1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 cup low-carb marinara sauce (for dipping)
– Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, diced green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, or any keto-friendly toppings you love
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, almond flour, grated Parmesan, baking powder, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the cooked sausage to the cheese mixture and fold everything together until the sausage is evenly distributed.
5. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set.
7. While the pizza bites are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for dipping.
8. Remove the pizza bites from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes—they’re hot!
9. Serve with the warm marinara sauce and enjoy!
Variations & Tips:
– If you or a family member doesn’t like Italian sausage, feel free to substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or even minced chicken. Always cook your meat thoroughly before mixing.
– Those little helpers in your kitchen will love to place the optional toppings on each pizza bite before baking, so don’t hesitate to make it a group activity.
– If you’re in the mood for a spicier treat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture or top the pizza bites with jalapeño slices.
– Leftovers, if you have any, can be refrigerated and reheated for quick snacks throughout the week. But my guess is, they’ll be gobbled up faster than you can say ‘supper’s ready!’