Keto Pizza Snacks
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed.
3. Melt mozzarella cheese in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, or until fully melted and smooth.
4. Add the melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into small, bite-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers, creating a small disc shape.
7. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce onto each disc, spreading it evenly.
8. Top each snack with mini pepperoni slices and sprinkle with dried oregano and basil.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 120
Net Carbs: 3g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Tips or Variations
– Substitute mini pepperoni with cooked crumbled sausage or sliced olives for a different flavor.
– Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
– Use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Keto Pizza Snacks: A Low-Carb Delight with All the Flavors of Pizza
Why These Keto Pizza Snacks Are a Perfect Choice for Low-Carb Diets
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
These snacks are a game-changer for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Traditional pizza is made with high-carb flour crust, which isn’t compatible with the keto guidelines. By swapping regular flour for almond flour, we significantly reduce the carb content while still getting a crunchy texture. Each serving has only 3g of net carbs, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to stick to their low-carb macros.
Packed with Protein
Each serving of these Keto Pizza Snacks is high in protein thanks to the combination of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. With 8g of protein per serving, these snacks can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, making them a great choice for a post-workout snack or a meal to fuel your day.
Healthy Fats
The cheeses and egg in this recipe provide a good dose of healthy fats, which are essential for those following a keto lifestyle. These fats help your body stay in ketosis, a metabolic state that helps burn fat for fuel. The mozzarella and Parmesan cheese also contribute to a creamy texture, adding richness to each bite.
Ingredient Breakdown: The Key to Making the Perfect Keto Pizza Snacks
To make these Keto Pizza Snacks, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Let’s go over what each one brings to the table and why it’s included in the recipe.
Almond Flour
Almond flour is a staple in many low-carb and gluten-free recipes because it’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats. Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds, which is why it’s rich in fiber and protein. It helps to bind the ingredients together, providing structure and a slightly nutty flavor. It’s also a great alternative to wheat flour, making it perfect for those following keto or gluten-free diets.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is essential for providing lightness and fluff to the pizza crust. Without it, the dough would be dense and flat. A small amount of baking powder ensures that the pizza snacks rise just enough for a satisfying texture.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
These seasonings add a burst of savory flavor to the crust, making the snacks taste more like a pizza. The garlic powder imparts a rich, aromatic flavor, while the onion powder balances it with a touch of sweetness. Together, they give the pizza snacks the characteristic pizza seasoning flavor we all love.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese provides the characteristic meltiness that makes pizza so irresistible. It is naturally low in carbs and high in protein and fat, which makes it perfect for keto. The cheese also helps bind the dough together, giving it that stretchy texture.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor to balance the mozzarella and enhances the overall taste of the snacks. It also helps to firm up the crust, making it more sturdy and less likely to crumble when you bite into it.
Egg
The egg is crucial for holding everything together and ensuring the crust stays firm. It adds both protein and healthy fats to the mix, while providing a light texture that isn’t too dense.
Sugar-Free Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a classic pizza topping, and for this recipe, you’ll want to use sugar-free marinara sauce to keep the carb count low. The sauce adds a tomatoey flavor and moisture to the snacks without the added sugar.
Mini Pepperoni Slices
Mini pepperoni slices are a great way to add flavor and a bit of protein to each bite of the pizza snack. You can easily swap them for other low-carb toppings like cooked crumbled sausage, sliced olives, or even mushrooms if you prefer a different flavor.
Herbs: Oregano and Basil
Oregano and basil are classic pizza herbs that add depth of flavor and an aromatic touch to the keto pizza snacks. They give the pizza an authentic Italian flavor, making each bite taste like a traditional pizza.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Keto Pizza Snacks
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pizza snacks bake evenly and get nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the snacks from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup almond flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Stir until the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed together. This will be the base of your pizza crust, so it’s important to ensure that everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Melt the Mozzarella
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mozzarella cheese. Heat it in the microwave for about 1 minute, stirring halfway through, until the cheese is fully melted and smooth. Mozzarella cheese tends to melt quickly, so be sure to watch it to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Mix the Dough
Once the mozzarella is melted, add it to the dry ingredients along with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 large egg. Mix everything thoroughly until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but firm enough to shape.
Step 5: Shape the Dough into Bites
Divide the dough into small, bite-sized balls—about the size of a golf ball. You should be able to make 12-14 balls depending on the size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Flatten the Dough
Using your fingers, gently flatten each dough ball into a small disc. The discs should be about 2-3 inches in diameter. These discs will form the base of your pizza snacks, so make sure they are evenly shaped.
Step 7: Add Marinara Sauce
Spoon a small amount of sugar-free marinara sauce onto each dough disc. Use the back of the spoon to spread the sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Step 8: Add Toppings
Top each pizza snack with a few mini pepperoni slices (or your preferred topping). Sprinkle the top with dried oregano and dried basil for that authentic pizza flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned, giving it a crispy, pizza-like texture.
Step 10: Let Cool and Serve
Once the snacks are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set and make them easier to handle.
Nutritional Information for Keto Pizza Snacks
Each serving of these delicious Keto Pizza Snacks contains:
- Calories: 120 per serving
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Calcium: 15% of the daily value
- Iron: 4% of the daily value
Tips and Variations
Customize Your Toppings
Feel free to mix and match toppings to suit your tastes. Instead of mini pepperoni, try sliced mushrooms, sliced olives, or cooked crumbled sausage. You can even add a few sliced bell peppers or onions for an extra crunch.
Make Them Spicy
If you enjoy a little heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top of each snack before baking. It will give the snacks a nice spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy base.
Store and Reheat
These keto pizza snacks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in a toaster oven for 5 minutes to bring back the crispy edges.
Conclusion
These Keto Pizza Snacks are the perfect solution for anyone looking to indulge in the flavors of pizza without the carbs. They’re easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying, making them ideal for anyone following a low-carb or keto