Keto Sourdough Bread Recipe For Your Diet

If you’re on the keto train but still crave that crispy crust and soft, airy inside of a freshly baked sourdough bread, you’re in for a treat. This keto sourdough bread recipe is perfect for those who miss their favorite bread but don’t want to derail their low-carb goals. Plus, you get the classic sourdough tang, without all the carbs!

Why Keto Sourdough Bread?

Traditional sourdough bread gets its characteristic flavor and texture from the fermentation of dough by naturally occurring bacteria and wild yeast. While this process reduces the number of carbs in bread compared to some other types, it’s still not keto-friendly. Regular sourdough can have upwards of 20g of carbs per slice, which isn’t exactly ideal if you’re sticking to under 50g of carbs per day.

That’s where this keto-friendly version steps in. By swapping out regular wheat flour with low-carb alternatives, you can still enjoy the sour tang and chewy texture, without the carb overload. And let’s face it, keto baked goods can sometimes be a little dry or flat. But trust me, this recipe brings the real deal!

What Makes This Bread Low-Carb?

Almond flour and psyllium husk powder are the two main ingredients that make this sourdough keto-friendly. Almond flour mimics the texture of regular flour without spiking your carb count, while psyllium husk powder helps give the bread that chewy texture and airiness that you’d expect from a loaf of sourdough. Together, these two ingredients work their magic to produce a loaf that looks, feels, and tastes like the real thing.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making your own keto sourdough bread at home, shall we?

Ingredients for Keto Sourdough Bread

Before diving into the process, gather the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups almond flour
• 5 tablespoons psyllium husk powder (finely ground)
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (this helps with elasticity)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (this adds a subtle tang and helps the rise)
• ¼ cup coconut oil or melted butter
• 1 cup boiling water

Sourdough Starter:

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (this provides the ‘sourdough’ tang)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (if you want a savory twist)
• Seeds (flax, chia, or sesame for a bit of crunch)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Keto Sourdough Bread

Step 1: Preparing Your Sourdough Starter

Before anything, let’s talk about the “sourdough” starter. Traditional starters involve fermenting flour and water over several days. But since we’re dealing with keto-friendly ingredients (which don’t ferment like wheat flour), we need to cheat a little.

• In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This mix will give your bread that characteristic tang, without needing a lengthy fermentation process.
• Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours before using it. If you have the time, letting it sit overnight can enhance the flavor even more.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, xanthan gum, baking powder, and sea salt. These are your dry ingredients, and they’ll form the base of your dough.

Tip: Sift your almond flour before adding it to the mix to avoid clumps. Almond flour tends to pack down in storage, and you don’t want any dense lumps in your dough.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted coconut oil or butter, and your sour cream starter. The eggs give the bread structure, while the oil keeps it moist (because no one wants dry bread). The starter adds that signature sourdough flavor that we’re after.

Step 4: Combine and Knead

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Now, here’s the fun part: Pour in the boiling water while stirring constantly. This will activate the psyllium husk powder, making your dough nice and elastic.

Once all the ingredients are combined, knead the dough gently for about 1-2 minutes. Don’t over-knead it, though; we just want to make sure everything is well mixed. The dough should feel slightly sticky but firm.

Pro Tip: If the dough feels too wet, let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the psyllium husk to absorb more moisture.

Step 5: Shape and Let It Rise

Now it’s time to shape your dough into a loaf. Place the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or loaf pan. You can shape it into a traditional loaf or make a round, rustic-looking boule. If you want to get fancy, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to create decorative slashes, just like a real artisan loaf.

Cover the loaf with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes. It won’t rise as much as traditional bread, but it will puff up a little. The psyllium husk and baking powder do most of the heavy lifting here.

Step 6: Bake It!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once it’s nice and hot, pop your bread into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust turns golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.

If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

The hardest part of this whole recipe? Letting the bread cool! It’s super tempting to slice into it right away, but resist the urge. Let your keto sourdough bread cool completely on a wire rack. This helps set the crumb (the inside texture) and makes it easier to slice.

Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy. You can toast it, slather it with butter, or use it as a base for sandwiches.

Tips for Storing Your Keto Sourdough Bread

• Room temperature: This bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freezing: Keto sourdough bread freezes really well. Slice it before freezing so you can grab individual slices whenever you want. Just pop a frozen slice in the toaster, and you’re good to go.
• Fridge: Storing in the fridge can make it dry out faster, so stick to freezing if you want long-term storage.

What to Serve with Keto Sourdough Bread

Wondering what to pair with your freshly baked keto sourdough? The options are endless. This bread has a subtle tangy flavor, making it perfect for sweet or savory toppings.

Savory Ideas:

• Avocado and Poached Egg: Perfect for a keto-friendly breakfast. Spread some mashed avocado on a slice of toasted sourdough, top it with a poached egg, and sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
• Garlic Butter and Herbs: Toast a slice and rub it with a clove of garlic, then slather with melted butter and a sprinkle of parsley. This works great as a side for soups and salads.
• Grilled Cheese: Use your keto sourdough for a gooey, cheesy grilled sandwich. Pair it with a cup of tomato soup for a comforting, low-carb meal.

Sweet Ideas:

• Keto Jam and Cream Cheese: If you’ve got a sweet tooth, slather your bread with a sugar-free jam and some cream cheese for a quick snack.
• Cinnamon Toast: Spread some butter on a slice of toasted bread, sprinkle it with cinnamon and your favorite keto-friendly sweetener, and voila! A sweet treat without the guilt.

Conclusion

Keto sourdough bread is the perfect solution for low-carb eaters who still crave the satisfying texture and tang of traditional bread. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, toasts, or a side to your favorite keto-friendly meal, this bread hits the spot without breaking your carb bank.

So, roll up your sleeves, get in the kitchen, and bake yourself a loaf of this keto-friendly sourdough. Your taste buds—and your macros—will thank you!