Gluten-Free Keto Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread
Low-carb pull-apart bread made from melted mozzarella and almond flour, studded with mozzarella string cheese and finished with garlic herb butter. This keto-friendly Christmas centerpiece delivers stretchy, cheesy bites without traditional bread flour, making it ideal for holiday tables with dietary restrictions. The combination of melted cheese dough and crispy-edged rolls creates satisfying texture while keeping carbs minimal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375F.
- 2
Combine mozzarella and cream cheese in a bowl and microwave for one minute. Stir and microwave for another 30 seconds. Repeat until fully melted.
- 3
Add almond flour, beaten egg, and black pepper. Stir until combined. Cool until handleable, then knead until smooth. Add extra almond flour if too sticky.
- 4
Form small balls and flatten each. Place a piece of string cheese in the center, fold dough around it, and seal seams. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet in a tree shape.
- 5
Roast for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- 6
Stir Parmesan into melted butter. Brush each roll with butter mixture after removing from oven.
- 7
Sprinkle basil and red pepper flakes on top. Serve warm.
Tips
Cool melted cheese mixture until just warm to touch before kneading; too-hot dough becomes greasy and difficult to handle.
Pre-cut all string cheese pieces before assembling rolls to keep dough from cooling and becoming stiff.
Arrange balls in a tree silhouette on the sheet before baking so they bake together as one connected pull-apart unit.
Good to Know
Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a 300F oven for 5 minutes.
Assemble balls with cheese filling, cover, and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking. Bake directly from cold, adding 2-3 minutes to cook time.
Serve warm on a platter as a festive appetizer or side. Pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping or as part of a holiday charcuterie spread.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip cooling the cheese mixture; adding cool ingredients to hot dough causes uneven cooking.
Do not overseal the dough around string cheese; leave slight seams to avoid cheesy bursts during baking.
Do not brush with hot butter immediately after removing from oven; let cool 1 minute to prevent butter from sliding off.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes. After kneading, refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before forming and filling balls.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
The dough releases moisture as it cools. If still sticky after cooling, dust your work surface and hands lightly with almond flour and knead gently. Do not add excess flour or the dough becomes dense.
How long can I keep these pull-apart rolls fresh?
Best served within 2 hours while warm. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300F oven for 5 minutes until cheese is warm and slightly softened again.