Keto Jalapeño Popper Bites (Easy & Savory Snack!)
These Keto Jalapeño Popper Bites are a fantastic, bite-sized twist on a classic appetizer! Combining savory ham, spicy jalapeños, and a blend of creamy cheeses, all bound together with almond flour, these make for an incredibly flavorful and satisfying low-carb snack or party food.
Yields: Approximately 18-24 bites Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cooked ham, finely chopped (deli ham or leftover ham roast)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds and membranes for less heat, or leave some for more spice)
- ¾ cup super-fine blanched almond flour (do not use almond meal)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Small scoop (e.g., 1-inch or 1-tablespoon capacity)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped ham, eggs, chopped jalapeño, almond flour, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. If using any optional seasonings, add them now.
- Mix Dough: Using a sturdy spoon or your hands, mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and a cohesive “dough” forms.
- Chill Dough: Once combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop and shape.
- Scoop & Bake: Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using a small scoop (about 1 tablespoon or 1-inch in diameter), scoop portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Gently shape them into rounded bites if needed.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. These are delicious warm.
Tips for Success:
- Ham Choice: Use fully cooked ham. Leftover ham roast works great, or look for lower-sodium deli ham that you can dice finely.
- Jalapeño Heat Control: To reduce heat, remove all seeds and white membranes from the jalapeño. For more heat, leave some in or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Almond Flour Quality: Use super-fine blanched almond flour for the best texture and consistency.
- Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It makes the mixture much easier to handle and prevents it from spreading too much during baking.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before scooping and baking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve plain, or with a side of ranch dressing, sour cream, or a sugar-free BBQ sauce for dipping.
Storage: Store leftover Jalapeño Popper Bites in an an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispness.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Ham, eggs, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese all contribute significantly to the protein content, making these bites very satisfying.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. It uses almond flour as a binder and all other ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Ham, Eggs, Jalapeño, Almond Flour, Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese: All are core keto ingredients.
- As always, advise users to check labels for any processed ham to ensure no added sugars or fillers.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
