Soft, garlicky, and packed with cheesy flavor, these low carb garlic bread rolls are the kind of side dish that disappears fast. They pull apart easily, have a fluffy interior, and deliver all the comfort of classic dinner rolls without the carbs. If you’re following a keto lifestyle but still crave warm bread at the table, these rolls are a solid solution.
I originally planned to make my regular keto bread rolls for Thanksgiving, but once I tested this garlic version, plans changed quickly. These rolls bring more flavor, more aroma, and that buttery garlic finish that makes them feel extra special. They work just as well for holidays as they do for weeknight dinners, especially when served straight from the oven.
What to Expect: Flavor and Texture
This recipe is based on a modified fathead dough. Fathead dough is a popular low carb cheese-based dough often used for pizza crusts and breadsticks. For this version, the ratios were adjusted to create a lighter, more bread-like texture rather than something dense or chewy. The result isn’t traditional bread, but it comes surprisingly close and works beautifully as a substitute.
The dough itself is lightly seasoned with garlic, then rolled in finely processed parmesan cheese before baking. Once the rolls come out of the oven, they are brushed with a warm mixture of garlic, butter, olive oil, and parsley. This final step adds moisture, flavor, and that unmistakable garlic bread aroma.
Ingredient Notes and Helpful Tips
- Using the right ingredients makes a big difference with keto baking, especially when working with cheese-based doughs.
- Low moisture, part-skim mozzarella is essential. Regular mozzarella contains too much water and can make the dough overly sticky and difficult to work with.
- A small amount of coconut flour is included for structure. It helps absorb moisture and contributes to a fluffier texture. Skipping it will result in heavier rolls.
- Choose aluminum-free baking powder. This recipe uses more baking powder than usual to help the rolls rise, and baking powder with aluminum can leave a bitter or metallic aftertaste.
- For the parmesan coating, shredded parmesan works best when pulsed in a food processor until it resembles coarse bread crumbs. This gives the rolls a slightly crisp outer layer once baked.
Step-by-Step: Making Keto Garlic Bread Rolls
- Start by melting the cream cheese and mozzarella together until smooth and stretchy. The mixture should look like a thick dough rather than fully melted cheese.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the melted cheese mixture, dry ingredients, and eggs to a food processor. Pulse until a uniform dough forms. The dough will be sticky, which is normal. If you don’t have a food processor, mixing by hand is possible but requires more effort.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and knead it a few times to smooth it out. Divide the dough into eight equal portions and roll each one into a ball.
- Roll each dough ball in the parmesan crumbs, coating the outside evenly. Place the rolls about one inch apart in an eight-inch round baking pan or oven-safe skillet. Lining the pan with parchment paper is highly recommended to prevent sticking.
- Bake until the rolls are fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. This usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your oven.
- While the rolls bake, combine garlic, butter, olive oil, and parsley in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the mixture begins to simmer and becomes fragrant.
- Once the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm garlic mixture. Serve while still warm for the best texture and flavor.
Extra Baking Tips
If you don’t have an eight-inch pan, a slightly larger one will work, but the rolls will spread out more and won’t fill the pan completely.
Always use parchment paper on the bottom of the pan. Cheese-based doughs have a tendency to stick, and parchment makes cleanup much easier.
A food processor is the most efficient way to bring the dough together. Hand mixing is doable, but expect a stickier process and more kneading time.
These keto garlic bread rolls are rich, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making them for a holiday spread or just to enjoy alongside dinner, they offer all the satisfaction of garlic bread with none of the carb overload.
Fluffy Keto Garlic Parmesan Rolls
Soft, cheesy keto garlic rolls made with almond flour and topped with buttery garlic sauce. A low carb alternative to classic dinner rolls that’s easy and satisfying.
Servings: 8 rolls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups part skim low-moisture shredded mozzarella
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2 oz full-fat cream cheese
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1 1/3 cups super fine almond flour
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2 tablespoons coconut flour
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1 1/2 tablespoons aluminum-free double-acting baking powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup parmesan crumbs
Garlic Topping
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 1/2 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch round baking pan or oven-safe skillet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, garlic powder, and baking powder.
Add mozzarella and cream cheese to a microwave-safe bowl with the cream cheese covered by the mozzarella. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted and dough-like.
Transfer the melted cheese to a food processor, add eggs and the flour mixture, and pulse until a uniform sticky dough forms.
Place the dough onto plastic wrap, wrap it, and knead gently until smooth. Lightly oil your hands, divide the dough into 8 equal portions, and roll into balls.
Roll each dough ball in parmesan crumbs and arrange them in the prepared pan with one in the center and the rest around it.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
While the rolls bake, heat garlic, butter, and olive oil in a small saucepan until melted and fragrant, then stir in parsley.
Brush the warm rolls generously with the garlic topping and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (Per Roll)
Serving: 1roll, Calories: 294kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Sodium: 284mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g, NET CARBS: 4
