Description
Savory keto tuna melt poppers combine creamy cheese and zesty tuna in a low-carb appetizer. Perfectly crisp edges and rich flavor make these bite-sized treats irresistible for you.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large egg
- 1 (5 oz / 142 g) can tuna, drained
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 12 slices cheddar or provolone cheese (for wrapping)
- ¼ cup crushed pork rinds (or almond flour)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Lay parchment paper on a baking sheet and heat oven to precise temperature for optimal cooking.
- Tuna Blending: Thoroughly drain canned tuna, then mix with cream cheese to create a creamy, uniform base.
- Flavor Infusion: Integrate shredded cheddar, minced onions, and optional jalapeños into the tuna mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Binding and Seasoning: Gently fold in almond flour, eggs, and selected seasonings to enhance texture and taste profile.
- Portioning: Methodically scoop uniform tuna mixture mounds onto prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing.
- Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle additional cheese over each popper to create a golden, crispy exterior.
- Cooking Method: Bake in preheated oven until poppers turn golden and develop a firm texture, or alternatively use air fryer for crisp results.
- Finishing Touch: Allow poppers to rest briefly after cooking, enabling them to set and stabilize their structure.
- Serving: Present warm poppers accompanied by low-carb dipping sauce or garnish with fresh herbs for enhanced flavor complexity.
Notes
- Drain Tuna Thoroughly: Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent soggy poppers and ensure a crisp texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize heat by adding more or less jalapeños, or swap with bell peppers for a milder version suitable for sensitive palates.
- Check Binding Consistency: If mixture seems too wet, add extra almond flour incrementally to help poppers hold their shape during baking or air frying.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use full-fat, freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer flavor – pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg