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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Intensity: Easy (Simple assembly, quick sear in a pan)
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Servings: 4 servings (3 roll ups per serving)
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Cuisine: American-Italian, Keto
INGREDIENTS
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12 slices of Provolone Cheese (or Mozzarella, or a mix – standard deli-sliced size works best)
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24 slices of Pepperoni (use regular sized, not mini)
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¼ cup Low-Carb Pizza Sauce or Sugar-Free Marinara (plus extra for dipping)
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4 oz Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
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1 tsp Italian Seasoning
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(Optional) 2 tbsp grated Parmesan Cheese for rolling
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(Optional) Red pepper flakes for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prep Your Station:
Lay the 12 slices of provolone cheese flat on a clean cutting board or piece of parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
2. Assemble the Roll Ups:
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Spread the Base: Using a small spatula or the back of a spoon, spread about a teaspoon of the seasoned cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice of provolone. Go all the way to the edges to ensure every bite is creamy.
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Add the Sauce: Dollop a small amount (about ½ teaspoon) of low-carb pizza sauce onto the cream cheese layer. Gently spread it around. Be careful not to use too much sauce, or the roll-ups may become soggy.
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Layer the Pepperoni: Place two slices of pepperoni in the center of each cheese slice, slightly overlapping them if necessary.
3. Roll It Up:
Starting from one end, tightly roll each slice of cheese over the pepperoni, jelly-roll style, until you have a compact tube. Place them seam-side down on a plate. At this point, if you want an extra cheesy crust, you can roll the outside of each tube in grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Cook to Crispy Perfection:
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For a Skillet (Recommended): Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the roll ups seam-side down in the dry skillet (no oil needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs, until all sides are golden brown and the cheese is crispy. The cheese will puff up slightly and become lacy and firm.
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For an Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the roll ups in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t touching. Spray lightly with avocado oil spray. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
5. Serve Immediately:
Remove from the skillet and let them cool on a wire rack for just a minute—this helps them stay extra crispy. Serve warm with a side of warm low-carb pizza sauce for dipping. Garnish with red pepper flakes if desired.
TIPS FOR THE BEST KETO PIZZA ROLL UPS
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Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese: The cream cheese layer acts as a barrier, preventing the sauce from making the provolone slice soggy before it crisps up.
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Low and Slow is Key: Cooking on medium heat ensures the cheese has time to melt and then re-crisp without burning the outside.
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Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add cooked crumbled sausage, bacon bits, mushrooms, or black olives inside the roll. Just ensure any additions are fully cooked and not too wet.
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Make it a Meal: Serve these with a side caesar salad or some keto garlic breadsticks for a more substantial dinner.
STORAGE AND REHEATING
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To bring back the crispiness, reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or in a dry skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them rubbery and greasy.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Please note: The following nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used. Calculated based on 3 roll ups per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (3 roll ups) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Total Fat | 31g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 21g |
| Net Carbs | 3g |