Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Toppings
- Extra mozzarella cheese
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil
- Oregano
- Black pepper
Kitchen Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Pizza cutter
- Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Cheese
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
- Mozzarella
- Cream cheese
Microwave for:
- 30 seconds
- Stir
- Microwave another 30 seconds
Mix until smooth and stretchy.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Add to the melted cheese:
- Almond flour
- Egg
- Baking powder
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
If sticky, lightly oil your hands.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Place the dough on parchment paper.
Roll into a rectangle approximately:
10 × 8 inches
Aim for about ½ inch thickness for soft cheese fingers.
Step 5: Bake the Base
Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
Do not overbake at this stage.
Step 6: Prepare Garlic Butter
While baking, combine:
- Melted butter
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Onion powder
- Salt
Mix well.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Remove the baked crust.
Brush generously with garlic butter.
Sprinkle:
- Parmesan
- Extra mozzarella (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Step 8: Bake Again
Return to the oven.
Bake another 8–10 minutes until:
- Cheese melts
- Edges become golden brown
- Garlic becomes fragrant
Step 9: Cool
Allow the cheese fingers to cool for 5 minutes.
This helps them firm up and slice cleanly.
Step 10: Slice
Using a pizza cutter, slice into long breadstick-style fingers.
Garnish with extra parsley before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t overcook the crust during the first bake.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- Allow cooling before slicing to prevent breaking.
Serving Suggestions
These garlic cheese fingers pair perfectly with:
- Sugar-free marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Keto Alfredo sauce
- Caesar salad
- Grilled chicken
- Soup
- Low-carb pasta dishes
They’re also ideal for:
- Holiday appetizers
- Potlucks
- Movie nights
- Family dinners
- Lunchboxes
- Keto meal prep
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked cheese fingers for up to 2 months.
Separate layers with parchment paper.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes
Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes
Microwave: 20–30 seconds (softens the crust slightly)
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists:
- Add cooked bacon bits.
- Mix cheddar with mozzarella.
- Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning.
- Add jalapeños for heat.
- Use fresh rosemary or thyme.
- Top with pepperoni for a pizza-style version.
- Add spinach and feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 255
- Protein: 13 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Net Carbs: 3 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg
- Sodium: 345 mg
- Calcium: 280 mg
- Potassium: 110 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.