Keto Italian Sub Roll-Ups

These keto Italian sub roll-ups are packed with salami, pepperoni, and provolone for a satisfying low carb Italian sandwich ready in 10 minutes—perfect for lunch!

Remember those massive Italian subs from your favorite deli—the ones so stuffed with meat and toppings that half the fillings would slide out with every bite? I used to order one every Friday for lunch, and honestly, the bread was just a vehicle for all that delicious Italian goodness. Once I went gluten-free and started watching my carbs, I realized I didn’t actually miss the bread at all.

These keto Italian sub roll-ups deliver every single flavor you’re craving from a classic Italian sandwich, minus the carbs and gluten. Instead of wrapping everything in a roll, we’re using the deli meat itself as the wrapper—genius, right? Each bite gives you layers of savory salami, mortadella, sopressata, and pepperoni, all held together with creamy provolone and your favorite toppings.

The best part? These low carb Italian subs come together in about 10 minutes and stay fresh in the fridge for a week, making them absolutely perfect for meal prep. I pack these for my kids’ lunches, grab them for quick dinners on busy weeknights, and even serve them at parties where they disappear faster than I can make them.

Ingredients For Keto Italian Sub Roll-Ups

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Genoa Salami Slices	4
Mortadella Slices	4
Sopressata Slices	4
Pepperoni Slices	4
Provolone Slices	4	Omit for dairy-free
Mayonnaise	2-3 Tbsp	Paleo Lime Mayo or avocado oil mayo
Shredded Lettuce	1/2 cup
Extra Toppings	As desired	Banana peppers, jalapeños, roasted red peppers, black olives
Avocado Oil or Olive Oil	2 Tbsp	For dipping sauce
Apple Cider Vinegar	1 Tbsp	For dipping sauce
Italian Seasoning	1/2 tsp	For dipping sauce
Toothpicks	4	To secure roll-ups

Instructions For Keto Italian Sub Roll-Ups

Step 1: Layer your meat slices from largest to smallest on a clean cutting board or work surface. If you’re using Boar’s Head brand (my personal favorite), the perfect stacking order is Genoa salami first, then mortadella, sopressata, and finally pepperoni on top. This creates a beautiful gradient that not only looks impressive but also makes rolling so much easier.

Step 2: Spread a thin, even layer of mayo across the entire stack of meats, but leave about half an inch at the top edge completely clean. This little trick prevents the mayo from squishing out the sides when you roll everything up—trust me, I learned this the messy way! The mayo acts as your “glue” to help bind everything together.

Step 3: Place one slice of provolone cheese about halfway down from the top of your meat stack. Add a small handful of shredded lettuce to the lower half, then scatter your favorite toppings over the lettuce—I’m obsessed with banana peppers and black olives for that authentic Italian sub tang. Just don’t overstuff or your low carb Italian sandwich will be impossible to roll tightly.

Step 4: Have your toothpicks ready within arm’s reach because you’ll need to work quickly once you start rolling. Starting from the bottom edge where the cheese begins, gently but firmly roll the entire stack toward the top, tucking in any rebellious fillings that try to escape. The tighter you roll, the better it holds together and the more satisfying each bite becomes.

Step 5: Once you reach the end, immediately secure the outer edge with a toothpick pushed straight through the center to hold everything in place. In a small ramekin or bowl, whisk together 2 parts oil (about 2 tablespoons) with 1 part vinegar (about 1 tablespoon), then sprinkle Italian seasoning on top. Dip your keto Italian sub roll-ups into this zesty mixture and prepare for flavor heaven!

Substitutions For Low Carb Italian Sandwich

Need a dairy-free version? Simply skip the provolone cheese entirely—the roll-ups hold together beautifully with just the mayo and tightly rolled meats. You won’t miss it one bit, especially once you dip everything in that tangy oil and vinegar sauce that adds so much flavor.

Not a fan of traditional Italian meats? Turkey and roast beef work wonderfully as substitutes and create a completely different flavor profile. You can also mix in ham or capicola for variety, or stick with just your two or three favorite deli meats if you prefer a simpler low carb lunch meat option.

Want to boost the nutrition? Add thinly sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, or fresh spinach leaves along with the lettuce. These extra veggies add crunch and vitamins without adding significant carbs, making your keto Italian sub even more nourishing and colorful.

Mayo alternatives? Use mashed avocado, pesto, or even a smear of cream cheese for a different creamy element. Dijon mustard mixed with a tiny bit of mayo also creates a tangy spread that pairs beautifully with the salty Italian meats.

Troubleshooting Your Low Carb Lunch Meat

Roll-ups falling apart? The key is rolling tightly from the very start and not overstuffing with toppings. If you’re having trouble, reduce the amount of lettuce and extras by half, and make sure your meat slices overlap slightly when you layer them so there are no gaps.

Mayo squishing out the sides? You’re either using too much mayo or spreading it too close to the edges. A thin layer (about 1-2 teaspoons per stack) spread in the center two-thirds of the meat is plenty—remember, you’ve got that delicious dipping sauce for extra moisture and flavor.

Meats tearing when rolling? Let your deli meats come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before assembling. Cold meat straight from the fridge is stiff and prone to cracking, while slightly warmed meat becomes pliable and much easier to roll tightly without tearing.

Toothpick not holding? Push the toothpick through at a slight angle rather than straight down, and make sure it goes through all the layers of meat. If one toothpick isn’t enough stability, don’t hesitate to use two—one on each end of the roll-up.

Storage & Meal Prep

These low carb Italian sub roll-ups are meal prep superstars and stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week. Wrap each roll-up individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then store them all together in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out and makes grabbing lunch or a quick snack incredibly easy.

For best results, make the oil and vinegar dipping sauce fresh each time you’re ready to eat rather than storing it premade. Well, the sauce separates when sitting, so a quick 30-second whisk right before serving gives you the best flavor and texture every single time.

Serving Suggestions

These keto Italian sub roll-ups shine brightest when served with classic Italian antipasto sides. Try pairing them with marinated artichoke hearts, a simple caprese salad, or crispy gluten-free vegetable chips for a complete low carb Italian feast. A handful of mixed olives or pickled vegetables on the side adds even more authentic deli flavor.

For a fun party presentation, slice each roll-up into 3-4 pinwheel pieces and arrange them on a platter with the cut sides facing up. The colorful spiral of meats and toppings looks absolutely gorgeous and makes them perfect finger food for game day, potlucks, or casual get-togethers where everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Variations

Spicy Italian Version: Swap regular pepperoni for spicy pepperoni, add sliced jalapeños and a drizzle of hot sauce with your mayo, then sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes in your dipping sauce. This kicked-up version is my husband’s absolute favorite and has just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the other flavors.

Kid-Friendly Mild Option: Use only ham and turkey instead of the spicier Italian meats, skip any hot peppers, and let the kids spread their favorite ranch dressing instead of mayo. Cut these into smaller pinwheel pieces and serve with their preferred dipping sauce—most kids go crazy for ranch or even a mild Italian dressing.

Mediterranean Twist: Replace Italian meats with turkey and add cucumber slices, feta cheese crumbles (if not dairy-free), kalamata olives, and a smear of hummus instead of mayo. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil for dipping, creating a completely different flavor experience that’s equally delicious and perfect for a lighter low carb lunch meat option.

Pizza-Style Roll-Ups: Use only pepperoni and mozzarella, add a thin spread of sugar-free pizza sauce instead of mayo, and include diced bell peppers and mushrooms. You know what? These taste exactly like eating a pizza without the crust, and they’re incredibly popular with kids who might be skeptical of traditional Italian sub flavors.

FAQs About Keto Italian Sub Roll-Ups

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a ridiculously easy, incredibly satisfying low carb Italian sandwich that comes together faster than you could drive to the deli. These keto Italian sub roll-ups prove that going gluten-free and low carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. Every bite delivers that classic Italian sub experience you’re craving, just without the carb crash afterward.

Whether you’re packing lunches for the week, feeding hungry kids after school, or hosting a casual gathering, these roll-ups have become my secret weapon in the kitchen. Man, oh man, the number of times these have saved me from the dreaded “what’s for lunch?” dilemma is countless.

They’re so simple that even cooking beginners can master them on the first try, yet they taste fancy enough to serve to guests.