Keto Cheatos are crunchy, cheesy bites made from shredded cheddar and almond flour, bound with an egg and seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. You roll the dough into small balls or Cheeto-style shapes and bake them until golden. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 4 servings, with 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving on the card.
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The dough comes together in two bowls and holds together by hand. The notes below cover the dough, the baking and the easy ways to change the flavor.
What Goes into the Dough
The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom.
- Shredded cheddar (1 cup): the main flavor and the source of the crunch. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer than the pre-packaged kind.
- Almond flour (1 cup): a low-carb alternative to regular flour that keeps the bites light and crisp.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon), onion powder (1 teaspoon) and paprika (1 teaspoon): the savory seasoning. Paprika adds a little smokiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): bring out the other flavors.
- Large egg (1): binds the dough.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): adds moisture and richness.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): helps the bites turn out light and crisp.
Mixing and Shaping
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. A silicone mat also works.
Mix the cheddar, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper and baking powder in a large bowl until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and olive oil together, then pour it into the dry mixture and stir until a dough forms.
If the dough is crumbly, add a little more olive oil, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together. Shape it by hand into small, bite-sized balls or Cheeto shapes and set them on the baking sheet with space between each piece.
Baking and Cooling
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Ovens differ, so watch them near the end, and shorten the time slightly if your oven runs hot. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling is what finishes the crunch.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, where they keep for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them.
Ways to Change Them
- Different cheese: pepper jack for spice, or mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture.
- Italian herbs: add dried oregano or thyme to the dough, then serve with marinara.
- More heat: add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce, or use chili powder.
- Dairy-free: use a dairy-free cheese that melts well and is low in carbs.
What to Serve with Them
Guacamole, salsa or creamy ranch dressing are the usual dips. Sliced cucumbers or bell peppers add fresh crunch and are low in carbs. For a drink, sparkling water with lemon or herbal tea adds no carbs.
Time and Nutrition
Prep takes 10 minutes and baking takes 15, so the total is 25 minutes. One serving has 200 calories, 17 grams of fat (7 grams saturated), 3 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, 8 grams of protein and 300 milligrams of sodium.
FAQ
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes. Pepper jack gives a spicy version and mozzarella a milder one.
Can I keep leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the cheese with a dairy-free cheese that melts well, and check that it is low in carbs.
What goes well with them?
Guacamole, salsa or ranch dressing, and fresh vegetables.
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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Keto Cheatos: Discover the Ultimate Guilt-Free Snack!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and olive oil together until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, add a little more olive oil, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together.
Using your hands, shape the dough into small, bite-sized balls or cheeto shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Allow the Keto Cheatos to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the dough.
Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for unique flavors.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 calories |
| Sugar Content | 0g |
| Sodium Content | 300mg |
| Fat Content | 17g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 7g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 10g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 3g |
| Fiber Content | 1g |
| Protein Content | 8g |
| Cholesterol Content | 70mg |