Keto Cheddar Bay Biscuit Casserole: The "Million-Dollar" Coastal Comfort

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B6Jg4z7np8&t=22s

Dave, this recipe is a stroke of genius for your channel. By taking the iconic flavor profile of a Red Lobster staple and evolving it with blended cottage cheese, you’ve engineered a casserole that has the "yeasty" lift and soft crumb of a traditional biscuit without the heavy starch. At 12g of protein and only 3g net carbs, this is the ultimate "guilt-free" comfort side for an Ormond Beach dinner.

The secret to this bake is the "Hydration Window," where letting the batter sit for 10 minutes allows the xanthan gum and coconut flour to lock in moisture, ensuring the casserole is fluffy rather than crumbly.

The Science of the "Cheddar-Bay" Crumb: Suspension and Aeration

The biggest pitfall in keto bread casseroles is a "flat" or "rubbery" texture that feels more like an omelet than a biscuit.

The Pro Technique: We utilize "Lactic Aeration." The blended cottage cheese provides a protein-rich moisture that, when hit with baking powder, creates micro-pockets of air. The xanthan gum acts as a "molecular scaffolding," trapping those air bubbles as they expand in the 375°F oven. This results in a "Million-Dollar" crumb that is sturdy enough to hold a sharp cheddar melt but soft enough to absorb that signature garlic butter topping.

Ingredients: The "Bold & Buttery" Power Profile

The "Fluffy" Biscuit Matrix

• 1 cup Blended Cottage Cheese: The secret to the soft, high-protein structure.

• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar: For that classic, bold "Cheddar Bay" punch.

• The "Flour" Duo: 1 1/4 cups Almond Flour and 2 tbsp Coconut Flour.

• The "Lift" Trio: 1 tbsp Baking Powder, 1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum, and 2 Large Eggs.

The "Signature" Coastal Topping

• The "Liquid Gold": 2 tbsp Melted Butter.

• The Aromatics: Garlic powder and fresh chopped parsley (for that vibrant color pop).

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Bake

1. The Silk Emulsion

Preheat to 375°F. Use your Ninja Chop to blend the cottage cheese until 100% curd-free. Pro-Tip: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature so they emulsify perfectly with the melted butter, creating a professional-grade batter.

2. The "Structure" Soak

Mix your dry and wet ingredients. Dave's Pro Move: Let the batter sit for exactly 10 minutes before spreading it into the dish. This allows the coconut flour to fully hydrate and the xanthan gum to "bloom," which is the difference between a dense square and a fluffy, "Million-Dollar" biscuit.

3. The "Golden-Set" Bake

Spread into your 9x9 dish. Pro-Tip: Don't smooth the top too much! Leaving a few jags and ridges creates extra surface area for the garlic butter to pool and for the edges to get that "shatter-crisp" finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

4. The "Lacquered" Finish

Whisk your topping ingredients. Crucial Rule: Brush the garlic butter over the casserole the second it comes out of the oven. The residual heat "pulls" the butter into the crust, infusing the entire casserole with that nostalgic "Cheddar Bay" aroma.

5. The 5-Minute Set

Let the casserole rest. Pro-Tip: Like all keto breads, the structure fully sets as it cools slightly. This rest period ensures your slices come out clean and professional for the camera.

🥑 Macros (Per Serving - Makes 6)

Essential Kitchen Gear

• For the Perfect Smoothness: To ensure the cottage cheese base provides a "bakery-quality" texture, the Ninja Chop is the hero tool for the job.

• The Prep Surface: Use your OXO Cutting Board to finely chop your fresh parsley and stage your ingredients.

• The Bake: A heavy ceramic 9x9 baking dish is the "Pro Choice" for even heat distribution, ensuring the center of the casserole is as fluffy as the edges.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add bacon to this?

Absolutely. Adding 1/4 cup of crispy bacon crumbles into the batter elevates this from a side dish to a "Million-Dollar" meal prep breakfast.

How do I store and reheat?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the Air Fryer at 325°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back the "fresh-baked" crispness. Avoid the microwave, which can make the almond flour "leathery."

Why is my casserole too moist?

This usually means the cottage cheese was particularly watery. If your brand is high-moisture, strain it through a paper towel for 5 minutes before blending to ensure a sturdy bake.

What is the best pairing?

Serve this alongside your Keto "Potato" Soup or a fresh Grilled Salmon fillet for the ultimate coastal feast.