Crispy Keto Fried Mortadella makes a perfect side to fried eggs and is a quick and easy low carb keto recipe.

I stumbled upon this accidental recipe while trying to enjoy thinly sliced mortadella in my sandwiches. When my partner brought home some mortadella sliced too thick for my liking, I initially considered discarding it.
However, I decided to fry it up instead, and to my surprise, it turned out delicious. It's essentially a one-ingredient dish, perfect for keto alongside fried eggs or as a carnivore snack. Can I even call it a recipe?
Other Italian recipes you might enjoy
Main Ingredients
Ok, does this even need a heading? I can't believe I am making this a recipe but when I shared it on social people asked me to make it a recipe, so here it is.
Mortadella: an Italian luncheon meat made of finely hashed or ground cured pork, traditionally flavored with black peppercorns.
Steps by step instructions
How to make Fried Mortadella?
STEP 1: Stack 3 slices of mortadella and cut into strips.

STEP 2: Transfer mortadella strips to a skillet over medium heat. Using tongs toss the strips occasionally until they get nice and crispy.

STEP 3: Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to catch any grease.
The mortadella will create some grease in the frying pan which I used to fry two eggs to go with it. It's a perfect combination and an alternative to making bacon and eggs.

Recipe tips
Top tip: if using light mortadella you may want to add some olive oil to the skillet before frying.
Recipe variations
Alternatively you can fry the full slices of mortadella and make a fried mortadella sandwich. It's similar to a bologna sandwich although I would use a low carb bread.
Some may add yellow mustard to it but as an italian that would be blasphemous.
Check out my Muffaletta Olive Spread for another recipe to use on a sandwich.
Frequently asked questions
Mortadella has cubes of fat that break up the meat where bologna emulsifies the fat with the meat.
I enjoy the crispy fried keto mortadella with fried eggs. However, the deli sliced mortadella is great in a (low carb) sandwich with provolone and slices of tomatoes.
Since this is only a one ingredient recipe which is meat, it contains zero carb making it keto, low carb, carnivore and diabetic friendly.

Recipe Card

Crispy Keto Fried Mortadella Chips
RECIPE VIDEO
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 slices mortadella sliced ¼" thick
- 1 teaspoon olive oil optional if using light mortadella
Instructions
- Slice mortadella into strips
- Pan fry in a medium skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Notes
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines









Gladys says
Thank you for the fantastic inspiration.
I have homemade Bologna in the fridge that I should cut up and fry!
Always with eggs and cheddar cheese…
And …
What a winner this is!
Gladys??Toronto??Canada??
Lucy says
I would never have thought of making chips with mortadella. Goes perfectly with eggs for a full English breakfast!