Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 25-28 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
These light, fluffy, and cheesy buns are a game-changer for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet. With zero complicated ingredients or lengthy proofing times, you can have a warm, satisfying bread substitute on your table in under 30 minutes. They are perfect for breakfast with butter, as a side for soups and salads, or even as a mini sandwich bun for burgers or pulled pork.
The secret? They rely on the magic of mozzarella and almond flour to create a dough that puffs up beautifully in the oven. The result is a golden, savory bun that’s incredibly satisfying and contains less than 2g net carbs per serving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: No yeast, no kneading, and no rising time required. Just mix, shape, and bake.
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Versatile: Enjoy them plain, toasted, or use them as the base for mini pizzas or breakfast sandwiches.
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Satisfies Cravings: If you miss bread on a keto diet, this is the perfect solution to that craving.
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Gluten-Free: Made with almond flour, these buns are naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups (170g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
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2 oz (56g) cream cheese, cubed
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1 ½ cups (150g) fine almond flour (not almond meal)
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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½ teaspoon salt
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Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for topping (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Do not skip the parchment paper, as the cheese will stick!
Step 2: Melt the Cheeses
Place the shredded mozzarella and cubed cream cheese in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the cheeses are completely melted and smooth when stirred together. This usually takes about 60-90 seconds total.
Alternative Method: You can also melt the cheeses together in a saucepan over low heat on the stove, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if using). This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Pour the beaten eggs and the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl with the hot, melted cheese. Using a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon, stir vigorously until a sticky dough forms. At first, it will look like a mess, but keep mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The warmth of the cheese helps everything come together.
Tip: If the dough is too sticky to handle easily, you can let it cool for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Shape the Buns
Moisten your hands with a little water or oil to prevent the dough from sticking. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Gently roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches of space between each to allow for spreading.
If desired, sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and a professional look.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the buns are puffed up and deeply golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the buns cool on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes. This is a crucial step! They are very fragile when hot out of the oven but will firm up significantly as they cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: The best way to enjoy them again is to reheat them in a toaster, air fryer, or oven to restore their crispy exterior.
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Freezing: These buns freeze beautifully. Place cooled buns in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the toaster.
Recipe Tips & Variations
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Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark. Ovens vary, and overbaking can make them a little dry.
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Cheese Matters: Use low-moisture mozzarella (the kind that comes in a block or pre-shredded bag). Fresh mozzarella packed in water contains too much moisture and will make your buns gummy.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or rosemary to the dough for a flavor twist.
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Make Them Vegan: For a dairy-free version, you can try using vegan mozzarella and cream cheese shreds, though the texture may vary slightly.
Nutrition Information
(Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on the exact ingredients and brands used. Calculated for 1 bun based on the recipe making 8 buns.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 225 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Net Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Protein | 12g |