If you’re hunting for a delightfully airy and dreamy bread alternative, look no further than The Best Cloud Bread Recipe. This light-as-air creation borrows from classic meringue techniques to give you a fluffy, golden bread that practically melts in your mouth. It’s not just a gluten-free wonder; it’s a fun, unique way to bring a bit of magic to your meals, whether you’re making sandwiches, burgers, or just munching straight from the tray. Once you try The Best Cloud Bread Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet they each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect cloud bread. From the rich eggs to the subtle herbs, every component contributes to the bread’s light texture, flavor, and inviting color.
- 4 large eggs (separated): Fresh eggs are key to creating that fluffy meringue base and rich yolk mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites and helps achieve firm peaks for the ideal airy texture.
- 2 ounces low-fat cream cheese: Adds creamy tang and moisture, blending beautifully with the eggs for softness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning: Brings a fragrant herbal note elevating the simple bread beyond ordinary.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Balances flavor perfectly, enhancing all the other ingredients.
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the lightness.
How to Make The Best Cloud Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a convection setting, use it to get that even heat distribution for perfectly baked bread. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and ensures an even bake.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites to Perfection
Separate the egg whites from the yolks carefully. Place the whites in your stand mixer with the whip attachment, add the cream of tartar, and start beating on high speed. Watch as the mixture transforms from frothy to glossy and finally to firm peaks. These peaks are what give the bread its signature lightness.
Step 3: Create the Flavorful Yolk Mixture
Move the whipped egg whites to a separate bowl. In the empty mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese by beating on high. Then add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing until completely smooth. Stir in the Italian herb seasoning, sea salt, and garlic powder. This mixture is where the flavor lives, so be thorough and smooth!
Step 4: Fold for Fluffiness
Here’s the delicate part: gently fold the firm meringue into the yolk and cream cheese blend. The key is to keep the mixture airy—don’t overmix or deflate the egg whites. The end result should be a fluffy, foamy batter, ready to turn into cloud-like rounds.
Step 5: Shape and Bake Your Cloud Bread
Spoon out 1/4 cup portions of the batter onto your lined baking sheets and spread each into a 4-inch circle about 3/4 inch thick. Leave space around each circle to give them room to bake evenly. Place the sheets in the oven—on convect for 15 to 18 minutes or conventional for up to 30. Look for golden edges and a firm surface with no jiggle in the center before cooling.
How to Serve The Best Cloud Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley can add a lovely pop of color and extra flavor. For a touch of indulgence, a thin smear of garlic butter or herb-infused cream cheese complements the softness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Cloud bread pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. It also serves as a wonderful base for light deli sandwiches, smoked turkey, or fresh tomato slices with mozzarella for a refreshing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these fluffy rounds into mini sliders, or use them as a whimsical base for open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado and smoked salmon. You can even lightly toast and serve alongside soups or stews for a low-carb bread replacement that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your cloud bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’ll stay good for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature, perfect if you want to enjoy it throughout the week.
Freezing
Cloud bread freezes wonderfully. Arrange the cooled rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy cloud bread fresh from the freezer, simply warm in a toaster or oven at low heat for just a few minutes. This revives the bread’s fluffy texture and makes it taste freshly baked once again.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Cloud Bread Recipe without cream cheese?
While cream cheese adds moisture and flavor, you can experiment with alternatives like Greek yogurt or mascarpone. However, these changes might alter the texture and taste, so cream cheese is recommended for the classic result.
Is cloud bread gluten-free and low carb?
Yes, cloud bread is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates since it relies mainly on eggs and cream cheese, making it a fantastic option for gluten sensitivity or low-carb diets.
What causes cloud bread to collapse or become dense?
If the meringue deflates too much when folding or if it’s overmixed, the bread may lose its airy texture. Gently folding and not overhandling the batter is critical to maintaining that fluffy, cloud-like quality.
Can I add flavors or spices to the recipe?
Absolutely! While the Italian herbs and garlic powder are delicious, you can customize your cloud bread by trying different herbs, spices, or even a touch of sweetener to match your taste preferences.
How long does it take to bake The Best Cloud Bread Recipe?
Baking times vary by oven type. Using convection settings, it usually takes between 15 to 18 minutes, while conventional ovens may require up to 30 minutes. Watch for a golden exterior and a firm, non-jiggly center.
Final Thoughts
Once you dive into making The Best Cloud Bread Recipe, you’ll discover a delightful new staple that’s both surprisingly simple and irresistibly tasty. It’s a joy to prepare and even more fun to serve, bringing a charming lightness to your meals. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite bread alternative to brighten your kitchen and your table.
Print
The Best Cloud Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-30 minutes
- Total Time: 25-40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Best Cloud Bread recipe is a light, fluffy, and low-carb alternative to traditional bread. Made primarily of whipped egg whites and cream cheese, it’s seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and sea salt to add a savory touch. Perfect for sandwiches or as a side, these airy, soft breads bake beautifully and are a great option for gluten-free and low-carb diets.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 2 ounces low-fat cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (149 degrees C). If you have a convection oven, set it to convection mode. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Whip Egg Whites: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Place the egg whites in a stand mixer fitted with a whip attachment. Add the cream of tartar to stabilize the whites, then beat on high speed until firm meringue peaks form. Transfer the whipped egg whites to a separate bowl gently.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Using the empty stand mixer bowl, beat the low-fat cream cheese on high until smooth and softened. Add the egg yolks one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then, beat in the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Fold Egg Whites into Yolks: Carefully fold the firm meringue into the yolk and cream cheese mixture. Take care to maintain as much aeration as possible so the mixture remains light and fluffy.
- Shape and Bake: Spoon 1/4 cup portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Spread each portion into an even 4-inch diameter circle, approximately 3/4 inch tall, leaving space between each. Bake in the convection oven for 15-18 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in a conventional oven, until the breads are golden on the outside, firm, and the center doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cloud breads to cool for several minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a cooling rack or serving plate. Enjoy them fresh as a sandwich base or a light bread alternative.
Notes
- Be gentle when folding the meringue into the yolk mixture to keep the bread light and airy.
- Using cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites and achieve the perfect meringue.
- Baking times vary depending on oven type; monitor closely to avoid overbaking or browning.
- These cloud breads are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste, such as adding rosemary or smoked paprika.
