Dad’s Keto Pepperoni Cheese Bites: A Savory Low-Carb Treat

Flour. It was everywhere. Not from these Keto Pepperoni Cheese Bites, no, but from the bread I’d just made for the kids. A fine layer of it coated the counter, dusted the coffee maker, even somehow found its way onto the rim of my glasses. So, before I even thought about prepping these little low-carb marvels, I had to contend with a miniature snowstorm in my kitchen.

A quick swipe of a damp cloth, a sigh, and then, finally, space to focus on something savory. The sauce for these savory pepperoni bites was coming together, bubbling gently, a good smell starting to fill things up.

Why you’ll love these Keto Pepperoni Cheese Bites

Look, sometimes you just need a snack. Not a fancy one. Something that hits that salty, savory spot without kicking you out of ketosis.

They work great for a party, or just when the hunger pangs hit mid-afternoon. These Keto Pepperoni Cheese Bites are a sure thing. No fuss, all flavor.

Ingredients for Dad’s Keto Pepperoni Cheese Bites

You don’t need a pantry full of strange ingredients for these. Just the basics. Good quality stuff makes a difference.

For the Sauce

• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon finely diced onion
• 3 ounces tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar substitute (Swerve)
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

For the Bites

• 48 pepperoni slices
• 6 string cheese or 6 ounces mozzarella cheese

That is it. Simple and easy to find at any grocery store. No weird stuff you will use once and let expire.

How to make Keto Pepperoni Cheese Bites

Making the Marinara Sauce

Grab a small saucepan on medium heat. Add the oil, then toss in the onion. Cook it until it softens, about four minutes.

Add the tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning, Swerve, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes on medium-low. Let those flavors meld as it thickens.

Assembling the Keto Pepperoni Cheese Bites

Crank the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is a breeze.

Lay out 48 pepperoni slices without overlapping. Place a small piece of cheese in the center of each slice.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes for string cheese or 5 to 7 minutes for fresh mozzarella. Serve hot with your sauce.

Tips for the best Keto Pepperoni Cheese Bites

Invest in quality pepperoni to avoid excess grease. Do not overcrowd the pan, as they need space to crisp up properly.

For variety, you can try different proteins like salami or sausage. If you need a main course, check out my simple buttered shrimp for a quick dinner.

Serving suggestions and variations

These are great as is, but a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. You can also finish them with a dusting of Parmesan.

These bites are fat-forward and keep you full. Studies on healthy olive oil consumption confirm why these ingredients are a smart choice.

I hope you give these a shot. They are a staple in my house for a reason. Simple, real food that tastes good.

Dad's Keto Pepperoni Cheese Bites

These delicious savory keto pepperoni cheese bites are perfect for snacking and come paired with a simple, homemade marinara dipping sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon onion finely diced
• 3 ounces tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon granulated sugar substitute Swerve
• 0.125 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 48 pepperoni slices
• 6 ounces string cheese or mozzarella cheese cut into 48 pieces

Method

 

1. For the marinara sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add oil and saute onion until softened, about 4 minutes.
2. Add remaining sauce ingredients to the pan and whisk to combine.
3. Decrease heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. For the pepperoni cheese bites: Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Place 48 pepperoni slices onto parchment paper without overlapping.
6. Top each pepperoni slice with one piece of the cut string cheese or mozzarella.
7. Bake for 5-12 minutes (depending on cheese type) or until cheese is melted.
8. Serve immediately with the prepared marinara sauce.