Description
Keto Pepperoni Cream Cheese Bites are a delicious low-carb appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and flavorful seasonings, all encased in crispy baked pepperoni. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for keto diets, easy to prepare, and ideal for parties or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Assembly
- 24 slices of pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Cheese Filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Prepare Pepperoni Base. Lay out the pepperoni slices on the prepared baking sheet in pairs, slightly overlapping to form a base for each bite, creating a small platform for the cheese filling.
- Assemble Bites. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture onto each pair of pepperoni slices, then top each with one additional pepperoni slice. Gently press to seal the filling within the pepperoni layers.
- Add Parmesan. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each assembled bite to add a flavorful, crispy topping as they bake.
- Bake. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pepperoni edges are crispy and the cheese mixture is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Garnish. Allow the bites to cool slightly on the baking sheet before removing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired to add a fresh, herby note and color contrast.
Notes
- You can make these in a mini muffin tin for perfectly shaped bites that hold together even better.
- For a lower fat option, substitute turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni.
- These bites are excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for convenient, keto-friendly snacks.
