Is mozzarella cheese keto friendly? – Calories, Nutrition and Keto Recipes

Is mozzarella cheese Keto-Friendly?

Yes, mozzarella cheese is keto-friendly. The ketogenic diet promotes low carb, moderate protein, and high-fat foods, and mozzarella, being a type of cheese, fits this bill pretty accurately. Besides, its minimal carb content makes it less likely to knock you out of ketosis, thereby making it an excellent addition to a keto diet.

Nutritional Facts About mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch. It’s rich in proteins and fats, while low in carbohydrates which is ideal for a ketogenic diet. Furthermore, it provides a decent amount of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B vitamins, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus, making it a well-rounded choice from a nutritional standpoint.

What is the Average Weight?

The average weight of a serving of mozzarella cheese, commonly referred to as “one stick”, is approximately 28g or 1 ounce. However, quantities may vary depending on the recipe or dish in use.

Additional Information About mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese is known for its high calcium content which is crucial for bone health. It also contains beneficial bacteria called probiotics, which aids digestive health. Some mozzarella cheese is made from the milk of water buffalos, often labelled as ‘Buffalo Mozzarella’, which can result in a higher fat content than mozzarella made from cow’s milk.

Other Foods To Match With

Mozzarella cheese is incredibly versatile and can be matched with a variety of foods that are also keto-friendly. Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini make a great pair with mozzarella for a nutrient-rich, low-carb meal. It can also be used in meat dishes, like chicken or beef, or melted over portobello mushrooms for a delicious and easy-to-make keto-friendly dish. More delicately, mozzarella can be used in salads alongside tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a refreshing and nutritious keto meal.

8 Famous Keto-Friendly Dishes To Try

1. Keto Mozzarella Chicken

Keto Mozzarella Chicken is a perfect dish for those following a low carbohydrate diet. It includes chicken breasts, marinara sauce, Italian seasonings, and of course, a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Chicken is a great source of lean protein; marinara sauce provides essential antioxidants, and mozzarella is high in fat but low in carbs, making it ideal for a keto diet.

2. Keto Zucchini Boats with Mozzarella

Zucchini Boats with Mozzarella Cheese are a delight for those on a Keto diet. The stuffing comprises ground meat and spices, topped with mozzarella. Zucchinis are low carb vegetables, while ground meat adds to the proteins and fats, and mozzarella gives the right balance of fat and taste without adding too many carbs.

3. Keto Mozzarella Sticks

These Keto-friendly Mozzarella Sticks make a great snack. Made with mozzarella cheese sticks wrapped in low carb flour and seasonings, these treats are then fried or baked until golden brown. The cheese provides a high amount of fats required for ketosis, and the low carb cover adds crispiness without upsetting the diet balance.

4. Keto Caprese Salad

The Keto Caprese Salad is a classic Italian dish consisting of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. While tomatoes provide minimal carbs, fresh mozzarella and olive oil offer high-fat content making it suitable for a keto diet. It is an excellent example of a simple, fresh, and keto-friendly recipe.

5. Keto Eggplant Lasagna

This Keto Eggplant Lasagna substitutes traditional lasagna noodles with thin-sliced eggplant. It is layered with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese and then baked. While eggplant serves as a low carb base, the cheeses maintain the taste and add a high amount of fats, aligning with keto dietary requirements.

6. Keto Margherita Pizza

Keto Margherita Pizza involves a crust made out of either almond flour or cauliflower, topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. The crust alternative brings down the carb content while the mozzarella adds the high-fat content making it a delicious keto-friendly pizza variant.

7. Keto Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Keto Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are mouth-watering appetizers that involve stuffing mushrooms with a delicious blend of ground sausage, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Mushrooms are low in carbs while the sausage and cheese offer a high-fat ratio, adhering to the keto diet.

8. Keto Mozzarella Alfredo Sauce

Keto Mozzarella Alfredo Sauce, primarily made with cream, butter, garlic, and mozzarella cheese, is a rich, creamy delight served over zoodles or shirataki noodles. The high-fat content from the cheese and cream makes this sauce perfect for the keto diet, and it gives a delicious twist to any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions about mozzarella cheese and Keto

Is mozzarella cheese keto friendly?

Yes, mozzarella cheese is keto friendly. A keto diet typically restricts carbs to around 20-50 grams per day, encouraging higher intakes of fats and proteins. A one-ounce (28-gram) serving of mozzarella cheese provides zero carbs, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat, making it a great choice for those on a keto diet.

How many calories does mozzarella cheese contain?

A one-ounce (28-gram) serving of whole milk mozzarella cheese contains approximately 85 calories. If you’re on a keto diet and monitoring your calorie intake, just remember to count these calories towards your daily intake.

Does mozzarella cheese contain any beneficial nutrients?

Mozzarella cheese is quite nutritious, providing high amounts of vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin B12 and phosphorous. These nutrients are important for bone health, metabolism and maintaining heart and brain functions.

Can I include mozzarella cheese in my keto recipes?

Yes, you certainly can! In fact, cheese is a cornerstone of many keto recipes. Its high fat and protein content, coupled with its low carbohydrate content, makes it perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. You can use it in salads, as a topping for keto pizzas, or as a delicious and substantial side dish on its own.

Is there a limit to how much mozzarella cheese I can eat on a keto diet?

While mozzarella cheese is low in carbs and keto-friendly, it’s still important to moderate your intake. Cheese is high in calories, and consuming too much can lead to weight gain, even on a low-carb diet. It’s also high in saturated fat, which, in large amounts, can increase your risk of heart disease. A healthy portion size is around 1 to 1.5 ounces per serving. Consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian to find out what’s best for you based on your health needs and goals.

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