Cheesy Keto Pizza Bites (Low-Carb, Portable & Delicious!)
Craving a pizza fix without the carbs? These Cheesy Keto Pizza Bites are your answer! Made with a clever coconut flour dough base, packed with savory pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and aromatic Italian seasonings, these pop-able bites are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or lunchboxes. They’re easy to prepare, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free – a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a casual bite in Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: Approximately 24-30 bites Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 18-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 ⅓ cups coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic (fresh or dried)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups pepperoni, cut into quarters (or mini pepperoni)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water, as needed
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or sturdy spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie scoop (optional, for even sizing)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Wet & Cheesy Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the eggs.
- Use a rubber spatula or sturdy spoon to mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined and relatively smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients & Mix: Add the coconut flour and baking powder to the mixture.
- Stir well until a thick dough forms. Coconut flour absorbs a lot of liquid, so it will be quite dense.
- Incorporate Pepperoni & Adjust Consistency: Add the pepperoni (cut into quarters) and the remaining ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the dough.
- Mix until the pepperoni and cheese are evenly distributed.
- If the dough seems too dry or crumbly to form balls, add water one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until the dough is just moist enough to hold together when rolled.
- Form & Bake: Roll the dough into bite-sized balls (about 1-inch in diameter). You can use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing.
- Place the formed balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pizza bites are golden brown, firm to the touch, and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool & Enjoy! Remove from the oven. Let the pizza bites cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Tips for Success:
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending.
- Coconut Flour Absorption: Coconut flour is very absorbent. The dough will be thick. Add water gradually, only if needed, until it just holds together.
- Pepperoni Size: Cutting pepperoni into quarters ensures you get flavor in every bite without overwhelming the small bites.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until golden and firm, but avoid over-baking, which can make them dry.
- Storage: Store cooled pizza bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or air fryer.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of warm keto-friendly marinara sauce or sugar-free ranch dressing for dipping!
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
These Keto Pizza Bites are a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the eggs, cheese, and pepperoni.
- High Fat: Yes, from the cream cheese, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using coconut flour as the base and naturally low-carb ingredients.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-fr
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