Fathead rolls are made from a keto dough that is savory and light in texture. This recipe is not just a favorite of the high-fat, gluten-free, and grain-free crowd. Everyone will want them and be shocked they are low-carb.
If you are missing out on sandwiches, bread, hamburger buns, or rolls while on a low-carb diet, this recipe is for you. It is so easy & they can be made ahead of time. Perfect for making a quick breakfast sandwich or having a snack too.
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How Many Calories & Carbs?
I brought them to a work potluck once and so many wanted the recipe. They were amazed by how great they tasted and when I said they were just 4 net carbs each - they were in disbelief!
Yes, You Read That Correctly -
EACH ROLL = 217 calories, 4 net carbs, 14g protein & 16g fat
Here they are used in my KETO MUFFULETTA SANDWICH recipe. They are sturdy enough to hold up to this big delicious sandwich even with the olive salad.
Ingredients
Fathead dough is a cream cheese and almond flour-based dough that has no yeast. This simple dough is easy to mix and is a no-knead keto recipe. Here are the common ingredients for making Fathead dough.
- Cream Cheese - full-fat brick variety only (nothing whipped or fat-free)
- Almond Flour - finely milled (not coarse ground)
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese - the star of the dough
- Shredded Cheese - a combination of jack & cheddar is my favorite
- Baking Powder - helps the dough rise & become fluffy without yeast
- Egg - adds protein and binds it together
- Garlic Powder - savory flavor
See the recipe card for amounts & full instructions.
How to Make Homemade Keto Dinner Rolls
This 60-minute keto dinner roll recipe is quick to mix and bake. It does take some time to rest in the refrigerate before baking so plan ahead so they are done in time for dinner.
Here are the easy steps for making Fathead dinner rolls:
- Melt the mozzarella & cream cheese in the microwave.
- Beat the egg with dry ingredients.
- Fold in the cheese.
- Rest the dough in the refrigerator.
- Bake the rolls on parchment paper lined sheet pan.
- Enjoy while warm or store for later enjoyment.
How Long to Bake
Preheat oven to 425. Roll dough into 8 equal-sized balls and place on to parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 13 minutes in the middle of the oven. They should be golden and set. You can use two rolls to be your top and bottom for a more hearty sandwich when you need something sturdy to hold up something like a hamburger.
How to Store Keto Rolls
These fresh-baked rolls are made with cheese and egg dough. Therefore, they are not shelf-stable or safe to store on the counter or pantry. Store fathead dinner rolls in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can also store them in the freezer in an air-tight container for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, place them in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
Why is it called Fathead or Fat Head?
Wondering where the name for this recipe came from. Fathead dough started at a pizzeria and became a common term for this chewy yummy way to make bread without grains & high in fat.
It is based on a documentary that explains more into how low cholesterol diets are not healthy and that saturated fats are not even. The movie is named Fat Head.
You will find keto related recipes like fathead pizza or fathead tortillas named after this premise. It can be spelled as one (fathead) or two words (fat head).
Product Recommendations for this Recipe:
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Keto Fat Head Rolls
Ingredients
- 4 ounces full fat cream cheese
- 1 & ½ C mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 eggs beaten
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅔ C almond flour finely ground like Kirkland
- 6 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 C cheddar and jack cheese blend shredded
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl large enough for all the ingredients, combine cream cheese and mozzarella. Microwave on high for 20 seconds at a time. Stir between every 20 seconds with a rubber spatula. It will be ready when it blends together smoothly and all is melted.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and add dry ingredients. Mix until the dough is forming and you notice the baking powder has “activated” the mixture into a bit of fluffy texture.
- Add egg dough mixture to the cheese dough and fold together using the rubber spatula. Make sure all of the ingredients are combined.
- Mix in the cheddar and jack cheese mixture to form the final step of the dough. The dough will be a bit sticky.STEP 6 Form the dough into a large ball in the middle of the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°
- Roll dough into 8 equal-sized balls and place on to parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes in the middle of the oven. They should be golden and set. Let rest for about 15 minutes before assembling into sandwiches. If wanting a warm roll, eat immediately.
- Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 8 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 217 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 15.8g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat 9.5g | 48% |
| Cholesterol 83mg | 28% |
| Sodium 384mg | 17% |
| Total Carbohydrate 4.4g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.4g | 1% |
| Total Sugars 0.2g | |
| Protein 14.4g | |
| Vitamin D 4mcg | 19% |
| Calcium 505mg | 39% |
| Iron 1mg | 4% |
| Potassium 412mg | 9% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
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Shane says
Thank you for introducing me to these fantastic keto rolls. I have been wanting to cut back on sugar/carbs for awhile now, but I always struggled with giving up sandwiches. I finally have a solution to this problem, thanks to your great keto roll recipe. They are really tasty and so easy to make, that even a novice like your brother can handle it. I love muffulettas, so I am going to try that one next.
I love the website, so keep up the great work. I'm proud to say The Short Order Cook is my "big" sister!
Angela says
Thanks lil bro! Glad to help you out and keep sending me all the amazingly delicious pictures of how you use these. Pastrami, kraut, & mustard is still my fav easy sandwich on these.
Nicole Cruze says
Love a good Keto Recipe!
Jill says
Love this recipe. We're big fans of the Fat Head Keto Pizza Crust - I've previously added this to my "need to try" collection and will move it up the list!
Angela says
Yes, move it up the list. I promise you will be hooked. I am pretty sure in the last month alone, I have heard back from many that have told me they are addicted to these rolls. Please come back and let me know what you think. You can also post on Facebook and Instagram to share your photos.
Debbie says
Good Morning! I am soo looking forward to making these today!!! Can they be frozen? TIA
Angela says
Yes, they can be frozen, I would freeze them in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. (otherwise, they would stick together) Then wrap individually and put in an air-tight bag, Ziplock. I would then remove one from the freezer the night before and defrost in the refrigerator overnight. When I make them they keep for about a week in the fridge in an air-tight container. Enjoy!
Joanne says
Who knew Keto could be so delicious!
Angela says
It really can be.
Kendra says
I made these on Saturday for dinner with your Muffuletta sandwich suggestion. What can I say? Absolutely delicious! I'm hooked!
Angela says
Kendra - this puts a smile on my face. I am so glad you enjoyed it and have a new recipe that you just love. The rolls are great on really so many things. I am constantly working on new recipes using a version of this dough so keep checking back in for more yummy awesomeness. Would love to see your post on Facebook and Instagram to share your photo.
Anna says
I am happy for people who are going Keto. I have lots of friends who are on the Keto diet. And these don't look like a diet at all.
Angela says
I think the key to sticking with a healthy way of eating - whatever it is - is finding ways to cook for yourself and make what you love in a healthier form. This for me, is one of those sandwiches that keeps me happy!
Haley Kelley says
These look awesome! And totally diet approved, which is the best part!
Angela says
Exactly, no way to go wrong here. They make for a hearty sandwich that will keep you satisfied for hours too which also helps keep you out of trouble.
jen says
Looks very interesting!
Karie says
These actually look and sound yummy. I have been wanting to change my diet but dreading the taste and I really love bread! These look like I might actually enjoy it has two of my favorite things like cheese and cream cheese in it. Those make everything taste great!
Angela says
I believe you will really like these. I know many people who just cannot give up their sandwiches. I have converted them all with these rolls. They are great for so many things (breakfast sammies, hamburger buns etc) and they are filling so you will be absolutely satisfied.
Laura says
I'm absolutely going to give these a try. I don't have any almond flour at the moment. I'm wondering if I could use gluten-free flour instead?
Angela says
I am not sure it would work the same. Almond flour can be found on Amazon, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and other markets. I am not sure where you are located.
Leigh Ann says
I have made these many times and they are amazing! It surprises me every time how almond flour and cheese can make such a "bread like" dough but it does. So good!
Angela says
It is like magic, right! So good, glad to hear from another fan.
Stacey says
This looks so good! I love cheese. I try to limit carbs, so I will definitely give this a try!
Angela says
I hope you enjoy it.
Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef says
Well, I certainly love cheese and butter so these must taste delish! Looks like the perfect "bun" for the keto way of life 🙂
Angela says
For me, they are the closest thing to 'bread-like" of about the 2 dozen recipes I have tried over the years.
Kymberly Irwin says
Oh, yeah! I've made these rolls before. They're delicious! I will make these over the weekend !!
Tricia Snow says
I love that dough! Looks amazing!
Heather says
These look really good. I wish I had one right now for breakfast!!
Allyson Spieler says
I'll have to share this with my mother in law! She does Keto
Angela says
Great, I hope she loves them.
Michele says
I have struggled in the past with trying Keto. You make it look so easy : ) I will definitely have to try these!
Angela says
Keto does take some planning ahead to ensure you have the ingredients you need and a meal plan. These rolls are one thing I do ahead of time to ensure I have sandwiches, side dish, and breakfast options ready to go.
Ramae Hamrin says
I've never seen a recipe like this before. Sometimes I really wish I could eat cheese. They look amazing!
Jen says
These look so yummy and I love the name!
Laura Lee says
I'm going to try this. I'm not on a Keto diet, but I do need to restrict my bread intake and this sounds like perfect recipe to do it.
Angela says
Please do try it. I have brought it to potlucks and EVERYONE has them and raves about them.
Pauline says
These look so yummy. My husband is doing keto and he really likes sandwiches for work. I'll have to try these.
Angela says
Great, please share his review. I make these for work sandwiches all the time - my fav is w pastrami, kraut, and mustard - KETO HEAVEN!
Karla says
I have a teen who wants to help with meals this summer and try new things. I'll let her try this out on us. Thanks!
Angela says
Great, teens in the kitchen is a great thing.
Jennifer Morrison says
These look amazing!! I cant wait to try them. They look very similar to Brazil Bites which our family loves.
Angela says
Oh, I like those too. If you love them, you will love this recipe too.
katie says
yum! these look delicious, and so do a lot of your recipes! so glad to read through your blog for some tasty ideas!
Angela says
Katie, you are so kind - thank you!
Lina says
This recipe looks amazing! I will have to make them for my husband and I. Thanks for sharing!
Angela says
You are welcome, I have no doubt you will fall in love with these.
Emily says
UMMMMMM! YUMMMMMM!
Angela says
Well yes, I could not agree more! lol
Lynn Spencer says
excited to make these!!!
Angela says
Great, let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy them. I make them probably once a month.
Lawrence says
I want to make these because I'm lazy and it would be so easy to just get fast food burgers without the bun and slap them on one of these rolls and I'd be good to go. As I mentioned though, I'm lazy. Can I make a big batch once a week and just use them throughout the week? Would they last that long? What if I were to freeze them? Do they freeze well? Thanks in advance.
Angela says
These sound perfect for you. These keto fathead dough rolls will last all week in the refrigerator. I typically make a double batch and have breakfast sandwiches, burgers, etc with them all week. I like them too with my beef and bacon chili recipe, so good to dip in it. I have not tried to freeze them before but since cheese freezes well, maybe give it a try on two of them when you make a batch. I would wrap each in plastic wrap then seal in a Ziploc to keep air out. Then defrost in the refrigerator for maybe 2 days.
Tina Garrett says
I entered all the ingredients in cronometer and it resulted is 213 calories per roll. Am I doing something wrong?
Angela says
Thanks Tina. I just double-checked twice and you are right. I think the first time I ran it through it left off the final cheddar/jack cheese! Oh my! I appreciate the comment and just updated it.
Tina Garrett says
Thank you.
Penny N says
How long can you refrigerate the dough?
Angela says
Good question. I have always baked these pretty close to the mixing time. The longest I have gone is about 2 hours in the refrigerator and then baked them in the oven. Since there is no yeast and just baking soda to activate them, I think they could last even a day or two. I would make sure it is wrapped tight so no air dries it out. If you do try it out, let me know how it goes.
Suzie says
I made this tonight. Unhappily, I just wasn't happy with the results. It was just too greasy. I followed the recipe precisely but it didn't turn out as expected.
Angela says
I am sorry to hear that. I make these quite often and they always turn out as expected. I wonder if the brand of cheese used was more oily and rendered off making it "greasy" as you stated. I know someone that likes these less "cheesy" and adds extra almond flour (1-2 tablespoons more) - that may help if you wish to give it a try again someday.