Looking for a delicious, protein-packed snack that’s also gluten-free? These pizza bites are perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping your nutrition goals in check. With 30 grams of protein per serving, these bites are not only tasty but also fuel your body with essential nutrients.
Servings: 3 Bites
- Calories: 421
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fat: 20g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 oz ground beef (93% lean)
- 4 oz mozzarella, shredded + 2 oz additional to top
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup + 1 tbsp tapioca flour/starch (available in the gluten-free or healthy section of most grocery stores; I used Bob’s Red Mill)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2-3 oz pepperoni
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, stirring occasionally until fully browned (about 7-10 minutes). Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess fat, season as desired, and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
While the beef cooks, mix the melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl. Use 1 tablespoon of the garlic butter in the next step, and use the rest to grease a mini or regular muffin tin thoroughly. Avoid using a jumbo muffin tin, as it may not set properly.
Step 3: Blend the Batter
In a blender, add the remaining garlic butter, cottage cheese, eggs, 4 oz (about 1 cup) of shredded mozzarella, salt, and tapioca flour. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth (about 1 minute). Tip: When adding the tapioca flour, pour it close to the blender’s surface to prevent it from puffing up and creating a mess.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin
Pour the blended batter into the greased muffin wells, filling each halfway. Overfilling may cause issues with the bites setting. Add 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce to the center of each well, followed by a sprinkle of cooked ground beef, pepperoni slices, and an additional tablespoon of shredded mozzarella.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza Bites
Bake for 20-30 minutes until the pizza bites are puffed up and deep golden brown. Baking times may vary depending on your oven and muffin tin, so check for doneness. Be sure to avoid undercooking, as this will cause the bites to collapse as they cool.
Serving:
Serve your pizza bites with the remaining warm pizza sauce, and enjoy this protein-packed snack!
These gluten-free pizza bites are not only easy to make but are also perfect for meal prep or as a quick, satisfying snack.
