If you're on a keto or low-carb diet and missing the satisfaction of a good wrap or taco, then this cheese wrap recipe is for you! These homemade keto cheese wraps are easy to make, customizable, and offer a delicious alternative to traditional flour or corn tortillas. They’re perfect for those craving Mexican food or looking for a creative way to enjoy sandwiches without the carbs.
Why Cheese Wraps?
Cheese wraps provide a tasty and versatile way to enjoy your favorite meals while staying within your dietary guidelines. Unlike store-bought low-carb tortillas, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.
Simple Ingredients, Endless Possibilities
You only need a few simple ingredients to create these amazing cheese wraps. The best part is how adaptable this recipe is. Adding your favorite type of cheese creates a unique twist of flavor each time.
- Cheese of Choice: Cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, and provolone are excellent choices. Shredded cheese generally works best, producing the crispiest taco shells. However, sliced cheddar and provolone can also be used with great results. Experiment with different cheese options to find your favorite! Some people like to use a Mexican Style Cheese Blend, such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla, and Asadero.
- Coconut Flour (Optional): A surprise ingredient that can enhance the texture and structure of the wrap.
- Seasonings (Optional): Spice things up with cayenne pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or your favorite herbs and spices.
Methods for Making Cheese Wraps
There are several methods for making cheese wraps, each with its own advantages. Here are three popular options: stovetop, microwave, and oven.
Method 1: Stovetop Cheese Wraps
This method creates a crispy and flavorful cheese wrap, perfect for tacos and quesadillas.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Instructions:
- Spread shredded cheese evenly on a non-stick frying pan. About ½ cup of shredded cheese should cover a 7" pan. Adjust the amount of cheese depending on the desired size of the wrap, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan.
- Add seasonings of choice, if desired.
- Cook cheese for 5 minutes on medium-low heat. The cheese will start to bubble as it cooks, and the bubbles will get smaller the longer it cooks. After about 5 minutes, the cheese should have lots of small bubbles, get darker in color, and look crispy.
- Remove pan from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to allow cheese wrap to cool.
- Remove the wrap using a spatula and enjoy with your favorite fillings! If you’re worried that the tortilla mixture is going to stick, a little bit of olive oil or butter won’t hurt.
Method 2: Microwave Cheese Wraps
The microwave method is quick and convenient, ideal for a single serving or a fast snack.
Instructions:
- Spread shredded cheese evenly on a 6" microwave-safe plate (made of a material that the cheese will peel off of, such as ceramic or plastic).
- Add seasonings of choice, if desired.
- Microwave for one minute and 15 seconds. Microwave strength varies, so you may need more or less time. The cheese wrap should be bubbling and slightly crispy when it's done. If it turns brown around the edges, it's a little overdone. If it's not bubbly in the middle, then it needs a little more time.
- Remove from microwave and let cool for 5 minutes.
Method 3: Oven-Baked Cheese Wraps
Baking the cheese wraps in the oven yields a crispy and evenly cooked result, great for making multiple wraps at once.
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread 1/4 cup shredded cheese or 1 slice of cheddar onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread out the shredded cheese into a circle. For a larger wrap, arrange four slices of cheese in a square on the parchment paper, having them just barely overlap.
- Bake for 8 minutes until bubbles form and edges are browned. Keep an eye on the cheese, as you want it to bubble and brown lightly around the edges without burning.
- Cool for 2 minutes, then use a spatula to lay cheese over a spoon balanced on two glasses to create a taco shell shape. Allow to harden for about 2-3 minutes, then add fillings and enjoy. Alternatively, for a flat wrap, simply let it cool on the baking sheet before adding fillings.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Wraps
- Pressing is Key: When cooking on the stovetop, press down firmly on the tortilla as it cooks. This is essential for it to hold together.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cheese wrap to cool for a few minutes after cooking. This will help it to firm up and become easier to handle.
- Pliability: Cheese tortillas are most pliable while still warm. If you plan to use them in a recipe that requires them to roll up, prep the fillings first and fill them as they are cooked.
- Preventing Sticking: If you're worried about the tortilla mixture sticking to the pan, add a little bit of olive oil or butter.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese to find your favorite flavor and texture.
- Add Coconut Flour: For added structure, toss the cheese of your choice and a small amount of coconut flour together before cooking.
Serving Suggestions and Filling Ideas
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using cheese wraps. They can be used in any way you would use regular tortillas. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Tacos: Fill with your favorite taco fillings, such as seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. A cheddar cheese wrap with taco seasoning is perfect for this.
- Quesadillas: Add your favorite quesadilla ingredients, such as diced green onion, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and even cooked ground beef on top.
- Sandwiches: Use cheese wraps as a low-carb alternative to bread. A Colby Jack wrap with ranch seasoning is delicious with your favorite sandwich fillings.
- Pizza Wraps: Use mozzarella and Italian seasoning to create a pizza-flavored wrap.
- Breakfast Tacos: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a delicious and keto-friendly breakfast.
- BLT Wraps: Combine crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a quick and satisfying meal.
Here are some specific filling combinations to try:
- Roast Beef and Provolone: Spread ranch dressing on a provolone cheese wrap, followed by roast beef, salami, pepperoni, and shredded lettuce.
- Turkey and Avocado: A simple and healthy combination.
- Ham and Swiss: A classic sandwich combination in a cheese wrap.
- Italian: Fill with Italian meats, provolone cheese, and your favorite Italian toppings.
- Club: Combine turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftover cheese quesadillas cooled to room temperature in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat them in a frying pan for a couple of minutes to heat the entire surface quickly.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutritional Information
Cheese wraps can be a healthy option depending on the type of cheese used and your individual dietary needs. For cheddar cheese, ½ cup contains 14 g protein and zero net carbs. Always check the recipe card for the exact nutritional information based on the ingredients you use.
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