Cheesy Keto Pizza Bites (Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Appetizer)
Craving pizza without the carbs? These Cheesy Keto Pizza Bites are your answer! Packed with savory Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, and plenty of cheese, these bite-sized delights are a perfect low-carb appetizer, snack, or party food. Easy to make and bursting with flavor!
Yields: Approximately 24-30 bites Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage, browned and thoroughly drained
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup pepperoni slices, quartered (mini pepperoni can be used whole)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup super-fine blanched almond flour (do not use almond meal)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Equipment:
- Large skillet (for browning sausage)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium scoop (1.5-inch or about 1.5 tablespoons 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.
- Brown Sausage: If your Italian sausage is not already cooked, brown it in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease thoroughly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and drained Italian sausage, softened butter, quartered pepperoni, eggs, almond flour, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and baking powder. If using any optional seasonings, add them now.
- Mix Dough: Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or your hands until a well-combined dough forms.
- Scoop & Bake: Using a 1.5-inch scoop (or about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the pizza bites are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite low-carb pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips for Success:
- Drain Sausage Well: Ensuring the sausage is thoroughly drained of grease will prevent the bites from being too oily.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to ensure a tender texture.
- Almond Flour Type: Use super-fine blanched almond flour for the best texture. Almond meal will result in a denser, grainier bite.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these with a sugar-free marinara or pizza sauce. They are also great with a side of ranch dressing or a simple green salad.
- Customization: Feel free to add other keto-friendly pizza toppings like diced mushrooms, black olives, or finely chopped bell peppers to the mixture.
Storage: Store leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a preheated 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. Ground Italian sausage, pepperoni, eggs, and cheeses are all excellent protein sources.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. It uses almond flour as a binder and avoids high-carb ingredients.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Italian Sausage & Pepperoni: Generally keto-friendly, but always advise users to check labels for hidden sugars or fillers.
- Almond Flour, Eggs, Butter, Cheeses, Baking Powder: All are standard keto ingredients.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.