Keto Bread – 0.6 g carbs (Flaxseed Bread)

This easy keto bread with just 3 main ingredients, and only 0.6 g net carbs per slice, is crusty and perfect for toasting and sandwiches. Plus, the flaxseed bread is 100% gluten-free, wheat-free, flourless, low-carb, sugar-free, oil-free, yeast-free, paleo-friendly, egg-free, dairy-free (vegan), and can be made grain-free!

Diet-Friendly Keto Flaxseed Bread

No matter your dietary requirements, no one should have to forego bread. Over the years, I’ve made plenty of gluten-free bread loaves, rolls, and baguettes. However, if you’re looking for a gluten-free bread that is also high in fiber and protein, and low-carb (keto!), this flaxseed bread recipe is a must-try.

The fiber helps to keep you full for longer while supporting a healthy gut. Meanwhile, flaxseeds are also packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-lipoic acid), which help to lower total cholesterol. Plus, it’s low GI, meaning no blood sugar spikes, unlike regular bread.

With just 3 main ingredients, where ground flaxseed is key, this linseed bread has an earthy, nutty flavor and relies on baking powder and psyllium husk to double (or even triple) in size while baking without the need for yeast. The resulting bread is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, without being dry and gritty like other keto bread.

Best of all, by ditching the yeast and gluten, this low-carb flax bread requires no mixer, kneading, or rising time and just 10 minutes to prep. Mix, shape, and bake the dough—no special equipment or skills are required. You might also like this recipe for high-protein lentil bread or keto almond flour tortillas.

The Ingredients

Just three ingredients, plus salt and water, are needed to prepare this keto flaxseed bread recipe.

• Flax seeds: I use whole golden flaxseeds (also called linseeds) for this gluten-free bread that I grind into a fine flour. I don’t recommend using brown flaxseed, as the smell and flavor is far more robust. Do NOT use pre-ground flaxseed meal, as that won’t work since some brands are defatted.
• Psyllium husk powder: This ingredient is essential for helping this gluten-free and wheat-free bread mimic gluten dough, making it easier to work with. Plus, it helps the bread to double (or even triple) in size.
• Baking powder: This will provide the yeast-free bread with lift. You could experiment (I haven’t tried it myself) with 3/4 tsp baking soda and a little vinegar or lemon juice for a grain-free (paleo) bread recipe, or use grain-free baking powder.
• Salt: A small amount of salt will enhance the flavor of the bread.
• Hot water: To bring the dough to the correct consistency and make it pliable.

For the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below.

How to Make Keto Flaxseed Bread?

• First, preheat the oven (either use a convection oven or a gas oven with a fan) to 356 °F/180 °C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat
• Then, blend the flaxseeds in an electric spice/coffee grinder (or small blender) until floury. Transfer the flaxseed meal to a medium-large bowl.

• Add the remaining dry ingredients (psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt), and stir with a spoon.

If you only have whole psyllium husk, grind that into a powder after the flax seeds and measure it after grinding!

• Pour in the hot water and mix with the spoon, kneading it with your hands once it’s cool enough to handle.

• Transfer the bread dough to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a round disk.
• Lightly wet the top of the dough and sprinkle it with extra whole flax seeds, then bake the gluten-free bread for 45-50 minutes, until it doubles (or even triples) in size and has a golden brown crust. Finally, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying it!

You can enjoy this low-carb bread slathered with hummus, to make avocado toast, for other toasts and sandwiches, and to dip into soups and stews.

Storage Instructions

Store: Once cooled, store any leftover vegan bread tightly covered/ in an airtight container in the fridge for 7 days.

Freeze: You can also freeze this keto bread, either whole or sliced with parchment paper between the slices (to defrost only as much as needed each time) for up to 3 months.

Thaw at room temperature, or thaw/reheat slices in a toaster oven/microwave.

FAQs

Which oven is recommended?

I recommend using a convection oven or an oven with a fan, otherwise, the bread will be denser.

My bread turned out dense or didn’t rise. What is the reason?

Some of the most common mistakes are:

• Using cup measurements instead of the metric measurements I provide (and then measuring 1 1/2 cups of ground flaxseeds instead of whole).
• Using brown flaxseeds instead of golden.
• Using store-bought flaxseed meal (it often has less fat and won’t work).
• Using the same amount in tablespoons of whole psyllium husk instead of psyllium husk powder. If you only have whole psyllium husk, grind that into a powder and measure it after grinding!
• Using too much water.
• Not using hot water (let it simmer in a kettle, then pour it immediately over the dry ingredients).
• Kneading the bread for more than 30 seconds (this might result in a dense, flat loaf).
• Baking the bread with other dishes (like a casserole) which will affect the humidity in the oven.

How many carbs does one slice of this keto bread have?

One slice (from 11 slices) of this healthy low-carb bread contains less than 0.6 g net carbs, which is extremly low! This keto bread contains mainly fiber that helps to keep you full for longer and is very beneficial for a healthy gut.

Why is there a large air bubble in the low-carb bread?

If you don’t grind the golden flax meal fine enough, it can cause issues with the structural integrity of this yeast-free bread. That can mean large air bubbles or even the crust pulling away from the bread within.

Can I use a bread loaf pan?

I haven’t tried it, though it should work. However, the baking time may need adjusting.

Why is my flax bread bitter?

Flaxseeds become rancid quickly and become bitter. Before making the low-carb bread, smell and taste the seeds. When fresh, they should have a mellow, nutty flavor and aroma.

Can I add more flavor to the flaxseed bread recipe?

Just like regular bread, you can add more nutrients and flavor to the linseed bread with the addition of your favorite fresh or dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, Italian seasoning, etc.), spices (onion/garlic powder, etc.), sun-dried tomatoes, minced jalapeños, or some olives. You could even sprinkle some extra seeds (like sunflower, pumpkin, sesame seeds, etc.) over the top.

Recipe Notes

• Use home-ground flax seeds: They’ll taste much better and fresher than pre-ground seeds (which often won’t work if you use a brand of flaxseed that has been defatted). Note that the finer the meal, the better the bread will hold together. Sifting it and re-grinding leftovers will help make a really fine flour.
• Allow to cool completely: Leave it to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
• Shape the dough to your liking: Instead of one large loaf, feel free to make smaller bread rolls or baguettes and adjust the baking time as needed.

Other Gluten-free ‘Bread’ Recipes

• Gluten-Free Bread Rolls (German Brötchen)
• Vegan Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
• Potato Flatbread
• 2-Ingredient Lentil Tortillas
• Chickpea Flour Tortillas
• Gluten-Free Pita Bread
• Gluten-Free Naan

If you try this healthy keto flaxseed bread recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan and #elavegan—I love seeing them.

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