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Keto Cheese Balls (Fat Bombs) with Crispy Prosciutto 🧀

Published: · Updated: by · 5 Comments

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These Keto Cheese Balls (or Fat Bombs) are the perfect little bite! Wrapped in prosciutto and fried until crisp, they're perfect for an easy appetizer or mid-day snack!

Keto Cheese Ball Fat Bomb being held up with a bite taken out of it
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Preparation and cooking overview

Making these heavenly keto cheese balls is a breeze! Simply combine the ingredients and shape the mixture into balls. Then, then pop them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until they become firm. Lastly, wrap each ball with prosciutto and cook in a hot skillet for a quick 1-2 minutes per side. In just 35 minutes, you'll have a plateful of delightful keto snacks!

Chef's note

Experiment with different types of cheese, like goat cheese or blue cheese, to create unique flavor profiles. Additionally, get creative with your choice of herbs and spices. Explore a range of options like basil, dill, smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to infuse your cheese balls with an extra burst of flavor.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 8 Servings

🧀 Ingredients for this keto cheese balls recipe

  • 8 ounces of cream cheese
  • 2 green onions, minced
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup minced green bell pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto

Ingredient substitutions

Here are some keto-friendly ingredient substitutions for this Keto Cheese Balls recipe:

  • Cream cheese: If you don't have cream cheese on hand, you can use coconut-based or almond-based cream cheese for a dairy-free option that still provides a creamy texture.
  • Green onions minced: If you're missing minced green onions, don't worry! You can easily substitute them with scallions (also known as spring onions) or chives. Both options will bring a similar mild onion flavor to the cheese balls, enhancing their taste.
  • Pecans: If pecans are not available, you can replace them with other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or even hazelnuts. These alternatives will add a delightful nutty texture to the recipe, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
  • Green bell pepper: To switch up the flavor, consider replacing the green bell pepper with minced jalapenos or mild green chilies. These will add a hint of extra heat to the cheese balls.

Additional ingredients

These are some additional ingredients that can boost this recipe! Check them out!

  • Bacon: Bacon can be an incredible addition to cheese balls, bringing a savory and smoky touch. Simply cook and crumble the bacon, then mix it into the cream cheese mixture before shaping the balls.
  • Fresh herbs: Add a burst of freshness and flavor to your cheese balls by incorporating some chopped fresh herbs. Consider using vibrant options like fresh parsley or cilantro. These herbs will lend a lively and aromatic note, enhancing the overall taste of the cheese balls.
  • Dried spices: Elevate the savory profile of your cheese balls by including a sprinkle of dried spices. Experiment with options such as smoked paprika, onion powder, or dried oregano.
  • Grated Parmesan: Intensify the cheesy goodness by mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese. This addition pairs exceptionally well with the other ingredients.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Cheese Balls recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Parchment-lined plate

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a skillet, use a frying pan or a griddle with a non-stick surface. Just ensure that it's large enough.

How to make Keto Cheese Balls: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the required ingredients for the recipe.
  2. Mince onion and green bell peppers.
  3. Chop pecans.

Cooking instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the prosciutto. Mix well, then form into 8 balls.
  2. Place the cheese balls on a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 20 – 30 minutes until firm.
  3. Wrap the cheese balls in prosciutto, then place in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until the prosciutto is crispy.
  4. Serve immediately or store refrigerated for up to one week. You can reheat them in a hot skillet, but they are also great cold.

Chef's pro tip

Freezing the Keto Cheese Balls for at least 30 minutes before cooking is essential. It helps them maintain their shape, making them easier to handle. Additionally, it allows the prosciutto to stick to the cheese balls for a delicious final result.

What to serve with these keto cheese balls?

  • Sliced cucumber or zucchini rounds: Serve as a refreshing base for the keto cheese balls, providing a cool and crunchy contrast.
  • Celery sticks: Enjoy the crispy celery alongside the creamy cheese for a satisfying crunch.
  • Keto dips: Pair them with a selection of keto-friendly dips such as Salsa Verde, Tzatziki dip, or a Classic Olive Tapenade.

How to make it healthier?

Here are a couple of tips that can help you make healthier lunch choices:

  • Choose low-sodium options: Select low-sodium cream cheese and prosciutto to reduce the overall sodium content.
  • Serve with fresh veggies: Eat this with keto-friendly vegetables such as cucumber, celery, bell peppers, and radishes. These veggies not only offer a refreshing crunch but also provide additional nutrients, hydration, and fiber to the overall snack.

Time-saving tips

  • Use a cookie or ice-cream scoop: Using a scoop can be a convenient and quick way to shape the cheese balls.
fat bombs being wrapped in prosciutto and pan fried in a cast iron skillet
crispy Keto Cheese Ball Fat Bombs in a cast iron skillet

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Mince the green onions and green bell peppers, and chop the pecans in advance. This way, when it's time to make the keto cheese balls, you'll have these ingredients ready to go, saving you time and effort during the cooking process.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: Store the cooked cheese balls in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Refrigerate the cheese balls after they have cooled down to room temperature. Eat them within 4-5 days for the best flavor and quality.

Note: Avoid freezing the cheese balls, as the texture of the cream cheese may change upon thawing.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place the refrigerated cheese balls on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 20-second intervals on high power until warmed through. (Approximately 30-40 seconds in an 800W microwave [30 seconds in an 800W microwave]).
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Arrange the cheese balls on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
  • Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the cheese balls in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until heated and the prosciutto crispy.

Frequently asked questions

Typically, a cheeseball should be set in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to firm up before serving.

It's recommended to leave a cheeseball out at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. After that, it's important to refrigerate it to maintain food safety.

When frying frozen cheese balls, it usually takes about 4-6 minutes per side on medium heat until they are golden brown and heated through. However, cooking times may vary, so it's best to monitor their crispiness and internal temperature for optimal results. We also prefer them fresh, so next time, try our recipe!

While cheese is a popular and delicious component of the keto diet, it's important to consume it in moderation. Check the carb count!

There are a few reasons why a cheese ball might turn out too soft. It could be due to using cream cheese that is too warm or softened, which can result in a softer consistency. Another factor could be not chilling the mixture adequately before shaping the cheese ball. To achieve a firmer texture, make sure to thoroughly chill the mixture in the refrigerator before forming the cheese ball.

Yes, cheese is generally considered to be keto-friendly. It is low in carbs and high in fat, making it a suitable choice for a ketogenic diet. Cheese can be enjoyed as part of a well-balanced keto meal plan and provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients. However, it's important to consume cheese in moderation and be mindful of portion sizes, as some types of cheese can be higher in calories and carbs.

Yes, prosciutto is keto-friendly as it is a low-carb, high-fat, and protein-rich food. It can be enjoyed as part of a ketogenic diet in moderation.

📖 Recipe

Keto Cheese Ball Fat Bomb being held up with a bite taken out of it

Keto Cheese Ball Fat Bombs

These Keto Cheese Ball Fat Bombs are the perfect little bite! Wrapped in prosciutto and fried until crisp they're perfect for an easy appetizer or mid-day snack!
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: gameday, keto, low carb
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 167kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese see post for dairy-free option
  • 2 green onions minced
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup minced green bell pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients except for the prosciutto. Mix well then form into 8 balls.
  • Place the cheese balls on a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 20 – 30 minutes until firm.
  • Wrap the cheese balls in prosciutto then place in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until the prosciutto is crispy.
  • Serve immediately or store refrigerated for up to one week. You can reheat them in a hot skillet, but they are also great cold.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Cheese Ball Fat Bombs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 167 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 38mg13%
Sodium 235mg10%
Potassium 91mg3%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 428IU9%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 32mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathryn Jost says

    Dude! We made these last night and they were da BOMB! And your cornbread recipe was awesome too. Thank You for your delicious recipes!!

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Awesome to hear that, thanks for sharing!

      Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Yes.

      Reply

  3. Lisa says

    Those look great!

    Reply

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