Cloud Bread Recipe

Cloud bread is a light, savoury bake made from whipped egg whites folded into a cream cheese and egg yolk mixture. These muffin-sized portions are handy to serve alongside a meal or enjoy as a soft, egg-rich snack.
Ingredients
- 4eggs
- ¼ tspcream of tartar
- 2 tbspcream cheese
- to tastesalt and black pepper
- ½ tspItalian seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- 2
Separate the eggs
Crack the eggs, separating the whites from the yolks.
- 3
Whip the whites
Add the cream of tartar to the egg whites and whisk until stiff peaks form.
- 4
Mix the yolks
Combine the yolks with the cream cheese, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, mixing until smooth.
- 5
Loosen the mixture
Whisk some of the whipped egg white into the yolk mixture until smooth.
- 6
Fold the batter
Pour the yolk mixture into the remaining egg whites and gently fold until evenly combined.
- 7
Fill the moulds
Line 12 muffin moulds with paper, then divide the batter between them.
- 8
Bake until golden
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tops are golden.
- 9
Serve
Serve with a side dish of your choice.
What is cloud bread?
Cloud bread is a soft, airy bake made by combining whipped egg whites with a seasoned egg yolk mixture. Its precise origins are not clear, but this version follows a simple modern approach using cream cheese for richness.
Individual muffin moulds make the batter easy to portion and give the pieces a convenient shape for serving.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 390 calories, 27g protein, 3g carbs, 29g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use less cream cheese | 273 kcal | 19g | 2g | 20g |
| This serving | As written | 390 kcal | 27g | 3g | 29g |
| Hungry | Serve with a filling side | 585 kcal | 41g | 5g | 44g |
The eggs provide most of the protein and fat, while the cream cheese adds further fat and a small amount of carbohydrate. Italian seasoning contributes little to the overall energy; the added salt can change the sodium substantially, so season to taste and balance the plate with vegetables or a fresh side.
Why separate the eggs?
Egg whites: whipping them with cream of tartar helps create the foam that gives the batter its lift. Use a clean, dry bowl so the whites can reach stiff peaks.
Egg yolks: mixing them with cream cheese and seasoning creates a smooth, flavourful base to fold into the foam.
Fold gently for an airy texture
Start by whisking a little whipped white into the yolk mixture to loosen it. Then fold that mixture into the remaining whites with a gentle motion.
Stop once the batter looks fairly uniform; vigorous mixing can knock out some of the air you have incorporated.
Use lined muffin moulds
Paper liners help release the baked portions from the moulds, which is useful for this delicate, soft mixture. Divide the batter evenly between all 12 moulds so they bake at a similar rate.
Avoid filling only a few moulds with extra batter, as thicker portions may need longer to cook through.
Look for a golden top
Bake at 200°C for 30–35 minutes, checking towards the end of the stated range. The tops should be golden before you take the moulds out.
Ovens can vary, so use the colour cue as well as the timing. Let the portions settle briefly before lifting them from their liners.
Ways to serve it
The recipe leaves the side dish open, so pair the cloud bread with a savoury salad, soup or cooked vegetables. Its mild, seasoned flavour works with simple accompaniments.
For a more substantial plate, serve it with another source of protein or a filling side, according to your preference.
Recipe notes & tips
- Separate each egg over a small bowl first so a broken yolk does not spoil the whites.
- Bring the cream cheese to room temperature to make it easier to mix smoothly with the yolks.
- Whip the whites until the peaks hold their shape when you lift the whisk.
- Fold with a spatula, turning the mixture gently rather than stirring it rapidly.
- Line all 12 muffin moulds before you start filling them for easier portioning.
- Check the tops near the end of baking and remove the portions once they are golden.
Variations
- Herb swap: replace the Italian seasoning with another dried herb blend.
- Garlic flavour: add a small amount of garlic powder to the yolk mixture.
- Cheesy note: mix a little finely grated hard cheese into the yolk mixture.
- Peppery version: add extra black pepper to the yolks before folding.
- Plain batch: leave out the Italian seasoning for a milder flavour.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Greasy bowl: residue can stop the whites whipping well; use a clean, dry bowl and whisk.
- Soft peaks: the batter may have less lift; continue whipping until the peaks hold their shape.
- Lumpy yolk mixture: cold cream cheese can be difficult to blend; soften it before mixing.
- Overmixing: vigorous stirring deflates the foam; fold gently and stop when the batter is evenly combined.
- Unlined moulds: the portions may be hard to remove; line all 12 muffin moulds with paper.
- Taking them out too early: pale tops may need more time; bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
How to store
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven until warmed through; microwaving may make the texture softer.
Frequently asked questions
Why use cream of tartar?
It is added to the egg whites before whipping and helps the foam hold its shape. Follow the recipe amount of ¼ tsp.
How do I know when the egg whites are stiff enough?
Lift the whisk: the peaks should stand up rather than immediately collapsing. Take care not to whip them until dry and clumpy.
Can I make these without muffin liners?
The recipe recommends paper liners because they make the portions easier to remove. Without them, use a well-prepared non-stick muffin mould, though release may be less straightforward.
Can I prepare the batter ahead?
It is best to bake it soon after folding, while the egg whites are still airy. Prepare the moulds and preheat the oven before you combine the mixtures.
Can I freeze cloud bread?
The soft texture may change after freezing, but you can freeze cooled portions in a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
What should I serve with cloud bread?
Choose a side dish you enjoy, such as soup, salad or cooked vegetables. A more filling accompaniment can turn the portions into a fuller meal.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from gayathriscookspot.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on gayathriscookspot.com