Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls Recipe

The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich—an indulgent, savory blend of tender, thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions nestled in a soft hoagie roll. But for those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, traditional hoagie rolls packed with carbohydrates can feel off-limits, leaving a craving for that classic flavor unfulfilled.

Enter Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls: a delicious, inventive twist that brings all the satisfying flavors of the original sandwich into a low-carb, keto-friendly format. By replacing traditional bread with a roll made from almond flour or other keto-approved ingredients, these rolls provide a soft, pillowy, and satisfying vessel for juicy steak, melted cheese, and caramelized onions—all without the carb overload.

These rolls are a perfect solution for anyone looking to enjoy classic comfort food while staying within keto macros. Whether you’re managing diabetes, working toward weight loss, or simply embracing a low-carb lifestyle, these Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls offer a flavorful, filling meal that doesn’t sacrifice texture or taste.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make every component of these rolls from scratch—from preparing the perfect keto-friendly dough to cooking the steak just right and layering the flavors with the classic sautéed onions and gooey cheese. We’ll cover tips for mastering the dough consistency, selecting the best cuts of beef, and ways to customize the rolls with different cheeses or extra veggies.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls

Phase 1: Prepare the Keto Dough

Ingredients for Dough:

• 2 cups almond flour (finely ground)

• 1/4 cup coconut flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (for elasticity and structure)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3 large eggs

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Step 1.1: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt. Make sure these are evenly combined to avoid clumps.

Step 1.2: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly.

2. Add the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar.

3. Whisk the mixture until smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 1.3: Form the Dough

1. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

2. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a thick, sticky dough forms.

3. If dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water or unsweetened almond milk; if too wet, sprinkle in a little more coconut flour.

4. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to allow the flours to absorb moisture.

Phase 2: Prepare the Philly Cheesesteak Filling

Ingredients for Filling:

• 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak (or pre-cut from butcher)

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese

Step 2.1: Cook Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.

3. Add mushrooms if using and cook for another 3–4 minutes until tender.

4. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2.2: Cook the Steak

1. In the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high.

2. Add the thinly sliced steak in a single layer if possible; do not overcrowd the pan.

3. Season steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

4. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned but still tender.

5. Remove steak from skillet and combine with sautéed vegetables.

Phase 3: Assemble the Rolls

Step 3.1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 3.2: Shape the Dough

1. Transfer the rested dough onto a sheet of parchment paper.

2. With floured hands (almond flour works well), gently press the dough into a rectangle roughly 12×9 inches.

3. Using a spatula, spread the Philly cheesesteak filling evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge to help seal the roll.

Step 3.3: Add Cheese

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the filling.

2. Carefully lift the parchment paper and start rolling the dough from the long edge with the filling, using the paper to help you roll tightly.

3. Seal the edge by pinching the dough together. Tuck the ends under the roll to prevent leakage.

Phase 4: Bake the Rolls

Step 4.1: Prepare for Baking

• Transfer the roll to the lined baking sheet, seam side down.

• Brush the top with melted butter or an egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water) for a golden crust.

Step 4.2: Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the roll is golden brown and cooked through.

• Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Phase 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Slice the roll into 1- to 1.5-inch thick pieces.

• Serve warm, optionally topped with extra cheese or keto-friendly sauces like sugar-free ketchup or a creamy mustard dip.

• Enjoy with a crisp green salad or steamed low-carb vegetables for a complete keto meal.

Tips for Perfect Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls:

• Use thinly sliced steak: This helps it cook quickly and remain tender.

• Don’t skip the xanthan gum: It provides the dough with structure and elasticity, preventing crumbling.

• Let dough rest: This improves moisture absorption and texture.

• Adjust filling to taste: Add hot peppers for a spicy kick or swap provolone for sharp cheddar.

• Make ahead: Prepare dough and filling separately, assemble, and refrigerate before baking the next day.