How many carbs are in a slice of cheese bread?

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data from FatSecret, a single 26-gram slice of generic cheese bread contains approximately 12.5 grams of total carbohydrates. This figure, however, is a starting point, as the total number of carbs in a slice of cheese bread can fluctuate significantly based on the recipe, type of flour, and amount of cheese used.

Quick Summary

The carb count for cheese bread varies widely, with typical slices containing 12 to 22 grams or more, influenced by bread type, ingredients, and portion size. Homemade recipes and ingredients like high-fiber flour can significantly alter the final nutritional value.

Key Points

Generic Slice Carbs: A typical 26g slice of generic cheese bread contains around 12.5 grams of total carbohydrates.
Recipe Matters: The exact carb count is highly dependent on the type of flour (white vs. low-carb), portion size, and specific add-ins.
Net vs. Total Carbs: Focus on net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) if you are monitoring your carb intake, as fiber does not raise blood sugar.
Lower-Carb Alternatives: Using low-carb flours like almond or coconut flour or increasing the cheese-to-bread ratio can significantly reduce the carb content.
Variety is Key: Different types of cheese bread, from cheesy garlic French bread to homemade recipes, will have distinct nutritional profiles.
Consider Portion Size: The weight and size of a slice dramatically impact the final carb count, so be mindful of serving sizes.

Understanding the Basic Carb Count in Cheese Bread

When considering how many carbs are in a slice of cheese bread, it's crucial to acknowledge that there is no single universal answer. The carbohydrate content is highly dependent on the recipe used. Most commercially available or generic recipes use standard white flour, which is high in carbohydrates. For instance, a small, 26-gram slice often has around 12.5 grams of total carbs, while a larger, 48-gram slice can contain over 20 grams. Understanding the core ingredients helps paint a clearer picture.

Key Ingredients That Influence Carbohydrates

Several key components contribute to the final carbohydrate count of your cheese bread. By understanding each one, you can make more informed decisions about your consumption.

Type of Flour: The base of the bread is the largest source of carbohydrates. A recipe using standard all-purpose white flour will have a higher carb count than one made with alternative flours. For example, using a nut-based flour or a specific low-carb flour blend can drastically reduce the total carbohydrate content.
Added Sugars: While not always the most obvious ingredient, many bread recipes include a small amount of sugar to feed the yeast and enhance flavor. This adds to the overall carbohydrate total.
The Cheese: While cheese is a protein and fat source, not a significant carb source, some processed cheeses can contain added starches or fillers that increase their carbohydrate contribution. A hard cheese like parmesan typically has fewer carbs than a softer, cream-based cheese.
Toppings and Add-ins: Ingredients like garlic spread, herbs, or other toppings can subtly alter the carb count. For example, a slice of cheesy garlic bread from a French loaf might have a slightly different nutritional profile due to the garlic and butter blend.

Total Carbs vs. Net Carbs

For those watching their carb intake, it's important to distinguish between total carbohydrates and net carbohydrates. Total carbs include all starches, sugars, and fiber. Net carbs are total carbs minus the fiber, as fiber is not digested and does not significantly raise blood sugar. In a typical slice of cheese bread with 12.5 grams of total carbs and 0.6 grams of fiber, the net carb count is 11.9 grams.

A Comparison of Different Cheese Breads

To illustrate the variance in carbohydrate content, the table below compares the nutritional information of several types of cheese bread. These are approximate values, as exact numbers depend on the specific recipe and preparation methods.


Type of Cheese Bread	Serving Size	Approximate Total Carbs	Key Factors for Carb Count
Generic Slice (from White Flour)	26g	12.5g	All-purpose flour, standard recipe.
Slightly Larger Slice (Commercially)	48g	22g	Larger portion size, standard recipe.
Cheesy Garlic French Bread	1 slice (approx.)	14.6g	White flour french bread base.
Homemade Low-Carb (Almond Flour)	1 slice (approx.)	~4-6g	Uses almond or coconut flour, high fiber.

Reducing the Carb Count in Your Cheese Bread

If you are on a low-carb diet or simply want to reduce your intake, there are several ways to modify a cheese bread recipe.

Use Low-Carb Flours: Substitute traditional white flour with lower-carb alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour, or a specialized keto-friendly baking mix. These flours are significantly lower in carbs and higher in fiber, which also helps reduce the net carb count.
Choose a High-Fiber Base: Even when not using specialty flours, opting for a whole wheat or whole grain bread base will increase the fiber content. This lowers the net carbs and provides more sustained energy.
Increase the Cheese-to-Bread Ratio: For a richer flavor and lower carb ratio, increase the amount of cheese and use less bread. Opt for sharp, aged cheeses like parmesan or cheddar, which pack a lot of flavor without adding significant carbohydrates.
Consider Cheese-Based Alternatives: Explore recipes for "bread" that use cheese as the primary base, such as mozzarella cheese breadsticks. These can be remarkably low in carbohydrates.

Conclusion: Navigating Carbs in Cheese Bread

Ultimately, the number of carbs in a slice of cheese bread is not a fixed number but a variable influenced by preparation. While a generic slice contains around 12 to 14 grams of carbohydrates, mindful ingredient choices can significantly alter this. For those tracking macros, checking specific recipes or nutrition labels is the most accurate approach. By being aware of ingredient swaps and portion sizes, you can continue to enjoy cheese bread while keeping your carb intake in check. Whether opting for a classic slice or a homemade low-carb version, a delicious and informed choice is always within reach. A great resource for tracking and comparing nutrition is Carb Manager, which offers detailed food data.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a standard 26-gram slice of generic cheese bread, the net carb count is approximately 11.9 grams, calculated by subtracting the dietary fiber (0.6g) from the total carbohydrates (12.5g).

Using low-carb flours such as almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose white flour drastically reduces the overall carbohydrate content, often by more than half per slice, making it a viable option for low-carb diets.

Generally, cheese is a low-carb food. However, some processed cheeses may contain additives that slightly increase carbs. Using natural, hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan is best for minimizing carb intake.

Not necessarily. The carb content depends on the bread base. A slice of cheesy garlic bread made with a standard French bread base will likely have a similar carb count to regular cheese bread, typically ranging from 12 to 15 grams per slice.

Traditional cheese bread is generally not suitable for a keto diet due to its high carbohydrate content from flour. However, specially formulated low-carb or keto-friendly cheese bread recipes can fit within a ketogenic meal plan.

Popular low-carb alternatives include fathead dough bread (made from mozzarella and cream cheese), almond flour-based bread, or simply melting cheese over a vegetable base like sliced zucchini or eggplant.

For the most accurate information, check the nutritional label if it's a pre-packaged product. For homemade versions, use a nutritional tracking app or website, inputting each ingredient and its quantity to calculate the final values.

The most significant factor is the type of flour used, followed by the portion size. A recipe using white flour will be much higher in carbs than one using low-carb substitutes. Larger or thicker slices also contribute more total carbs.