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Ultimate Keto Buns

  • Ready in 1h
  • 4.2 g net carbs
  • 208 kcal
  • Serves 10
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Ultimate Keto Buns (low-carb, just like bread)

A couple of weeks ago, I asked my readers which bread recipe they’d like to see next, and it was a close call. The Ultimate Keto Buns ended up as one of the top requests — and no surprise, they’ve been one of the most popular recipes in the KetoDiet App for years.

These buns are soft, fluffy, and easy to make, whether you’re using them for burgers, sandwiches, or just warm with butter. They’ve become a staple in my kitchen, and I know many of you already love them as much as I do.

PS: If you’re looking for even more bread recipes, you can find plenty in my cookbooks. From fluffy grain-free loaves to low-carb sourdough, there’s a bread for every occasion.

Why You'll Love These Keto Buns

  • Soft & fluffy texture – No dense, heavy bread here. These buns are light, airy, and perfect for burgers or sandwiches.
  • Easy to make – Simple steps that give great results.
  • Low-carb & gluten-free – All the comfort of bread without the carbs or gluten.
  • No eggy taste – Thanks to a clever mix of whole eggs, egg whites, and low-carb flours, they taste like real bread.
  • Versatile – Bake as individual rolls or make a whole loaf with just one adjustment.

Ingredients and Swaps

Here's what you need to make the perfect keto buns:

  • Almond flour – The base of the dough. For a nut-free version, try my Nut-Free Keto Buns.
  • Coconut flour – Balances the almond flour. If you prefer, replace 1/2 cup coconut flour with 1 cup almond flour.
  • Psyllium husk powder – Essential for binding and fluffy texture. Always grind whole husks yourself; store-bought powders can be too dense and make the buns heavy or purple. Can't have psyllium? Here's a psyllium-free version of these keto buns. Note: When baking with psyllium, drink enough water throughout the day to prevent constipation!
  • Flax meal – Adds structure and fiber. See my flax-free keto bread for if you avoid this ingredient.
  • Eggs + egg whites – Help the buns rise without tasting eggy. Too many yolks will make them dense.
  • Cream of tartar & baking soda – Act as leavening agents. If you don’t have cream of tartar, use apple cider vinegar instead (add it to the wet ingredients).
  • Garlic & onion powder – Flavor boosters; you can use one or both, or substitute with fresh garlic. Fresh garlic works too (about 2 cloves per batch). Feel free to swap these for other options or skip altogether. You can use herbs like rosemary or spices such as cumin for variety.
  • Seeds for topping – Sesame, sunflower, flax, poppy, or caraway all work.
  • Optional sweetener – A little low-carb sweetener such as Erythritol, Allulose or Swerve adds that subtle sweetness of classic burger buns, but you can skip it.

How to Make Keto Buns That Taste Just Like Bread

These keto buns can be prepared in two ways, and both will give you fluffy, bread-like rolls. The first method, adapted from Maria Emmerich’s blog Keto Adapted, uses boiling water: simply mix all of the dry ingredients together, then add the eggs, egg whites, and boiling water as shown in the step-by-step instructions below.

The second method uses lukewarm water and a slightly different order of mixing. Start by combining all of the dry ingredients except for the psyllium husk powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, egg whites, and lukewarm water with the psyllium until it thickens. Finally, add the wet mixture to the remaining dry ingredients and process until a dough forms.

Tips for Best Keto Buns

  • Weigh everything. Use a kitchen scale for flours, flax, and psyllium. Cup measures vary too much and can ruin the texture.
  • Grind psyllium husks. Always use a blender or coffee grinder to make a fine powder. Store-bought powders are often too dense, leading to flat, heavy, or even purple buns.
  • Leavening agents. For every 2 tsp of gluten-free baking powder you need 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1 tsp cream of tartar. In this recipe (10 buns) that amount is doubled. If you don’t have cream of tartar, use apple cider vinegar instead — just mix it into the wet ingredients.
  • Egg adjustments. If your buns don’t rise, try using only egg whites and leave out the yolks. Too many yolks weigh the dough down. For a fluffier result, whip the whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then gently fold them in.
  • Hollow bubbles inside? That usually means the psyllium wasn’t ground finely enough. Always check texture before mixing.
  • If buns are too moist, don’t cut the water (psyllium needs it). Instead, dry them out in a low oven (100 °C/210 °F fan, 120 °C/250 °F conventional) for 30–60 minutes. Slice and toast if needed.
  • Work quickly. Shape the dough and bake straight away — don’t let it sit out.
  • Purple hue? Some psyllium powders do this. It’s harmless and only cosmetic. Freshly ground whole husks usually bake up light brown.
  • Meal prep shortcut. Mix all the dry ingredients ahead, label the bag or jar with serving size, and just add the wet ingredients when ready to bake.

Keto Bread FAQ

Does this bread taste eggy?

No. Even though the recipe uses a lot of eggs, the mix of whole eggs, egg whites, and low-carb flours prevents that strong egg flavor. There’s also no coconut taste.

Can I make a loaf instead of rolls?

Yes. Bake for 75 minutes in a firm loaf pan (not silicone).

Can I make this if I have food allergies?

Yes. Try my Nut-Free Keto Buns, Psyllium-Free Buns, or Flax-Free Keto Bread. For a coconut-free version of this recipe, swap the 1/2 cup coconut flour for 1 cup almond flour.

Why do I need egg whites instead of whole eggs?

Too many yolks make the buns dense. Egg whites help them rise and stay fluffy.

Why do the buns sometimes look purple inside?

That’s from certain psyllium husk powders. It’s only cosmetic — the bread is safe to eat. Grinding whole husks yourself usually prevents this.

Can I make a loaf instead of rolls?

Absolutely! If making a loaf instead of buns, bake for 75 minutes. Do not use a silicon (soft) loaf pan — use a firm pam instead.

Where can I use all the leftover egg yolks?

Don't waste the egg yolks, use them in other recipes like Homemade Mayo, Easy Hollandaise Sauce or Lemon Curd.

Similar Recipes You Will Love

If you have any food allergies and can't eat nuts, eggs or flax meal, try some of these options:

How To Use Keto Buns

These buns are soft, fluffy, and versatile, making them perfect for more than just burgers. Use them anywhere you’d normally enjoy bread — for quick lunches, hearty dinners, or even meal prep. Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:

Step-by-step

  1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C/ 350 °F (fan assisted), or 195 °C/ 380 °F (conventional). Use a kitchen scale to measure all the ingredients and add them to a mixing bowl (apart from the sesame seeds which are used for topping): almond flour, coconut flour, flax meal, psyllium husk powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt (and optionally, Erythritol).
    Note: Do not use whole husks. If using them, grind in a blender/coffee grinder until powdery. Always weigh after grinding — brands vary by cup measure.

    Ultimate Keto Buns (low-carb, just like bread)
  2. Mix all dry ingredients together.

    Ultimate Keto Buns (low-carb, just like bread)
  3. Add 6 egg whites and 2 whole eggs.

    Ultimate Keto Buns (low-carb, just like bread)
  4. Beat with a mixer until thick dough forms.

    Ultimate Keto Buns (low-carb, just like bread)
  5. Pour in 480 ml (2 cups) boiling water.

    Ultimate Keto Buns (low-carb, just like bread)
  6. Mix again until fully combined.

    Ultimate Keto Buns (low-carb, just like bread)
  7. Spoon into 10 buns, about 110 g/3.9 oz each, onto a lined tray. Leave space between, or use small tart trays.

    Ultimate Keto Buns (low-carb, just like bread)
  8. Top with sesame seeds (or sunflower, flax, poppy, or caraway) and press lightly into dough. Bake 45–50 minutes.

    Ultimate Keto Buns (low-carb, just like bread)
  9. Cool on the tray, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

    Ultimate Keto Buns (low-carb, just like bread)
  10. Serve plain, with butter or cream cheese, or filled like burger buns.
    Meal prep tip: To save time, mix all the dry ingredients ahead and store in a zip-lock bag and add a label with the number of servings. When ready to be baked, just add the wet ingredients!

    Ultimate Keto Buns
Ultimate Keto Buns

Recipe

Ultimate Keto Buns

★★★★★4.8 (2,173 ratings)

The original keto buns—easy, fluffy, and low-carb, plus completely gluten-free. Just like real bread!

Hands on
15m
Overall
1h
Servings
10
4.2 g
Net carbs
10.1 g
Protein
15.2 g
Fat
208
kcal
PinRate

Ingredients makes 10 buns

  • Dry ingredients:
  • Wet ingredients:

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C/ 350 °F (fan assisted), or 195 °C/ 380 °F (conventional). Use a kitchen scale to measure all the ingredients and add them to a mixing bowl (apart from the sesame seeds which are used for topping): almond flour, coconut flour, flax meal, psyllium husk powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt (and optionally, Erythritol).
    Note: Do not use whole husks. If using them, grind in a blender/coffee grinder until powdery. Always weigh after grinding — brands vary by cup measure.

  2. Mix all dry ingredients together.

  3. Add 6 egg whites and 2 whole eggs.

  4. Beat with a mixer until thick dough forms.

  5. Pour in 480 ml (2 cups) boiling water.

  6. Mix again until fully combined.

  7. Spoon into 10 buns, about 110 g/3.9 oz each, onto a lined tray. Leave space between, or use small tart trays.

  8. Top with sesame seeds (or sunflower, flax, poppy, or caraway) and press lightly into dough. Bake 45–50 minutes.

  9. Cool on the tray, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

  10. Serve plain, with butter or cream cheese, or filled like burger buns.
    Meal prep tip: To save time, mix all the dry ingredients ahead and store in a zip-lock bag and add a label with the number of servings. When ready to be baked, just add the wet ingredients!

Nutrition per bun

Carbs 9%Protein 21%Fat 70% of calories

Net carbs
4.2 g
Total carbs
12.4 g
Fiber
8.1 g
Sugars
1.5 g
Protein
10.1 g
Fat
15.2 g
Saturated fat
2.3 g
Calories
208 kcal
Sodium
397 mg · 17.3% RDA
Magnesium
95 mg · 23.8% RDA
Potassium
389 mg · 19.5% EMR
Nutrition by ingredient

Serving size bun

  • Gluten free
  • Dairy free
  • Nightshade free
  • Pork free
  • Avocado free
  • Fish free
  • Shellfish free
  • Beef free
  • Pescatarian
  • Vegetarian

Serve it with

Dishes that go well with low-carb bread.

Comments & ratings (656)

4.82,173 ratings
  • 5 ★1,900
  • 4 ★227
  • 3 ★37
  • 2 ★7
  • 1 ★2

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  1. Sarah★★★★★

    These buns are the best bread substitute I have come across since giving up grains - I can have burgers & sandwiches again, even my hubby will eat them which must mean they taste like good :0)

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Thank you so much!

  2. Clare★★★★★

    I've been making the keto buns for my daughter who has epilepsy. I always have loads of egg whites left and it's a great way to use them. It's the best low-carb bread I've tried!

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Thank you Clare!

  3. Karen L.★★★★★

    Made this for the second time (try) and much better results. Pay attention to the tips and methods, first time I did not weigh dry ingredients and I used the lukewarm water method....not so good, very moist and did not rise nicely, had to toast in toaster prior to eating to salvage batch. Second try, got a good scale! and I used the boiled water method - only variation I had was substitute almond flour for the flax meal as I did not have any in the house. They look like buns! and taste so much better - we ate some with brats and sauerkraut and spicy mustard...heaven...have been going 'bunless' so often so it is nice to actually have a hotdog or brat (all natural ing of course) in a bun! Thank you for the very well explained recipe as baking is a science AND art!

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Thank you Karen, glad you enjoyed! ❤️

  4. Jane★★★★★

    I love the keto buns. They are so light and fluffy and even better than wheat bread! I always make one or two batches and freeze them for later.

  5. Dan★★★★★

    Can I mix this in a food processor or do I need to buy a hand mixer. Thanks, love your site so much, share with all my friends. x

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Thank you for your kind words! A food processor may be ok to use although I have only tried using a hand mixer and a stand mixer. Just be careful not to over-process the dough as it might deflate the bread and it won't be as airy/fluffy.

  6. Lorraine★★★★★

    Hi there I've just made these and waiting to try one now...they look amazing. I'm just wondering though if these can be frozen? As 10 buns is too much for one person lol...thank you in advance

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Yes absolutely! I'd strongly recommend freezing anything you don't plan to eat within a day. They just taste so much better fresh! When you freeze them they will taste like fresh ones once defrosted. I usually defrost mine in the oven set to low temperature.

  7. Alison★★★★★

    These rolls are superb! I halved the recipe and used 2 whole eggs - perfect! They are so light and fluffy. I used baking powder and apple cider vinegar. I baked in fan oven for 50 mins and then just turned the oven off and left them in until cool. I added mixed seeds to the dough instead of on top. Delicious! These are my go-to rolls now, so easy for a portable lunch for work.

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Thank you so much for the lovely feedback, Alison!

  8. Hilary★★★★★

    I love the bread buns being wheat sensitive it’s better than any bread I’ve tried will try loaf next. Great app.

  9. Elizabeth★★★★★

    These hamburger buns are simply delicious. The recipe is so very easy to follow. Somehow I ended up with 11 buns and they all fit on one large cookie sheet. I baked for a full 50 minutes, then cooled completely. I ended up slicing the buns in thirds and placing them on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Baked them at 250 degrees for 45 minutes. They dried perfectly and were enjoyed immensely. Will be my go to for when we have burgers......also delicious with eggs and bacon.
    Thank you for making my Keto easy to navigate. Love your recipes.

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed! 😊

  10. Maria

    Hi! Can I sub the almond flour?

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      If you can't eat nuts, this is a good recipe (I actually like it more than the original): Nut-Free Keto Buns
      Other than that you can just follow this recipe and replace the almond flour with the same amount of ground sunflower seeds.

  11. Wenchypoo

    A note on the store-bought psyllium husk powder: the brand Yerba Prima ALWAYS turns my bread brown, but the NOW brand NEVER does. Also, for Walmart shoppers--the brand Konsul (sold in the OTC pharmacy area) also never turns my bread purple. I've been using both the NOW and Konsul brands for years. Whatever you do, STAY AWAY from Yerba Prima!!

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Good to know, thank you!

  12. Bryan★★★★☆

    These buns are good, but, they still seem like there's something missing. I think I'm going to use yeast next time for the flavor and see if that's the missing link...

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      You may like these recipes (more flavour):
      Sourdough Keto Baguettes
      The Best Low-Carb Yeast Bread

  13. Maria

    Hi! Can I use egg whites in carton? Thanks

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      I believe you can! I know many of my readers who mentioned this in the comments below used egg whites with success.

  14. Allison★★★★★

    We really don't miss bread and therefore very rarely make Keto options and they always seem to be tiny, not these, great straightforward recipe and they came out perfect first time. Brilliant!

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it!

  15. Afrhil

    How long will this last at room temperature?

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      I'd say 3 days but they are best fresh. I actually freeze any buns I don't eat on the same day or the day after. When I need more for the next day, I leave it on the kitchen counter to defrost or bake still frozen in the oven on low (100-130C until defrosted).

  16. Caity

    Hi there,
    Just wondering whether you could weight out what 6 egg whites is in grams? As I am in a busy household, I feel bad using 6 eggs and discarding 6 egg yolks!

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Sure! 6 large egg whites should be about 33 x 6 = 198 g (7 oz)
      You could always use the yolks for making mayonnaise of lemon curd (some more tips are in the recipe post above).

  17. Helen★★★★★

    This is the best bread I've tried! Much much better than the ones from diet doctor that only use almond flour. The flavor and the texture are fantastic. What a keeper!

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Thank you Helen, I'm glad you enjoyed! ❤️

  18. Alan★★★★★

    Delicious, easy to make, healthy & MUCH better than any bread. We make small buns of 65 g for sandwich of cream cheese & matjes herring - yummy

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Thank you Alan, I'm glad you enjoyed!

  19. Joel Dell★★★★★

    Agreed. Best non-wheat bun after many tries with other recipes. I did follow all suggestions including weighing rather than measuring (and did grind psyllium husk in coffee grinder). I also sifted all the dry ingredients before mixing. Only wish I could share a picture since they were exactly as advertised. While an awesome replacement the texture is still not the 'perfect' whole wheat facsimile. There is still a slight eggy elastic texture . However, no complaints, at 4 vs 40 carbs there is no contest.

    1. Martina @ KetoDietAuthor

      Thank you so much Joel, I'm glad you enjoyed! ❤️ If you are on Instagram (instagram.com/martinaslajerova) or in our Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/Ketodietplan), I'd love to see them!
      PS: Let them dehydrate in the oven on low heat (100 C) to make them perfect - no moisture issues. Or cut in half and place in a toaster or under a broiler 😊

  20. RoseAnn Pacheco★★☆☆☆

    Hi, second time I have made these buns, and both times the inside is very moist and so it really turned me off.
    Plus there is no way I needed 45 minutes in the oven 30 was really the maximum time..
    They look perfect on the inside and out but I really can’t handle them being so moist..
    I really wanted these to love these, but so far it’s not working.. 😢

    1. Whattttt

      You should probably follow the instructions then huh

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