Cloud bread is not your average bread. It’s soft, airy, and perfect for those following a low-carb, gluten-free, or keto lifestyle. Made with just a few ingredients and whipped into a meringue-like texture, this bread alternative has become popular on social media and in health-conscious kitchens. Whether you’re watching your carbs or just want something different, cloud bread is worth trying.
What Is Cloud Bread?
Cloud bread is a high-protein, low-carb bread substitute that looks and feels like a fluffy cloud. Unlike traditional bread, it contains no flour or yeast. The key to its texture lies in beating egg whites to stiff peaks and folding them gently with a yolk-based mixture. This gives cloud bread its signature softness while keeping it light and easy on the stomach.
It’s a versatile recipe that can be used for sandwiches, burgers, or even a sweet treat, depending on the flavoring you choose.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a batch of cloud bread, you only need a handful of basic kitchen ingredients:
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (helps stabilize egg whites)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sweetener (optional, if making a sweet version)
Optional flavor add-ins:
- Garlic powder or herbs for savory cloud bread
- Vanilla extract or cinnamon for sweet cloud bread
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Separate the Eggs
Carefully separate the egg whites and yolks into two clean bowls. Make sure no yolk gets into the whites, or they won’t whip properly.
Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites
Add cream of tartar to the bowl of egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the egg whites should stand tall and hold their shape.
Step 4: Mix the Yolks
In the other bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the cream cheese or Greek yogurt until smooth. If you’re making a sweet version, this is where you can mix in vanilla extract and sweetener. For savory versions, add your herbs or spices now.
Step 5: Fold the Mixtures Together
Gently fold the yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites using a spatula. Do this slowly and carefully to avoid deflating the mixture. It should remain fluffy.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in equal-sized rounds. You can make 6 to 8 rounds, depending on how big you want each piece. Smooth the tops slightly if needed.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Cooling and Storing
Once the cloud bread is baked, let it cool on the tray for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack. It will be soft and slightly spongy when warm but will firm up a bit as it cools.
To store, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them by placing parchment paper between each slice and storing them in a freezer-safe bag.
How to Use Cloud Bread
Cloud bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy it:
- Use it as a bun for burgers or sliders
- Make a breakfast sandwich with eggs and avocado
- Spread nut butter or jam on top for a snack
- Toast it lightly for a crispy texture
- Use sweet versions with whipped cream and berries
Tips for Perfect Cloud Bread
- Use room temperature eggs for better whipping and volume.
- Don’t skip the cream of tartar. It helps stabilize the meringue.
- Be gentle when folding. Avoid stirring hard or fast, or the air will escape.
- Add your favorite flavors. Think of cloud bread as a blank canvas for your taste preferences.
Nutrition Benefits
Cloud bread is especially appealing to those on keto or gluten-free diets. Each piece is low in carbs, high in protein, and contains no added flour. It’s also great for people with wheat allergies or those cutting back on processed grains.
Depending on the ingredients, one piece of cloud bread contains:
- Around 30 to 40 calories
- Less than 1 gram of carbs
- 2 to 3 grams of protein
- No added sugar or gluten
Variations to Try
If you’re comfortable with the basic recipe, you can try different variations:
- Cheddar Herb Cloud Bread with grated cheese and rosemary
- Garlic Parmesan Version for savory sandwiches
- Cocoa Cloud Bread with a spoon of cocoa powder and sweetener
- Spicy Jalapeño Cloud Bread for a bolder flavor
Final Thoughts
Cloud bread is one of those recipes that seems too simple to be true, but it works. With minimal ingredients and maximum flexibility, it’s a fun and useful kitchen hack for anyone avoiding carbs or just trying something new. Whether you want a light sandwich base, a quick snack, or a unique breakfast twist, cloud bread delivers on texture, taste, and creativity. Once you try it, you might never look at bread the same way again.
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