Keto Cottage Cheese Bread Pudding: The "Million-Dollar" Custard Remake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT2A7mA5G8M&t=649s

Dave, this is a phenomenal high-protein evolution for the channel. By utilizing toasted keto bread and a blended cottage cheese custard, you’ve engineered a dessert that has the exact "squish" and structural density of a traditional New Orleans-style bread pudding. At 14g of protein per serving and only 4g net carbs, this is the ultimate "comfort fuel" for a Sunday afternoon in Ormond Beach.

The secret to this recipe is the "Two-Stage Hydration," where toasting the bread first creates "room" for the high-protein custard to soak deep into the crumb, preventing that "soggy" texture often found in keto bakes.

The Science of the "Cottage" Custard: Stability and Silk

The biggest pitfall in keto bread pudding is a "watery" sauce that pools at the bottom of the pan rather than binding to the bread.

The Pro Technique: We utilize "Lactic Emulsification." By blending the cottage cheese with extra egg yolks, you create a thick, stable protein matrix. The yolks are the "Pro Move"—they provide the "Million-Dollar" golden hue and a rich, custardy mouthfeel that offsets the airiness of most keto breads. The Salted Caramel Sauce uses confectioners Swerve to ensure a smooth, professional glaze that doesn't recrystallize as it cools.

Ingredients: The "Warm & Decadent" Power Profile

The "Sponge" and "Silk" Base

• 4 cups Cubed Keto Bread: Toasted until dry to maximize custard absorption.

• 1 cup Full-Fat Cottage Cheese: Blended into the liquid for that "Million-Dollar" creaminess.

• The "Yolk-Rich" Liquid: 3 eggs + 2 yolks, heavy cream, and almond milk.

The "Autumnal" Bloom

• Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg: The "Million-Dollar" aromatic trio.

• The Sweetener: ½ cup Granular Swerve for the custard and confectioners for the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Pudding

1. The "Million-Dollar" Toast

Preheat to 350°F. Toast your bread cubes for 8–10 minutes. Pro-Tip: You aren't looking for "croutons"—you just want the bread to feel dry to the touch. This allows it to act like a sponge for the high-protein custard.

2. The Silk Emulsion

Use your Ninja Chop to blend the cottage cheese and liquid ingredients until 100% smooth. Dave's Pro Move: Do not over-blend! If you incorporate too much air, the pudding will "soufflé" in the oven and then collapse. You want a heavy, pourable liquid.

3. The "10-Minute" Soak

Add the bread to the greased dish and pour the custard over. Crucial Rule: Press the bread down with a spatula and let it sit for 10 minutes. This ensures the center of every bread cube is "Million-Dollar" moist before it hits the heat.

4. The "Granular-Butter" Crust

Mix the melted butter and Swerve and drizzle over the top. Pro-Tip: This creates a "crème brûlée" style crunch on the top cubes that provides a fantastic texture contrast to the soft interior.

5. The "Low-Simmer" Caramel

Whisk your sauce ingredients on medium heat. Pro-Tip: If the sauce feels too thin, add that tiny pinch of xanthan gum. It gives the caramel a "clinging" quality that looks professional for the final "Money Shot" on the vlog.

🥑 Macros (Per Serving - Makes 6)

Essential Kitchen Gear

• For the Prep: To ensure your custard is professional-grade and "silk-smooth," the Ninja Chop is the hero tool for the cottage cheese emulsification.

• The Prep Surface: Your OXO Cutting Board is the perfect station for cubing the bread and prepping the optional nut garnishes.

• The Bake: An 8x8-inch ceramic baking dish is the "Pro Choice" for even heat distribution, ensuring the center sets without burning the edges.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different keto bread?

Yes, but "Brioche-style" or a slightly sweeter keto loaf works best. If you use a very "yeasty" or savory bread, add an extra tablespoon of Swerve to the custard to balance the flavor.

Why is my pudding watery?

This usually means it needed more time to "set" or the bread wasn't toasted enough. Ensure the center is slightly jiggly but not "liquid" when you pull it out.

How do I store and reheat?

This is a meal-prep dream! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the Air Fryer at 350°F for 4 minutes to bring back the "Million-Dollar" crispy top, or microwave for 45 seconds for a soft, molten treat.

What is the best "Bread Pudding" garnish?

A handful of toasted pecans and a dusting of confectioners Swerve provides a sophisticated, high-end finish that will make this go viral.