Discover the Ultimate Keto Flaxseed Bread Recipe: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free & Irresistibly Delicious!

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, or those with gluten sensitivities, the craving for bread can be a challenge. However, foregoing bread is no longer necessary with this easy keto flaxseed bread recipe. This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to create a delicious, crusty bread that's perfect for toasting, sandwiches, or enjoying on its own. With only 0.6 grams of net carbs per slice, this bread is a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food.

Why Flaxseed?

Flaxseed is the star ingredient in this keto bread recipe. It’s super-low in carbs and a brilliant source of fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and supports healthy digestion. Flaxseeds are also packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-lipoic acid), which help lower total cholesterol.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Ground Flaxseed (Linseed): This is the base of the bread, providing an earthy, nutty flavor and a wealth of nutrients. Golden flaxseed meal is generally preferred for its milder taste compared to brown flaxseed meal. The recipe works with both golden flax meal and brown flax seeds.
Psyllium Husk Powder: This ingredient is essential for mimicking the texture of gluten dough, making the bread easier to work with and giving it a better rise.
Baking Powder: This provides the bread with lift, as this recipe is yeast-free.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent and add protein and richness to the bread.
Olive Oil: Olive oil contributes to the bread's taste and improves its texture. Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice.
Coconut Flour (Optional): While the recipe can work without coconut flour, it can be added for a softer, more pillowy texture. If substituting with almond flour, use about three times the amount, as almond flour is less absorbent.
Water and Sea Salt: These simple ingredients are essential for bringing the dough together and enhancing the flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy keto flaxseed bread:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Use either a convection oven or a gas oven with a fan.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Grind the Flaxseeds: If using whole flax seeds, blend them in an electric spice/coffee grinder (or small blender) until they form a fine flour. Make sure the flaxseed meal is fresh.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-large bowl, transfer the flaxseed meal and add psyllium husk powder and baking powder.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, and water until well combined.
Mix the Dough: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.
Shape the Dough: Lightly wet the top of the dough and sprinkle it with extra whole flax seeds,Then, fill the flax dough into a well-oiled pan (alternatively, line a pan with baking paper) and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the bread doubles (or even triples) in size and has a golden-brown crust.
Cool: Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

Grind Flaxseeds Finely: If you don’t grind the golden flax meal fine enough, it can cause issues with the structural integrity of this yeast-free bread. The finer the meal, the better the bread will hold together.
Use Fresh Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds become rancid quickly and can develop a bitter taste. Before making the low-carb bread, smell and taste the seeds to ensure they are fresh. Always store ground flaxseed in the freezer to prevent it from going rancid.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that you use room temperature ingredients and fresh baking powder to help the bread rise properly.
Whip the Eggs: Beat the eggs several minutes until they have doubled in size. The air bubbles in the egg mixture will make the dough lighter and ensure a good rise. For extra fluffiness, beat the 3 egg whites in a separate bowl to stiff peaks. Then, fold them into the dough at the end.
Don't Use Defatted Flaxseed Meal: It's important to use flaxseed meal that has not been defatted, as this will affect the texture and rise of the bread.

Variations and Add-Ins

Just like regular bread, you can customize this keto flaxseed bread with various add-ins:

Herbs and Spices: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, or Italian seasoning. Spices like onion or garlic powder can also add flavor.
Vegetables: Sun-dried tomatoes, minced jalapeños, or olives can be mixed into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or poppy seeds on top of the bread before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This keto flaxseed bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Toast: Toast slices and top with butter, cream cheese, or avocado.
Sandwiches: Use the bread to make your favorite sandwiches, ensuring they are keto-friendly. For larger sandwich-style slices, cut the bread lengthwise.
Bread Basket: Serve with keto-friendly soups like keto mushroom soup or keto butternut squash soup.
Breakfast: Spread with butter or blended cottage cheese.

Storage

Keto flaxseed bread stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container. You can warm it briefly in the microwave or toast it. The bread also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

Focaccia-Style: Bake the bread Focaccia-style in a 25x15 cm casserole dish for a different texture and presentation.
Muffins: Make flaxseed bread muffins by dividing the dough into muffin tins before baking.
Egg-Free Version: For an egg-free option, try an egg-free flaxseed bread recipe.

Troubleshooting

Dense Bread: If your bread turns out dense or doesn’t rise, ensure that you are using psyllium husk powder instead of whole psyllium husk.
Gooey Middle: If the bread is gooey in the middle, it could be because the flaxseed meal was not ground finely enough.
Fishy Flavor: If the bread has a fishy flavor, the flaxseeds or flaxseed meal may be rancid.

Health Benefits of Flaxseed

Flaxseed is not only low in carbs but also offers numerous health benefits:

High in Fiber: Promotes digestive health and helps you feel full.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports heart health and reduces cholesterol levels.
Lignans: May help in estrogen metabolism, making them safer for the body.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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