Craving the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak but committed to your low-carb lifestyle? You are certainly not alone. The thought of that thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, and melted provolone can be tempting. Fortunately, you don’t have to miss out. This recipe for Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls delivers all the iconic flavor you love without the carb-heavy hoagie roll. Instead, we wrap the delicious filling in a simple, cheesy, and satisfying keto-friendly dough. As a result, you get a perfect meal or appetizer that is both incredibly delicious and completely guilt-free. These rolls are destined to become a new favorite in your low-carb recipe collection.
What Exactly Are Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls?
At their core, Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls are a clever and tasty reinvention of a beloved American classic. They take the heart and soul of a traditional Philly cheesesteak—the perfectly seasoned steak, sautéed peppers, and onions, all smothered in gooey, melted cheese—and bundle it inside a versatile, low-carb wrapper. Instead of a high-carb bread roll, this recipe uses a variation of “fathead dough,” which is a popular keto staple made primarily from mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and almond flour. This creates a soft, pliable, and savory dough that bakes up beautifully golden and firm enough to hold the generous filling.
Consequently, you get a handheld delight that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. The main difference lies in the carb count. While a traditional cheesesteak can pack over 50 grams of carbs, these keto rolls keep the net carbs in the single digits. Therefore, they allow you to indulge in those rich, comforting flavors while easily staying within your daily ketogenic goals. It’s truly the best of both worlds, combining classic taste with modern dietary needs.
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Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls: The 12 Ultimate Steps for the Best Cheesy Meal
Cheesy, satisfying Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls packed with tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and provolone cheese, all wrapped in a low-carb fathead dough.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–12 rolls 1x
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 lb ribeye steak, very thinly sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
6 slices provolone cheese
For the Keto Dough:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
3/4 cup almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 large egg
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 5–7 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook sliced steak seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until just browned. Return vegetables to the skillet, stir to combine, then remove from heat.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt mozzarella and cream cheese in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
5. Add almond flour, baking powder, and egg to the melted cheese mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
6. Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Remove top parchment paper and layer provolone cheese evenly over the dough.
8. Spread steak and vegetable filling evenly over the cheese.
9. Using parchment paper to assist, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
10. Slice log into 8–12 rolls and place cut-side up on prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
12. Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For best results, slice steak very thin against the grain. Ribeye provides the most authentic flavor, but sirloin also works well. Use parchment paper to handle sticky dough easily. Rolls store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat best in an air fryer or toaster oven.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Why This Is the Best Recipe for Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls
Not all low-carb recipes are created equal, and this one for Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls stands out for several important reasons. Firstly, it focuses on simplicity and flavor, using accessible ingredients to recreate an authentic taste. Moreover, the recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring that even beginner cooks can achieve fantastic results without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a reliable and delicious way to satisfy a serious comfort food craving.
The Perfect Keto Dough
The foundation of any great roll is its wrapper, and our keto dough is specifically engineered for this recipe. Unlike some keto breads that can be dry or eggy, this version is cheesy, savory, and has a wonderful, soft texture that perfectly complements the hearty filling. By using a blend of mozzarella and cream cheese, it becomes incredibly pliable and easy to work with. Furthermore, the almond flour gives it structure without adding a gritty texture. This dough not only tastes amazing but also holds together perfectly, preventing the filling from spilling out during baking or eating.
Authentic Cheesesteak Flavor Profile
A cheesesteak is all about the filling, and this recipe absolutely nails it. We insist on using thinly sliced ribeye steak, which is the traditional choice for its tenderness and rich marbling. Sautéing the steak with classic green bell peppers and sweet onions builds a deep, savory flavor base. Of course, no Philly cheesesteak is complete without the cheese. Provolone is the go-to for its mild yet distinct flavor and superior melting capabilities, ensuring every single bite is packed with that signature cheesy pull. In addition to these core components, the simple seasoning lets the quality ingredients shine through, creating a truly authentic experience.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable. Here is what you will need for these amazing rolls.
For the Savory Filling:
- Thinly Sliced Ribeye Steak: For the most tender and flavorful results. You can often find it pre-sliced or ask your butcher to slice it for you.
- Green Bell Pepper: A classic cheesesteak ingredient that adds a slight bitterness and crunch.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor when sautéed until soft.
- Provolone Cheese Slices: The quintessential cheese for a Philly, known for its perfect melt.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and steak.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are all you need to enhance the natural flavors.
For the Keto Dough:
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella for the best dough consistency.
- Cream Cheese: This makes the dough soft, rich, and easy to roll.
- Almond Flour: A fine-ground almond flour works best to create a smooth, bread-like texture.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the dough together.
- Baking Powder: Gives the dough a little bit of lift, making it less dense.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making your delicious Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls. Follow these steps carefully for perfect results every time. Remember to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper before you start.
1. Prepare the Filling
First, heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, then cook them until they are soft and slightly caramelized, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Afterward, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced steak. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the steak until it’s browned, which should only take a few minutes. Next, return the cooked vegetables to the skillet and stir everything together to combine the flavors. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Make the Keto Dough
To prepare the dough, combine the shredded mozzarella and cubed cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the cheeses are completely melted and smooth. This process generally takes about 90 seconds in total. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the almond flour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients and the beaten egg to the melted cheese mixture. Mix everything together with a spatula until a sticky dough forms. You may need to use your hands to fully incorporate all the ingredients.
3. Assemble and Bake Your Rolls
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Next, remove the top sheet of parchment paper. Arrange the provolone cheese slices evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, spread the steak and vegetable filling evenly over the cheese. Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using the bottom parchment paper to help you lift and roll. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it shut. Slice the log into 8-12 individual rolls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
Want to customize your Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls or make them even better? Here are a few helpful tips and fun variations to try. Following these suggestions can elevate your dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.
Choosing and Preparing the Steak
While ribeye is traditional, sirloin or skirt steak are also excellent, more budget-friendly options. The key is to slice the steak as thinly as possible against the grain. For easier slicing, you can place the steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes before cutting it. This firms up the meat, allowing you to get those paper-thin slices that are characteristic of a great cheesesteak.
Fun Variations
Feel free to get creative with your rolls. For instance, you could add sliced mushrooms to the vegetable mix for an earthy flavor. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes with the filling. For a different cheese experience, try using American cheese or even a keto-friendly cheese sauce. Similarly, for a different take on low-carb bread, you could try this cheese egg cloud keto bread recipe as an alternative base.
Storing and Reheating
These Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls are great for meal prep. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method is using an air fryer or a toaster oven for a few minutes. This will help crisp up the dough again. While the microwave works in a pinch, it can make the dough a bit soft.
The Ketogenic Diet and Its Benefits
For those new to this way of eating, the ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that can offer numerous health benefits. By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat, your body enters a metabolic state called ketosis. As discussed by experts at Healthline, this can lead to benefits like weight loss, improved mental clarity, and increased energy levels. Following a keto diet involves focusing on foods like meat, fish, eggs, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables.
However, sticking to a diet can be challenging if the food feels restrictive or bland. That is precisely why recipes like these Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls are so valuable. They prove that you can enjoy incredibly satisfying and flavorful meals without compromising your health goals. If you love this style of dish, you might also enjoy this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, which offers a similar flavor profile in a different format. Making enjoyable food is the key to long-term success on any eating plan, as noted in various studies on dietary adherence highlighted by institutions like the Mayo Clinic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle. They are packed with savory steak, tender vegetables, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a delicious and easy-to-make keto dough. This recipe is not only simple to follow but also incredibly versatile and perfect for any meal of the day. By making these rolls, you can satisfy your cravings in a healthy and fulfilling way. Ultimately, this dish proves that eating keto doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the rolls completely, store them covered in the fridge, and bake them just before you plan to serve them for the freshest taste.
What can I use instead of almond flour?
If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use almond flour, you can substitute it with coconut flour. However, please note that coconut flour is much more absorbent, so you will need to use less. A good starting point is to use about 1/3 cup of coconut flour for every 1 cup of almond flour called for in the recipe.
What is the best cut of steak for a Philly cheesesteak?
The most traditional and popular choice is ribeye because its high fat content keeps it tender and flavorful. However, top sirloin is another excellent and slightly leaner option that works very well in these Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls.
