Pin it
This cottage cheese cloud bread is a protein-packed alternative to traditional bread that's perfect for those watching their carb intake. The light, airy texture makes these little rounds versatile for everything from breakfast sandwiches to snack plates, while delivering a satisfying bread-like experience without the heaviness of wheat flour.
I discovered this recipe during my low-carb journey three years ago, and it's become my go-to bread alternative. Even my carb-loving husband requests these fluffy discs for his breakfast sandwiches now.
Ingredients
- Full-fat cottage cheese: Provides protein and creates the perfect moist texture when baked. Look for brands with minimal additives for best results
- Eggs: Create the structure and airiness. Farm-fresh eggs with bright orange yolks will give your cloud bread a beautiful color
- Cream of tartar: Helps stabilize the egg whites for maximum fluffiness. This is a non-negotiable ingredient for achieving the perfect texture
- Almond flour: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps with structure. Choose finely ground blanched variety for the smoothest results
- Baking powder: Gives additional lift to create that perfect cloud-like texture we're aiming for
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the slight tanginess from the cottage cheese
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Transform these from plain bread to savory delight. Use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Heat your oven to 300°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. The lower temperature is crucial here as it allows the bread to dry out properly without burning the exterior before the inside is set. Make sure your parchment extends beyond the edges of your pan for easy removal later.
- Separate the Eggs:
- Carefully crack each egg, transferring the yolk back and forth between shell halves while letting the white drop into a clean bowl below. Even the smallest drop of yolk can prevent your whites from whipping properly, so take your time with this step. The bowl for whites should be completely clean and dry for best results.
- Whip the Egg Whites:
- Add cream of tartar to your whites and begin whipping on medium speed until the mixture becomes foamy. Then increase to high speed and continue until stiff, glossy peaks form that stand straight up when you lift the beater. This creates the scaffolding that gives cloud bread its signature texture.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- Combine egg yolks, cottage cheese, and all dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix until completely smooth with no visible lumps of cottage cheese remaining. The mixture should have a thick, pudding-like consistency. If using a mixer, keep it on low to avoid incorporating too much air at this stage.
- Fold in the Egg Whites:
- Using a wide rubber spatula, gently transfer about one-third of the whipped whites to the cottage cheese mixture. Fold with a scooping motion from bottom to top, turning the bowl as you go. Once incorporated, add remaining whites in two more batches, maintaining as much air as possible. The final mixture should be light and fluffy like meringue.
- Shape the Cloud Bread:
- Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to portion the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Gently shape into rounds about 4 inches in diameter and 3/4 inch thick. Leave at least 1 inch between each bread as they will spread slightly during baking. For more uniform shapes, you can trace circles on the underside of your parchment as guides.
- Bake the Cloud Bread:
- Place the baking sheet in the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then check for firmness. The tops should be golden brown and spring back when gently touched. If still soft in the center, continue baking in 3-minute increments until fully set. Avoid opening the oven door too often as temperature fluctuations can cause collapse.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes. The breads will be fragile when hot. Then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling for at least 7 more minutes. This prevents condensation from making the bottoms soggy and allows the structure to set fully.
Pin it
When I first served these to my family, my daughter called them "bread clouds" instead of cloud bread, and the name stuck in our household. My personal favorite version includes a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
Storage Solutions
Cloud bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a toaster oven on low heat for 2-3 minutes to restore some of the original texture. Avoid microwaving as this makes them rubbery.
Flavor Variations
The beauty of cloud bread lies in its versatility. For a sweet version, omit the garlic and onion powder and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a tablespoon of your favorite sweetener to the base mixture. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest also make wonderful additions. For an herb-infused version, try adding 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like dill, chives, or basil to the batter before folding in the egg whites.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile clouds work beautifully as sandwich bread alternatives. Top with avocado and a poached egg for breakfast, or use as the base for an open-faced tuna melt at lunch. For a simple appetizer, cut cooled breads in half horizontally and toast lightly, then serve as crostini with various toppings. They also make an excellent side to soups and stews, perfect for soaking up flavorful broths without the carb load of traditional bread.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your cloud bread flattens after baking, your egg whites were likely not whipped firmly enough. Make sure they form stiff peaks that hold their shape even when the bowl is inverted.
For those finding the cottage cheese flavor too pronounced, try draining it in a fine-mesh sieve for 30 minutes before using to remove excess moisture and mellow the flavor.
When the breads stick to the parchment, it typically means they needed a few more minutes in the oven. The bottoms should be set and lightly browned before removing.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I store cottage cheese cloud bread?
Store your cloud bread in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. It will keep at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. For best texture, reheat in a toaster or oven before serving.
- → Why did my cloud bread collapse or turn out flat?
Flat cloud bread usually results from either not whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks or deflating them during folding. Ensure your egg whites form firm peaks when the beater is lifted, and fold very gently using a spatula with a cutting and turning motion rather than stirring. Also check that no egg yolk contaminated your whites, as the fat prevents proper whipping.
- → Can I add different flavors to my cloud bread?
Absolutely! Cloud bread is versatile and takes on flavors well. Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, spices like paprika or Italian seasoning, or even a touch of sweetness with cinnamon and a sugar substitute for a dessert version. Just incorporate dry seasonings with the cottage cheese mixture before folding in the egg whites.
- → Is cottage cheese cloud bread keto-friendly?
Yes, cottage cheese cloud bread is keto-friendly as it's very low in carbohydrates. Full-fat cottage cheese has minimal carbs, and the eggs provide healthy fats and protein. The optional almond flour adds minimal carbs while enhancing texture. Each piece typically contains less than 1g of net carbs, making it perfect for ketogenic diets.
- → Why is cream of tartar used in cloud bread?
Cream of tartar stabilizes the whipped egg whites, helping them maintain their volume and structure during baking. It's an acid that strengthens the egg white proteins and prevents them from collapsing. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute with a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar, though cream of tartar works best.
- → What can I use cottage cheese cloud bread for?
Cloud bread is incredibly versatile! Use it as sandwich bread for burgers or deli meats, toast it for breakfast and top with avocado or eggs, make mini pizzas, serve alongside soups, use as a base for bruschetta, or simply enjoy with butter. It's an excellent bread substitute for anyone reducing carbs or gluten.