If you’re on a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a low-carb snack or meal option, these Keto Ham and Cheese Bites are an absolute must-try! Imagine soft, cheesy, and savory bites of ham and cheese, packed with flavor and ready in no time. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a convenient dinner, or just looking for a snack to tide you over, these bites are the ideal option. They’re easy to make, full of satisfying fats, and keto-friendly without sacrificing taste. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd!
What Makes These Keto Ham and Cheese Bites So Special?
These bites combine the richness of cheese, the savory flavor of ham, and the fluffiness of eggs to create a delicious bite-sized snack that ticks all the boxes for taste, convenience, and nutrition. Not only are they extremely low in carbs, but they’re also high in protein and healthy fats, making them the perfect choice for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for a snack, an appetizer for a party, or even a quick breakfast on the go, you’ll love the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe. Let’s dive deeper into how you can prepare these delightful bites.
Ingredients for Keto Ham and Cheese Bites
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious keto-friendly bites. These ingredients are simple, and you may already have most of them in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups diced ham (fully cooked, leftover ham works great)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup almond flour (a great low-carb alternative to regular flour)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (adds creaminess and fat)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (to help the bites rise and become fluffy)
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional, for added flavor and color)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for more depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls (one for wet ingredients, one for dry)
- Whisk or fork (for beating eggs and mixing wet ingredients)
- Silicone muffin pan or regular muffin tin (silicone is recommended to prevent sticking)
- Non-stick spray or butter (if using a regular muffin tin)
- Spoon or scoop (for portioning the mixture into the muffin cups)
- Cooling rack (to cool the bites after baking)
How to Make Keto Ham and Cheese Bites
This recipe is incredibly simple and takes only a few steps to put together. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when you place your bites in to bake, providing an even cook and a perfectly golden exterior.
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin
If you’re using a silicone muffin pan, you won’t need much preparation since they naturally prevent sticking. However, if you’re using a regular muffin tin, lightly grease each cup using a non-stick spray or butter to ensure the bites don’t stick when they’re done cooking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your almond flour, baking powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they’re evenly distributed. The almond flour will provide structure to the bites, while the baking powder helps them rise and the Parmesan adds a salty, savory note.
4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk them until smooth. Add in the heavy cream, garlic powder, chopped chives (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well combined. The eggs are the base of this recipe, helping to bind all the ingredients together and giving the bites their fluffy texture.
5. Combine the Ham and Cheese
Next, fold the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Make sure the ham and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. These two ingredients are the stars of the show—providing the savory, cheesy goodness that makes these bites so irresistible.
6. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. The almond flour will absorb some of the moisture, creating a thick batter-like consistency. Be careful not to overmix—just stir enough to bring everything together.
7. Fill the Muffin Cups
Using a spoon or scoop, carefully fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with the mixture. This allows the bites to puff up nicely without overflowing. Make sure each cup has an even amount of ham and cheese to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
8. Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bites should be slightly puffed and set in the middle. Keep an eye on them in the final few minutes to avoid over-baking.
9. Cool and Serve
Once the bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling, or enjoy them warm straight from the pan! These bites are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This recipe makes approximately 12 Ham and Cheese Bites. The nutritional values below are per serving (1 bite):
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Total Carbohydrates: 1.5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Calcium: 100mg
Notes and Tips for the Perfect Keto Ham and Cheese Bites
- Customizable Ingredients: You can swap out the ham for other proteins like cooked bacon, sausage, or even diced turkey for a different flavor profile. The cheese can also be swapped for other varieties like mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Meal Prep: These bites store beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.
- Freezing: These bites can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, microwave directly from frozen for about 45-60 seconds, or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Perfect for Snacks or Meals: These Keto Ham and Cheese Bites are versatile enough to be served as a snack, appetizer, or even part of a full meal. Pair them with a simple green salad for a light lunch or dinner.
- Portion Control: If you’re looking for a smaller snack, you can make mini versions of these bites using a mini muffin tin. Adjust the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes and keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Additional Flavor Boosts: Feel free to add additional herbs and spices to the mixture, such as paprika, onion powder, or Italian seasoning, depending on your flavor preferences.
Conclusion
These Keto Ham and Cheese Bites are a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a savory snack or meal ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, lunch, or even dinner, they’re sure to become a favorite go-to recipe in your rotation.
Best of all, they’re customizable to suit your taste preferences, and they store well, making them a great option for meal prepping. Give them a try today and enjoy the perfect combination of cheesy, savory, and satisfying flavors—all without breaking your low-carb routine!
