Keto Cheese Puffed Snacks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cheese puffs check all the boxes for a great keto snack — low in carbs, high in flavor, and ready in just over 20 minutes. They have a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, cheesy center that makes them addictive. I also like how customizable they are; I can switch up the cheeses or spices depending on my mood. Whether I’m watching a movie, hosting guests, or just need something to nibble on between meals, these always hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. In a mixing bowl, I combine the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. I toss everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.

3. In a separate bowl, I whisk the egg and pour it over the cheese mixture. Then I add the almond flour and mix everything until a sticky, cohesive dough forms.

4. Using a tablespoon, I scoop small portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to puff up. I flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon.

5. I bake them for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp.

6. Once they’re done, I let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving — this helps them firm up and get even crunchier.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time takes about 10 minutes, cook time 12 minutes, for a total of 22 minutes. Each serving has roughly 210 calories.

Variations

I love changing up the flavor by swapping cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or gruyere. When I want extra depth, I add herbs like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika. Sometimes I sprinkle a little Parmesan on top before baking for even more crispiness. These puffs also make great toppers for salads or soups, adding a cheesy crunch to any dish.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To bring back their crisp texture, I reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. I avoid the microwave since it makes them soft instead of crispy. For longer storage, I freeze them on a baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer bag once solid — then I reheat directly from frozen when needed.

FAQs

Can I make these without almond flour?

Yes, I can omit the almond flour for a slightly softer puff, but it helps give structure and crispiness.

What other cheeses can I use?

I like mixing it up with pepper jack, gouda, or even Parmesan for different flavors.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Absolutely. I air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 6–8 minutes until golden.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, they’re naturally gluten-free since almond flour replaces wheat flour.

Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?

I wouldn’t recommend it — coconut flour absorbs more moisture and changes the texture too much.

How do I keep them crispy after baking?

I let them cool completely on a wire rack so the steam doesn’t soften them.

Can I make them spicy?

Yes, I add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

Yes, I mix everything and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to serve these?

I love dipping them in marinara sauce, guacamole, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Since cheese is the base, a dairy-free version won’t be quite the same, but I can experiment with plant-based shredded cheese alternatives.

Conclusion

These Keto Cheese Puffed Snacks are one of my favorite easy, low-carb recipes. They’re cheesy, crispy, and full of flavor — everything I want in a guilt-free snack. I love how quickly they come together and how versatile they are for dipping, topping, or simply enjoying on their own. Whether I’m meal prepping or just indulging a craving, these puffs always deliver that perfect keto crunch.