Name: Keto Puffed Cheese Snacks
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup almond flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt

These crispy, savory Keto Puffed Cheese Snacks are the perfect low-carb alternative to traditional starchy snacks. With their golden exterior and cheesy interior, they satisfy cravings while keeping your carb count in check. These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor from herbs and spices that complement the rich cheese base.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish
Perfect for keto and low-carb diets with only 2g net carbs per serving
Satisfies savory snack cravings without breaking ketosis
Customizable with different cheese varieties and seasonings
Great for meal prep and on-the-go snacking
Kid-friendly while still being adult-approved
No special equipment needed—just mix, shape, and bake

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, tangy flavor that gives these snacks their distinctive taste. It also helps create that perfect crispy exterior when baked.
Mozzarella cheese adds stretchiness and a mild flavor that balances the sharpness of the cheddar. It’s what gives these snacks their satisfying pull-apart quality.
Garlic powder infuses these cheese puffs with a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the cheese.
Onion powder works alongside garlic powder to create a well-rounded savory base that makes these snacks irresistible.
Paprika adds a subtle smoky note and a beautiful color to the finished snacks. It complements the cheese flavors perfectly.
Black pepper provides a mild heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese mixture.
Egg acts as a binding agent that holds all the ingredients together and helps the snacks maintain their shape during baking.
Almond flour gives these snacks structure without adding significant carbs. It creates a light texture that allows the snacks to puff up nicely in the oven.
Salt enhances all the flavors in the recipe. Even though cheese contains salt naturally, a small amount helps bring everything together.

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure spices are evenly distributed.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten.
Pour the beaten egg into the cheese mixture and add the almond flour. Mix everything together until a cohesive dough forms. The mixture should be slightly sticky but hold together well.
Using a tablespoon measure, scoop portions of the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the snacks have puffed up and turned golden brown around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. This cooling period allows them to firm up and develop their crispy texture.
Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while still warm for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 servings (one puffed cheese snack per serving). Each serving contains approximately 140 calories and 2g net carbs, making them perfect for keto dieters.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and substitute part of the cheddar with feta cheese.

Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a kick of heat.

Italian Flavor: Mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan instead of cheddar.

Herb-Infused: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a fragrant variation.

Pizza Style: Add 1/4 cup of finely diced pepperoni and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, then serve with a low-carb marinara dipping sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature Storage: These cheese snacks can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will lose some crispiness but remain tasty.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture will become slightly denser when cold.

Freezing: These snacks freeze beautifully! Place cooled snacks in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated or frozen snacks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until crisp and warm. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it makes them chewy rather than crispy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese, though freshly shredded cheese melts better and contains fewer additives. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can slightly affect texture, but the recipe will still work.

My mixture is too sticky to handle. What should I do?

If your cheese mixture is too sticky, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm up. You can also add an additional tablespoon of almond flour or wear slightly dampened hands when forming the snacks.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Unfortunately, this particular recipe relies heavily on cheese for both structure and flavor. While there are dairy-free cheese alternatives available, they won’t provide the same melting properties needed for these snacks.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The puffed cheese snacks should be golden brown around the edges and slightly puffed in the center. They’ll still be somewhat soft when hot but will firm up as they cool.

Are these snacks good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Make a double batch and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. They’re perfect for grab-and-go keto snacking throughout the week.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different hard and semi-hard cheeses like Gouda, Colby, or pepper jack. Just make sure to keep the ratio of cheese to other ingredients the same.

My snacks didn’t puff up. What went wrong?

This could be due to over-mixing the dough, which can deflate the air bubbles needed for puffing. Also check that your oven was fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking.

Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?

Coconut flour absorbs much more moisture than almond flour. If you must substitute, use only 1-2 tablespoons of coconut flour in place of the 1/4 cup almond flour.

Are these suitable for children?

These cheese snacks are kid-friendly and make a great low-carb alternative to traditional cheese crackers. Just be sure they’re cool enough before serving to young children.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add very finely minced vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or scallions. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the vegetables first to prevent the snacks from becoming soggy.

Conclusion

These Keto Puffed Cheese Snacks offer the perfect solution when you’re craving something crunchy and savory while following a low-carb lifestyle. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious snack that satisfies your cravings without derailing your dietary goals.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize the flavors to match your preferences, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional processed snacks, these cheese puffs deliver on both flavor and nutrition.

Try making a batch today and discover your new favorite keto-friendly snack that’s sure to become a staple in your low-carb recipe collection!

Keto Puffed Cheese Snacks