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Keto Garlic Bread Italian Meatball Sliders 🥪

Published: · Updated: by · 4 Comments

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Say hello to our fantastic Keto Garlic Bread with Italian Meatball Sliders. This recipe combines two beloved classics into one irresistible dish. This appetizer-turned-main-course is a delightful fusion of flavors designed to satisfy your cravings!

Keto Garlic Bread Italian Meatball Sliders on parchment (zoomed-in).
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Preparation and cooking overview

Prepare these Italian Meatball Sliders by making 12 larger Keto Dinner Rolls. While they cool, prepare the juicy meatballs. Fry the meatballs, simmer in tomato sauce, and layer the sliders with mozzarella cheese and garlic rolls. It takes about an hour and a half to make this amazing recipe!

Chef's note

For a burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of dried oregano or a pinch of chili flakes to the meatball mixture. And feel free to explore cheese options like provolone or Swiss to give your sliders a unique twist.

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 12 Servings

🥪 Ingredients for this keto garlic bread Italian meatball sliders recipe

Bread Dough

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tablespoon garlic salt
  • ½ tablespoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes with basil
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 slices mozzarella cheese

Garlic Basil Butter

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated

Ingredient substitutions

If you're missing a few ingredients, no worries. Here are some ingredients substitute options:

  • Ground beef: Replace the meat with minced turkey or chicken.
  • Parmesan cheese: Swap Parmesan with grated Pecorino Romano. This hard cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor. So there will be little difference.
  • Canned crushed tomatoes with basil: Replace it with an equal amount of tomato puree and some fresh basils.
  • Mozzarella cheese: You can use provolone or cheddar cheese and choose the one that aligns with your personal preferences. Just so you know, provolone has a slightly sharper and smokier flavor.

Additional ingredients

  • Fresh basil leaves: You can add a handful of fresh basil leaves.
  • Sliced pepperoni: For an extra kick of flavor and protein, layer a few slices of keto-friendly pepperoni on top of the meatballs before adding the marinara sauce and cheese.
  • Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on the meatballs if you like them spicy.
meatball sliders on white parchment paper with fresh basil scattered around

Cooking tools required

You will need these tools to make the keto garlic cheese bread and spicy meatballs.

  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula or mixing spoon
  • Knife (for slicing rolls)
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowl (for garlic butter)
  • Brush (for brushing garlic butter)
  • Oven
  • Aluminum foil
  • Kitchen towel

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: Any large non-stick skillet or frying pan will work if you don't have a cast-iron skillet.
  • Large mixing bowl: You can use a regular mixing bowl or a large pot as an alternative to a large mixing bowl.
  • Brush: If you don't have a brush, you can use the back of a spoon to spread the garlic butter.

How to make Keto Garlic Bread Italian Meatball Sliders: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Frying
  • Simmering
  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Carefully measure the ingredients. Use measuring cups and spoons for a perfect result.
  2. Keep the cooking tools and ingredients within reach.

Cooking instructions

  1. Make a batch of Keto Dinner Rolls according to this recipe, except make them larger! Make 12 rolls, not 24. Let them cool, then remove the rolls in one large piece from the skillet and carefully slice the rolls in half.
  2. Combine the beef, egg, garlic salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Mix until well combined, then form 24 meatballs (you need 2 meatballs per slider).
  3. Heat the olive oil in the skillet, then fry each meatball for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer the meatballs and the sauce to a bowl and set aside.
  4. Wipe out the skillet, then add the bottom of the rolls back to the skillet. Top the bottom layer with the meatballs and sauce, then top with the sliced cheese and the tops of the rolls.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic butter ingredients. Brush the garlic butter over the tops of the rolls.
  6. Transfer to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melty. Cover with foil if the tops of the rolls start to brown too quickly.
overhead close-up of crispy garlic bread

Chef's pro tip

Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying to ensure perfectly browned meatballs. Cook them in batches, giving each one enough space to develop a golden crust and cook evenly.

What to serve with keto garlic bread Italian meatball sliders?

You can serve these meatball sliders with these side dishes:

  • Side salad: Pair the juicy meatball sliders with a Keto Arugula Salad or Asian Cucumber Salad.
  • Steamed vegetables: Steam low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, and spinach, and enjoy them with the sliders.

How to make it healthier

Want to make this dish healthier, try the following ways:

  • Use lean ground meat: Opt for leaner ground meats such as chicken or turkey instead of beef. These can reduce the overall fat content.
  • Increase vegetable content: Add more vegetables to the recipe. You can finely chop spinach or grated zucchini and add them to the meatball mixture. Spinach and zucchini add extra nutrients and fiber while keeping the sliders moist and flavorful.
  • Use lighter cheese options: While the recipe suggests mozzarella cheese, you can opt for lighter cheese options such as reduced-fat mozzarella or part-skim mozzarella. These choices still provide great flavor while reducing the overall fat content.

Time-saving tips

Here are a few tips on saving time while following this recipe.

  • Use store-bought keto dinner rolls: If you are short on time, use pre-made keto dinner rolls.
  • Pre-made meatballs: Use keto-friendly meatballs from your local grocery store rather than making them from scratch.

Note: Read the package instructions for carb counts and nutrients when using store-based ingredients.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Low-carb dinner rolls: Prepare a batch of dinner rolls.
  • Meatballs: Prepare the meatball mixture, and roll them into small balls. You can store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook them.
  • Garlic basil butter: Mix the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, finely minced fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerator: Let the sliders cool down to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store them for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Individually wrap the sliders in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can freeze for 2-3 months.

Reheating instructions

When reheating the frozen leftovers, you must thaw the sliders in the refrigerator overnight. After that, you can follow the guidelines below:

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the sliders on a baking tray and cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated properly.
  • Microwave: For a quick reheating option, place the sliders on a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

The Keto Garlic Bread Italian Meatball Sliders are delicacies you wouldn't want to miss. The combination of juicy meatballs and garlic-infused rolls is a match made in heaven. These are perfect for any game-day event, holiday party, or potluck-style dinner.

Check out our other keto slider recipes!

Frequently asked questions

The heating time for garlic bread in the oven can vary. But typically, it takes around 10-15 minutes at 350°F. Preheat the oven and pay attention to prevent burning.

Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meatball mixture. Alternatively, you can pair the sliders with a side salad or roasted vegetables to increase the nutritional value and fiber content.

Yes, you can omit the garlic basil butter. While the garlic basil butter adds a delicious flavor and aroma to the sliders, they will still be tasty and satisfying without it. Alternatively, you can brush the rolls with melted butter or olive oil for added moisture and a touch of richness.

Garlic is generally considered keto-friendly. It is low in carbs and calories, making it a great flavor enhancer for keto-friendly dishes. It adds a delicious and aromatic touch to various recipes without significantly impacting carbohydrate intake.

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using mozzarella cheese, you can get creative and try other keto-friendly cheese options such as cheddar, provolone, or Swiss. Experimenting with different cheeses can add exciting flavors and variety to your sliders.

Enjoying keto bread as part of a balanced diet is generally fine, but moderation is key. Be mindful of your overall carbohydrate intake and consider incorporating various other keto-friendly foods into your meals.

📖 Recipe

meatball sliders on white parchment paper with fresh basil scattered around

Keto Italian Meatball Sliders

These Keto Garlic Bread Italian Meatball Sliders are the perfect slider recipe! Crispy keto garlic bread rolls get filled with homemade meatballs, tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese for one epic slider!
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: sliders
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 464kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 batch keto dinner rolls
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tablespoon garlic salt
  • ½ tablespoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes with basil
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 slices mozzarella cheese

Garlic Basil Butter:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Make a batch of keto dinner rolls according to this recipe except make them larger into 12 rolls, not 24. Let cool then remove the rolls in one large piece from the skillet, carefully slice the rolls in half.
  • In a large bowl combine the beef, egg, garlic salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined then form into 24 meatballs (you need 2 meatbals per slider).
  • Heat the olive oil in the skillet then fry each meatball for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer the meatballs and the sauce to a bowl and set aside.
  • Wipe out the skillet then add the bottom of the rolls back to the skillet. Top the bottom layer with the meatballs and sauce then top with the sliced cheese and the tops of the rolls.
  • In a small bowl mix together the garlic butter ingredients. Brush the garlic butter over the tops of the rolls.
  • Transfer to the oven and bake at 400° F. for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melty. Cover with foil if the tops of the rolls start to brown too quickly.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Italian Meatball Sliders
Amount Per Serving
Calories 464 Calories from Fat 351
% Daily Value*
Fat 39g60%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Cholesterol 64mg21%
Sodium 482mg21%
Potassium 186mg5%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin A 310IU6%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 124mg12%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jaws says

    Did you mean to make 12 meatballs to go into the 12 rolls? Or do you put 2 meatballs on top of each roll?

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      The meatballs need to be smaller for them to make compact sliders. Since the all get added to the buns then baked then sliced it comes out to about 2 meatballs per slider. I hope that makes sense!

      Reply

  2. Christin says

    For this recipe, should I use regular olive oil or light? Full fat mozzarella or part skim for topping the sliders?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Christin, all of our recipes always use regular extra-virgin olive oil. For the sliders, you use can use either full fat or part-skim - the nutritional info was calculated with part-skim. Hope this helps!

      Reply

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