Keto Sourdough Bread (Gluten-Free, Low Carb, and Delicious)
If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet and are craving bread, this keto sourdough bread recipe is the perfect solution. It’s a game-changer for anyone who misses the texture and flavor of traditional bread. This recipe is not only gluten-free but also incredibly low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for anyone adhering to a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. With just 2.5 grams of net carbs per slice, it’s the ideal option to curb your bread cravings without derailing your dietary goals.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make this keto sourdough bread, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, along with nutritional information, including SmartPoints for Weight Watchers (WW). Whether you’re new to the keto diet or a seasoned pro, this bread recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Keto Sourdough Bread
Before we dive into the preparation process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this amazing keto sourdough bread:
- Almond Flour (2 cups)
- Almond flour is a key ingredient in keto baking, providing the right texture without the carbs found in regular wheat flour. It also adds a slight nutty flavor that works wonderfully in sourdough.
- Psyllium Husk Powder (2 tablespoons)
- Psyllium husk helps give the bread structure and moisture while ensuring it holds together without the gluten. It also adds fiber, which is important for digestive health.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons)
- Baking powder helps the bread rise. Since we’re not using yeast for a traditional rise, the baking powder is essential in giving this bread its light, airy texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Salt enhances the overall flavor of the bread, bringing out its savory taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons)
- Apple cider vinegar gives the bread a slight tang, mimicking the sourness of traditional sourdough bread. It also aids in the rise by reacting with the baking powder.
- Water (1 cup)
- Water is necessary to combine all the dry ingredients and form the dough. You may need a bit more or less depending on the humidity and type of almond flour used.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons)
- Olive oil adds moisture to the dough and provides a smooth texture. It also helps improve the flavor, adding richness without the carbs.
- Eggs (2 large eggs)
- Eggs are essential in keto baking for binding ingredients and giving the bread structure. They also add protein and healthy fats.
- Sourdough Starter (Optional) (2 tablespoons)
- If you’re aiming for the authentic sourdough flavor, you can include a keto-friendly sourdough starter. This is optional and not necessary for the success of the recipe, but it enhances the taste.
Instructions for Making Keto Sourdough Bread
Now that we’ve got all the ingredients ready, let’s go through the steps of making this low-carb, gluten-free keto sourdough bread.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is completely heated before placing the bread inside to ensure it bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease a loaf pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking during baking and ensure an easy release once it’s done.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, as this ensures a uniform rise and texture in your bread.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the apple cider vinegar, water, olive oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients. If you’re using a keto sourdough starter, now is the time to add it as well. Mix everything together until it forms a dough. It may seem a bit thick, but this is normal. The psyllium husk will absorb the moisture and help it firm up as it rests.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Once all ingredients are combined, knead the dough in the bowl for about 1-2 minutes. This step ensures that the dough is evenly mixed and that all the ingredients are properly incorporated. You can also use your hands or a spoon for this process.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it into a ball or forming it into a rectangular shape. Place it into the prepared loaf pan. If you like, you can smooth the top of the dough with a spatula or knife for a cleaner finish.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. Check the bread after 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is done.
Step 8: Cool the Bread
Once the bread is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is essential to ensure the texture sets properly.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once your keto sourdough bread has cooled completely, slice it with a serrated knife. It should slice easily, and the texture will be soft and slightly chewy—just like traditional sourdough bread.
Nutrition Facts for Keto Sourdough Bread
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one slice of this keto sourdough bread (assuming 12 slices per loaf):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Total Carbs: 6 g
- Fiber: 3.5 g
- Net Carbs: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Sugar: 0 g
SmartPoints and Weight Watchers (WW) Information
For those following the Weight Watchers program, this keto sourdough bread is an excellent option for a low-carb, filling snack or part of a meal. The SmartPoints calculation for one slice (based on the WW PersonalPoints system) is approximately 2 SmartPoints per slice. This makes it a very reasonable choice if you’re tracking your points and want to include bread in your diet without exceeding your daily allowance.
Tips for Perfect Keto Sourdough Bread
- Use Fine Almond Flour: For the best texture, make sure to use a finely ground almond flour. Coarse almond flour may result in a denser loaf, which can affect the texture of your bread.
- Psyllium Husk is Essential: Don’t skip the psyllium husk. This ingredient is what helps give your bread structure and ensures that it holds together without gluten.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: Depending on the humidity and the type of almond flour you use, you may need to adjust the amount of water in the recipe. The dough should be thick but workable, not too dry or too wet.
- Store Properly: Keto sourdough bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Just toast the slices when you’re ready to enjoy!
- Experiment with Flavor: While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to add your own twist. Herbs like rosemary or thyme can be mixed into the dough for a savory variation. You could also add some garlic powder or parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion: Why Keto Sourdough Bread Is a Must-Try
Whether you’re following a strict keto or low-carb diet, or simply looking to enjoy a healthier, gluten-free alternative to traditional bread, this keto sourdough bread is a perfect solution. With just 2.5 grams of net carbs per slice, it allows you to indulge in the comforting, familiar taste of sourdough without breaking your carb count. Its light texture and slightly tangy flavor are perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even as a side to your favorite keto meal.
This keto sourdough bread recipe is a staple that you can add to your weekly meal prep. It’s not only easy to make but also versatile enough to fit into a variety of meals. Try it today and experience the satisfaction of eating bread on your keto journey!
I hope you enjoy this professional, detailed, and optimized keto sourdough bread recipe on your website!