looking for a quick, satisfying snack or appetizer. These bite-sized, cheesy, and savory treats are perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, and they’re sure to impress!
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**Keto Ham and Cheese Bites Recipe**
**These Keto Ham and Cheese Bites are the ultimate low-carb snack or appetizer. Packed with savory ham and melted cheese, these crispy bites are perfect for keto meal prep, parties, or a satisfying snack that won’t kick you out of ketosis. Made with just a few ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and incredibly delicious!**
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**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz sliced deli ham (preferably nitrate-free)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice like mozzarella or Swiss)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup almond flour (for extra texture)
– 1 large eg
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. **Prepare the Ham:**
– Take each slice of deli ham and fold it in half, then cut it into small squares, about 2×2 inches. These will be the base of your ham and cheese bites.
3. **Make the Cheese Mixture:**
– In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully combined and smooth.
4. **Assemble the Bites:**
– Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto each piece of ham. Carefully fold the ham around the cheese mixture, creating little bites or bundles. You should have enough cheese mixture for about 12-15 bites.
5. **Bake the Ham and Cheese Bites:**
– Arrange the ham and cheese bites on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re evenly spaced for optimal cooking.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden and crispy around the edges. The cheese should be melted and bubbly inside.
6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
– Serve immediately and enjoy!
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**Tips for the Best Keto Ham and Cheese Bites:**
– **Cheese Variety:** You can experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack, for a variety of flavors. If you prefer a meltier texture, mozzarella is a great option.
– **Ham Options:** Look for nitrate-free or high-quality ham to keep the recipe as healthy as possible. If you prefer a different type of deli meat, turkey or chicken slices can also work well.
– **Make Ahead:** These ham and cheese bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
– **Add Veggies:** For extra flavor, consider adding some finely chopped spinach or bell peppers to the cheese mixture.
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**Frequently Asked Questions:**
1. **Can I use a different type of flour?**
– Yes, almond flour is the best option for keeping these bites low-carb, but you can substitute with coconut flour if necessary. Just note that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you may need to adjust the amount.
2. **How can I make these dairy-free?**
– To make dairy-free ham and cheese bites, try using dairy-free cheese and cream cheese alternatives. You can find many good dairy-free cheese options that melt well for this recipe.
3. **Can I freeze Keto Ham and Cheese Bites?**
– Yes! These bites freeze wonderfully. To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
4. **Can I add more seasonings to the mixture?**
– Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture for extra flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a nice kick.
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**Why You’ll Love These Keto Ham and Cheese Bites:**
– **Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly:** Perfect for those on a ketogenic diet or anyone looking for a satisfying snack without the carbs.
– **Quick & Easy:** These bites are simple to make and cook in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy days.
– **Perfect for Meal Prep:** You can make a batch of these ham and cheese bites ahead of time for an easy snack or appetizer throughout the week.
– **Customizable:** Experiment with different cheese types and add-ins like spinach or bacon for variety.
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**Conclusion:**
These **Keto Ham and Cheese Bites** are the ideal low-carb snack, appetizer, or meal prep idea for anyone following a keto lifestyle. With just a few ingredients, you can make these savory, cheesy bites in under 30 minutes, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cheese and ham. Serve them at your next party, enjoy them as a snack, or include them in your weekly meal prep!