How many carbs are in a Porto’s cheese roll?

Porto’s Bakery is a popular bakery chain known for its delicious Cuban pastries and baked goods. One of their most popular items is the cheese roll, which consists of a flaky pastry shell filled with a sweet cream cheese filling. But how many carbohydrates are actually in one of these tasty cheese rolls? As a nutrition-conscious foodie, it’s an important question to ask before indulging in these delicious treats.

The Basics on Porto’s Cheese Rolls

Let’s start with the basics. Porto’s cheese rolls are made with a bread dough that’s rolled flat, spread with a layer of sweet cream cheese filling, then rolled up jelly-roll style and baked until golden brown. The filling has a smooth, sweet cream cheese taste complemented by vanilla and lemon flavors. The result is a tender, lightly sweet pastry that’s crispy on the outside and oozing with cream cheese filling inside.

Porto’s makes these cheese rolls in two sizes – regular (2 oz) and mini (1 oz). For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the carb count in a regular 2 oz Porto’s cheese roll.

Determining the Carb Count

To determine how many total carbohydrates are in one Porto’s cheese roll, we need to consider the carb count of both the dough and the filling.

Carbs in the Dough

Since Porto’s doesn’t provide nutrition information for their cheese rolls, we’ll have to make some estimates. Looking at standard bread dough recipes, a 2 oz roll likely contains around 15-20g of total carbs from the flour in the dough. Most bread is around 60% carbohydrates by weight.

Carbs in the Filling

The sweet cream cheese filling also adds a significant amount of carbs. Cream cheese typically contains around 3-4g of carbs per ounce. For a 2 oz cheese roll, the filling likely contributes 6-8g of carbs.

Total Carb Estimate

Adding together the estimated carbs from both the dough and filling, a regular size Porto’s cheese roll likely contains around 21-28g total carbs.

Component Estimated Carbs
Bread dough (2 oz roll) 15-20g
Cream cheese filling (2 oz) 6-8g
Total Carbs 21-28g

How the Carb Count Compares

So how does this carb count stack up compared to other baked goods?

Here’s how a regular Porto’s cheese roll compares:

  • More carbs than 1 slice of bread (15g)
  • Less carbs than 1 glazed donut (32g)
  • Similar to 1 cinnamon roll (26g)
  • Less than 1 slice of cheese pizza (30g)

While certainly not a low-carb food, a Porto’s cheese roll contains a moderate amount of carbs compared to other popular bakery and breakfast items. The richness of the cream cheese filling means you may be satisfied with just one roll.

Lower Carb Alternatives

If you’re looking for lower carb options at Porto’s, consider these alternatives:

  • Mini cheese roll (around 14g carbs)
  • Meat pie (around 15g carbs)
  • Guava and cheese turnover (around 20g carbs)
  • Beef and potato empanada (around 15g carbs)

Nutritional Profile of Porto’s Cheese Rolls

Looking beyond just carbohydrates, here is the full nutritional profile of Porto’s cheese rolls based on our estimates:

Nutrient Amount
Calories 220
Fat 9g
Carbs 21-28g
Protein 6g
Sugar 2-4g

As you can see, over half the calories come from fat due to the cream cheese filling. There is also a good amount of protein thanks to the cheese. Sugar content is kept low.

Micronutrients

For micronutrients, Porto’s cheese rolls provide:

  • Calcium: 15% Daily Value
  • Vitamin A: 2% DV
  • Iron: 5% DV

The cheese filling contributes a good amount of calcium. There are also small amounts of iron and vitamin A from the dough.

Health Impact of Porto’s Cheese Rolls

Now that we know the carb and nutrition count, how does eating Porto’s cheese rolls impact your health?

Blood Sugar Effects

The 21-28g of carbohydrates come mainly from refined flour, which can spike blood sugar levels. However, the fat and protein from the cheese helps slow digestion, preventing an insulin spike. The effect on blood sugar is moderate.

Satiety

Thanks to the fat and protein content, Porto’s cheese rolls provide more satiety than a simple carb like white bread. This means they may help you feel fuller for longer after eating one.

Celiac Disease

Porto’s cheese rolls are not gluten-free and contain wheat flour, so they are not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Keto and Low Carb Diets

With 21-28g net carbs, Porto’s cheese rolls do not fit into a keto diet (under 20g daily carbs). But one roll could potentially fit into a more flexible low carb diet around 50-100g carbs per day.

Nutrient Density

While providing protein, calcium and some iron, Porto’s cheese rolls are not the most nutrient dense choice out there. Vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains provide more vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Weight Loss

Porto’s cheese rolls can be worked into a weight loss diet in moderation, but should not be a daily staple. Focus on high fiber, lean protein foods along with exercise for best results.

Ways to Enjoy Porto’s Cheese Rolls

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy Porto’s famous cheese rolls:

For Breakfast

  • With coffee or tea
  • Sliced in half and toasted
  • With scrambled eggs
  • In a breakfast sandwich

For Dessert

  • With fresh fruit like strawberries
  • Warmed up and drizzled with honey
  • With a scoop of ice cream
  • Dipped in chocolate sauce

For Snacks & Appetizers

  • With soup or salad
  • Sliced into pieces with dips
  • In a cheese board assortment
  • Cubed and skewed for party snacks

For Entrees

  • Cut up over a salad
  • Alongside roasted vegetables
  • In a sandwich or wrap

Get creative and come up with your own ways to enjoy Porto’s delicious cheese rolls!

Where to Buy Porto’s Cheese Rolls

Want to get your hands on some of these tasty cheese rolls? Here’s where you can find them:

  • At any Porto’s Bakery and Cafe location in Southern California. They have locations in Burbank, Glendale, Downey, West Covina, and Buena Park.
  • Online at the Porto’s Bakery shipping store – they shipmany items nationwide!
  • At select grocery stores in the frozen section like Ralph’s, Vons, Whole Foods, and more.
  • On Goldbelly.com – they sell and ship frozen Porto’s cheese rolls nationwide.

Be sure to call or check online for availability at your local retailer. Cheese rolls sell out quickly!

Make Your Own Porto’s Style Cheese Rolls

Want the delicious taste of Porto’s cheese rolls at home? Here is a recipe to make a similar version:

Ingredients

  • 1 Pillsbury crescent roll tube (8 oz)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in egg yolk.
  3. Unroll crescent roll dough onto a floured surface and pinch seams together. Roll into a 12×10 inch rectangle.
  4. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Starting at long side, roll up jelly roll style.
  5. Brush top with milk and cut into 8 slices. Place slices on baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Porto’s style cheese rolls!

Conclusion

Porto’s popular cheese rolls contain an estimated 21-28g of carbohydrates per regular sized roll. This comes from the bread dough and sweet cream cheese filling. While not low carb, Porto’s cheese rolls have a moderate glycemic impact and provide satiety from protein and fat. When enjoyed in moderation, they can be part of a healthy diet. Just be mindful of portion size. Now that you know how many carbs are in these irresistible pastries, you can enjoy them guilt-free!

Leave a Comment