Satisfy your comfort food cravings with these Low Carb Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls, the perfect guilt-free indulgence! This innovative twist on the classic dish swaps traditional pasta for tender cauliflower, creating a ketogenic-friendly bite thatβs packed with flavor. Each ball is bursting with sharp cheddar and creamy goodness, then coated in a golden, crispy almond flour-Parmesan shell for maximum crunch. These cheesy delights are pan-fried to perfection and finished in the oven for an irresistible texture, all while keeping carbs low and taste high. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a fun snack, these gluten-free, low-carb mac and cheese bites pair beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing treat. Ready in under one hour, theyβre a delicious option for anyone embracing a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing flavor!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the cauliflower into florets and steam or boil them until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Drain the cauliflower well and then mash it into a fine consistency using a fork or potato masher. Alternatively, pulse in a food processor.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower with shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, one beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Form the mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a plate. You should have approximately 20 balls.
In a shallow dish, combine almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese.
In a separate dish, beat the remaining egg.
Dip each cauliflower cheese ball into the beaten egg, then roll in the almond flour mixture to coat evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the balls in batches until they are golden and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Transfer the fried cheese balls to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10 minutes to ensure melty centers.
Allow the cheese balls to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your low-carb, crispy mac and cheese balls with your favorite dipping sauce!
Calories |
3475 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 307.0 g | 394% | |
| Saturated Fat | 112.6 g | 563% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 818 mg | 272% | |
| Sodium | 6588 mg | 286% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.7 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.6 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g | ||
| Protein | 141.1 g | 282% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 3009 mg | 231% | |
| Iron | 10.9 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 2410 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.