Quick Description:
These Pizza Puffs are the perfect low-carb snack or appetizer for pizza lovers! With a delicious combination of Italian sausage, cream cheese, and seasoned with Italian flavors, these bites are baked to golden perfection. They are served with a warm low-carb marinara sauce, making them an ideal keto-friendly treat for any time of the day!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 36 pizza puffs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (with 10 minutes chilling time)
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Pizza Puffs:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and drained
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup coconut flour (or almond flour as a substitute)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
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Cook the Sausage:
Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet. Drain the excess fat and set aside to cool slightly. -
Mix with Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until completely combined.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
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Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Add the coconut flour, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the sausage mixture. Stir everything until well combined. Let the dough chill for 10 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the moisture (this step ensures the puffs will hold their shape).
Step 3: Form the Pizza Puffs
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Shape the Dough:
After chilling, use a small cookie scoop to drop the dough onto a greased baking sheet or a silicone baking mat. This will help them keep their round shape.
Step 4: Bake the Puffs
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Bake:
Bake the puffs for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
Step 5: Add the Topping (Optional)
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Butter and Seasoning:
While the pizza puffs are baking, melt the butter and mix in the Italian seasoning. -
Brush the Topping:
Once the puffs are baked, brush the melted butter and Italian seasoning mixture over the tops for an added burst of flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
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Serve with Marinara Sauce:
Serve these keto-friendly pizza puffs with warm low-carb marinara sauce (like Rao’s Low-Carb Marinara, which pairs perfectly with them).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 1 Pizza Puff)
- Calories: 91 kcal
- Total Fat: 7.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg
- Sodium: 182 mg
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Net Carbs: 1.1 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4.1 g
Dietary Info
- Keto-Friendly
- Low-Carb
- Gluten-Free
- Sugar-Free
- High-Protein
Optional Variations and Tips
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Cheese Topping:
You can add some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the puffs before baking for an extra cheesy kick. -
Spicy Version:
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. -
Nuts:
For added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts (like almonds) or sunflower seeds. -
Make Mini Bites:
If you prefer smaller portions, use a mini cookie scoop to create mini pizza puffs for appetizers or snacks.
FAQs
Q: Can I use almond flour instead of coconut flour?
Yes! Almond flour works well as a substitute for coconut flour. However, the puffs may not be as light and airy when using almond flour.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These puffs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Q: Can I make these without sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version or vegetarian options like mushrooms or tofu.
Call-to-Action
Try making these Cheesy Pizza Puffs today! They’re perfect for a keto snack, party appetizer, or even as a meal when paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Quick, easy, and delicious!
