safe for room temperature storage? Due to the dairy and egg content, it’s best to store this flatbread in the refrigerator after it cools.
- Is keto naan gluten-free? Yes! Since this is made with almond flour, it doesn't have any gluten in it at all.
- Is this keto naan made with fathead dough? No, this is not made with fathead dough. Fathead dough is a combination of mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, egg, and a type of low-carb flour (like almond flour). I did not use any cream cheese; I used sour cream.
- How do you store low-carb naan? Store this bread in a resealable bag or an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Can you freeze keto naan? Yes, this flatbread freezes really well! I recommend baking it and then freezing it.
- Can I add other ingredients to this recipe? Absolutely! Add herbs, spices, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Other Keto Bread Recipes to Try
- Coconut Flour Pizza Crust
- Key Lime Bread Coconut Cake Loaf
- Keto Bread (made with pork rinds)
- Keto Bagels (made with fathead dough)
- Low-Carb Buttermilk Pancakes (made with oat fiber)
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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