Keto Italian Sub Casserole: The Ultimate Low-Carb Deconstructed Sandwich Hotdish

Imagine your favorite Italian sub sandwich, brimming with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing, but transformed into a warm, comforting casserole with a crispy, cheesy, low-carb topping. That’s precisely what our Keto Italian Sub Casserole delivers! This innovative recipe, packed with three different types of deli meat, reimagines the classic sub into a satisfying hotdish that’s perfect for a ketogenic lifestyle. It’s an irresistible blend of flavors and textures, making it an instant family favorite and a smart choice for anyone seeking delicious, low-carb meal ideas.

Why This Keto Casserole Idea is a Weeknight Winner

Casseroles are undeniably a staple in many households, and for good reason. They are incredibly versatile, relatively inexpensive, and consistently deliver a hearty meal that feeds everyone at the table. Our Keto Italian Sub Casserole takes all these advantages and elevates them with a ketogenic twist. It’s not just a meal; it’s a complete culinary experience packed into a single dish, featuring a harmonious blend of flavorful meats, creamy cheese, and crisp, nutrient-rich vegetables. This means less fuss in the kitchen and more quality time with your loved ones.

For those following a ketogenic diet, nutritional value is paramount, and this casserole shines brightly. Each generous serving boasts a remarkably low 5 grams of net carbs, making it an excellent choice for maintaining ketosis without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. What’s more, it’s rich in essential macronutrients, providing a substantial amount of protein to support muscle health, healthy fats to fuel your body, and a good dose of fiber and other vital nutrients from the fresh vegetables. If you’re looking to reduce net carbs even further, there are simple adjustments you can make without compromising the delicious taste.

This casserole is also a fantastic opportunity to utilize fresh produce, especially if you have a garden overflowing with ripe tomatoes and vibrant bell peppers. The fresh, crisp flavors of homegrown vegetables elevate the entire dish, adding a seasonal touch that’s simply unmatched.

Unpacking the Authentic Italian Sub Casserole Experience

What truly sets this Italian Sub Casserole apart is its ingenious design, capturing the essence of a classic Italian deli sandwich. We’ve meticulously layered savory deli meats, fresh-cut vegetables, and a zesty dressing, all crowned with a delectable, bread-like topping. This isn’t just a casserole; it’s a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right into your kitchen, without the carb-heavy bun.

The Star: Our Signature Fathead Dough Topping

The crowning glory of this casserole is undoubtedly the homemade fathead dough topping. If you’re familiar with keto baking, you know the magic of fathead dough. For this recipe, we’ve used our tried-and-true fathead dough, a simple yet revolutionary mixture of melted mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, fine almond flour, an egg, and a touch of baking powder. This is the very same versatile dough that forms the base of our popular keto garlic knots, known for their incredible texture and flavor.

To infuse the dough with authentic Italian flair, we generously season it with a blend of Italian spices and garlic powder. For an extra layer of freshness and a subtly sweeter note, consider incorporating some finely chopped fresh basil. The combination of these herbs with the rich, cheesy dough creates a topping that’s not only flavorful but also boasts a remarkably similar texture to traditional bread, providing that satisfying chew and crust you’d expect from a sub sandwich.

This bread-like crust is a game-changer, transforming an ordinary casserole into something truly extraordinary. It’s the element that perfectly mimics the experience of biting into a classic Italian sub, providing an incredible textural contrast to the juicy, savory filling below. Every forkful is a delightful blend of robust flavors and satisfying textures.

The Flavorful Base: Meats, Veggies, and Zest

The foundation of this Italian Sub Casserole is a robust layer of premium deli meats. We start with deli-sliced ham, offering a mild, salty base, followed by slices of savory salami, which brings a distinctive cured flavor and a hint of spice. Finally, layers of pepperoni add that quintessential Italian kick and a slight crispness when baked. These three meats combine to create a deeply satisfying and authentic sub experience.

Complementing the meats are fresh, vibrant vegetables. Thinly sliced Roma tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness and acidity, while crisp green bell peppers provide a refreshing crunch and earthy flavor. Sharp red onions contribute a pungent bite that’s essential for balancing the richness of the meats and cheeses. And for that signature sub tang, sliced pepperoncini peppers are a must, offering a mild heat and a delightful briny note. A simple yet crucial dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar is drizzled over the vegetables, infusing the entire casserole with that classic Italian vinaigrette flavor that ties all the elements together, just like on a fresh sub sandwich.

Serving Suggestions for Your Low-Carb Italian Casserole

While this Italian casserole is robust enough to be a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate your dining experience. Think about light, fresh accompaniments that balance the richness of the casserole and enhance its Italian-inspired flavors.

A crisp, chopped salad is always an excellent choice. The cool, refreshing crunch of mixed greens, cucumbers, and other garden vegetables provides a wonderful contrast to the warm casserole. For a truly thematic pairing, consider a Keto Copycat Olive Garden Salad; its zesty dressing and simple ingredients perfectly echo many of the flavors found within the casserole itself.

If you’re particularly fond of peppers, why not serve some Keto Stuffed Peppers with Sausage on the side? They add another layer of hearty flavor and can make the meal even more substantial. Alternatively, for a creamy, comforting side, our fluffy Keto Garlic Cauliflower Mash is always a crowd-pleaser. Its smooth texture and garlicky notes complement almost any savory dish, including this Italian sub casserole.

Other keto-friendly ideas include steamed green beans tossed with a bit of garlic and butter, roasted asparagus spears for a touch of elegance, or a simple side of zucchini noodles sautéed in olive oil. These options are light, nutritious, and won’t add unnecessary carbs to your meal.

Customizing Your Low-Carb Italian Casserole

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. It’s a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavor profiles to make it uniquely yours. We always love to hear about your creative variations, so please share your ideas in the comments section!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

**Cheese Variations:** While provolone cheese offers a classic, mild Italian flavor, swapping it for Swiss cheese can introduce a delightful tangy twist. For a sharper, nuttier profile, consider gruyere, or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra stretch and flavor.
**Adding Heat:** If you enjoy a little spice, finely chop some fresh jalapeño peppers or a few pinches of red pepper flakes and scatter them throughout the casserole. For a smoky heat, a dash of chipotle powder could also be a fun addition.
**Onion Choices:** Red onions provide a vibrant color and a sharp, zesty flavor, but white or yellow onions can also be used for a milder, slightly sweeter undertone. Caramelized onions would add a rich depth of flavor that’s truly gourmet.
**Extra Vegetables:** Enhance the veggie content by adding sliced black olives for a briny touch, sautéed mushrooms for an umami boost, or even a layer of fresh spinach or arugula under the cheese for added nutrients and a peppery kick.
**Herb & Spice Adjustments:** Beyond the Italian seasoning, consider a pinch of dried oregano, marjoram, or even a hint of fennel seeds to deepen the Italian flavors. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also be sprinkled on top after baking for a burst of color and aroma.
**Meat Mix-ins:** While the three deli meats are core, you could also incorporate some cooked and crumbled Italian sausage for an extra layer of savory goodness, or swap out one of the deli meats for turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.

How to Store and Reheat Your Keto Casserole

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Keto Italian Sub Casserole for days to come. The best method is to transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, this delicious casserole will maintain its freshness and flavor for up to three days. We highly recommend consuming it within this timeframe, especially to ensure the delightful bread-like topping retains its desirable texture and doesn’t become too soft.

When it comes to reheating, to preserve the casserole’s wonderful texture and crispiness of the fathead dough topping, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, we suggest reheating individual portions in an air fryer or a conventional oven. In an air fryer, a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) should bring it back to life, resulting in a perfectly crispy top and warm, gooey interior. If using an oven, place the casserole on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and the crust is golden and crisp again. This will ensure every bite is as satisfying as the first.

Keto Italian Sub Casserole Recipe

Ready to create this incredible deconstructed sub sandwich? Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own Keto Italian Sub Casserole. Detailed measurements and step-by-step instructions are provided below in the comprehensive recipe card. Get ready for a low-carb meal that truly satisfies!

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 8
Net Carbs: 5 net carbs per serving

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

1/2 pound Deli Sliced Ham
1/2 pound Deli Sliced Pepperoni
1/2 pound Deli Sliced Salami
10 slices Provolone Cheese
1/2 Red Onion, sliced thinly
1/4 cup Sliced Pepperoncini Peppers
1/2 Green Bell Pepper, sliced thinly
2 Roma Tomatoes, sliced thinly
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
1 tsp Italian Seasoning

For the Topping:

1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
2 ounces Cream Cheese
1 cup Almond Flour
1 large Egg
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Italian Seasoning
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the cheeses are fully melted and well combined into a smooth mixture.
Transfer the melted cheese mixture into a separate mixing bowl. Add the almond flour, egg, baking powder, xanthan gum, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Blend these ingredients thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms.
Begin assembling the casserole by layering the deli-sliced ham evenly across the bottom of the prepared 9×13 baking dish.
Next, arrange the sliced salami over the ham layer.
Finish the meat layers with the pepperoni slices.
Evenly distribute the thinly sliced Roma tomatoes over the layered meats.
Scatter the sliced green bell peppers, red onion, and pepperoncini peppers over the tomatoes.
Sprinkle the entire casserole with the Italian seasoning. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar, then pour this dressing evenly over all the ingredients in the baking dish.
Place the slices of provolone cheese uniformly over the top of the vegetable mixture.
Roll out the prepared fathead dough between two pieces of parchment paper until it is approximately the size of your 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Carefully place the dough crust over the casserole. Trim any excess dough from the edges if necessary to fit perfectly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the fathead dough topping is cooked through, golden brown, and delightfully crispy.

Pin this recipe for later and enjoy a guilt-free Italian feast!

Keto Italian Sub Casserole

With three different types of meat, this keto Italian sub casserole is a hotdish recipe that tastes like a deconstructed sub sandwich. Enjoy the classic flavors you love, made low-carb and perfectly satisfying.

Course
Dinner, Main Course, Keto, Low Carb

Keyword
Italian Sub Casserole, Keto Casserole, Low Carb Italian

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 575 kcal

Ingredients

Casserole

1/2
pound
Deli Sliced Ham
1/2
pound
Deli Sliced Pepperoni
1/2
pound
Deli Sliced Salami
10
slices
Provolone Cheese
1/2
Red Onion
sliced thinly
1/4
cup
Sliced Pepperoncini Peppers
1/2
Green Bell Pepper
sliced thinly
2
Roma Tomatoes
sliced thinly
1
tbsp
Olive Oil
1
tbsp
Red Wine Vinegar
1
tsp
Italian Seasoning

Topping

1 1/2
cup
Mozzarella Cheese
shredded
2
ounces
Cream Cheese
1
cup
Almond Flour
1
large
Egg
1/2
tsp
Baking Powder
1/4
tsp
Xanthan Gum
1/4
tsp
Garlic Powder
1/4
tsp
Italian Seasoning

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
Place the mozzarella and cream cheese into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds at a time until the cheese is melted and well combined.
Place the melted cheese into a mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients for the topping. Blend until well combined into a dough.
Layer the ham, then salami, and finally the pepperoni in a 9×13 baking dish.
Top the meat with the sliced tomatoes.
Add the bell peppers, onion, and pepperoncini peppers.
Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning.
Mix together the olive oil and red wine vinegar in a small bowl, and pour it over the casserole.
Layer the provolone cheese slices on the top.
Roll the dough out between two pieces of parchment paper until it is roughly the size of the casserole dish.
Place the crust on top of the casserole, trimming the edges if needed.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the dough is cooked through and slightly browned.

Recipe Notes

Net Carbs: Approximately 5 Net Carbs Per Serving

The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximation only. We cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site. Factors like specific brands of ingredients used can affect the final nutritional values.

More Delicious Keto Casserole Recipes to Explore

If you loved the savory goodness of this Keto Italian Sub Casserole, you’ll be thrilled to discover our other fantastic baked casserole recipes. Each one is designed to be low-carb, packed with flavor, and perfect for satisfying your ketogenic cravings. Expand your meal rotation with these delicious and easy-to-make options:

Keto Creamed Spinach and Chicken Casserole: A creamy, cheesy, and hearty chicken dish perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Low-Carb Pizza Casserole with Eggs: All the flavors of your favorite pizza, transformed into a breakfast or brunch-friendly casserole with eggs.
Keto King Ranch Chicken Casserole: A classic comfort food reinvented with a low-carb twist, featuring tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and a hint of spice.
Keto Mexican Pulled Pork Taco Casserole: Enjoy the vibrant, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine in a convenient, low-carb casserole format.
Keto Chicken Divan Casserole: A rich and satisfying dish combining chicken, broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all keto-friendly.