Ham and Cheese Bites
Ham and Cheese Bites
Crispy on the outside, melty in the middle — little baked bites loaded with ham and cheddar
These ham and cheese bites are crispy, golden and seriously cheesy — a melty ham-and-cheddar centre in a crunchy low-carb coating, baked until the tops bubble just like the photo.
Estimated per serving (3 bites): 280 calories, 18g protein and 4g net carbs. Ready in about 35 minutes.
Why you'll love these ham and cheese bites
- Crispy outside, melty cheese-pull middle
- 18g protein per serving (3 bites) — properly filling for a snack
- Just 4g net carbs per serving with a low-carb coating
- Baked or air fried — no deep frying
- Perfect for lunchboxes, parties and game day
- Freezer-friendly and great reheated
Health notes
- Ham & cheese: Real protein in every bite — ham, cheddar, mozzarella and egg.
- Almond flour & pork-rind crumbs: The crunchy coating without the carb-heavy breadcrumbs.
- Baked, not fried: Same golden crisp, far less oil.
- Portion built in: Three bites is a satisfying serving at 280 calories.
- Estimated macros: No nutrition card came with this one, so values are estimated and kept consistent throughout.
Key element — chill the shaped bites before baking
Shape the bites, then chill them for 15–20 minutes before they hit the oven. Cold bites hold their shape and crisp up — warm, soft bites slump and leak their cheese all over the tray.
Ingredients
Bites
- 1 cup finely diced cooked ham, plus 2 Tbsp extra for topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus ¼ cup extra for topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp chopped chives (optional)
Crispy coating
- ¾ cup finely crushed pork rinds (or low-carb panko)
- ¼ cup finely grated parmesan
- Cooking spray or 1 Tbsp melted butter
Swaps
- Turkey or chicken: Swap ham for finely diced cooked turkey, chicken or bacon.
- Cheese: Pepper jack for heat, Swiss for a classic ham-and-Swiss bite.
- Nut-free coating: Use all pork-rind crumbs and skip the almond flour, adding an extra egg yolk to bind.
- Dip: Serve with sugar-free ranch, mustard or marinara.
Instructions
| 1 | Mix the base. In a large bowl, mix the ham, cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, pepper and chives until it comes together like a thick dough. |
| 2 | Shape the bites. Scoop and roll into 12 balls (about 2 tablespoons each), then flatten slightly into chunky rounds. Sit them on a parchment-lined tray. |
| 3 | Chill to set. Chill the shaped bites for 15–20 minutes. This is what stops them slumping and leaking in the oven. |
| 4 | Coat them. Heat the oven to 400°F. Stir the crushed pork rinds and parmesan together. Press each chilled bite into the crumbs until well coated and return to the tray. |
| 5 | Top like the photo. Sprinkle the extra cheddar and diced ham over the tops, and lightly spray with cooking spray (or brush with melted butter) for the deepest golden crisp. |
| 6 | Bake and rest. Bake 12–15 minutes until deeply golden and the cheese on top is bubbling. (Air fryer: 375°F for 8–10 minutes.) Rest 5 minutes — the centres are molten — then serve warm. |
Pro tips
- Chill before baking. It's the whole shape-and-crisp game.
- Dice the ham small — big chunks make the bites break apart.
- Press the coating on firmly so it doesn't shed in the oven.
- Don't overbake: pull them when golden, or the cheese toughens.
- Use tongs to move the hot bites — the cheese centres are molten.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving (3 bites, est.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Net carbohydrates | 4g |
| Total carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total fat | 21g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Estimated per serving (4 servings of 3 bites; makes 12 bites), based on ham, cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese and a pork-rind coating. Exact macros vary with brands.
Variations
Pepper jack
Swap cheddar for pepper jack and add diced jalapeño to the mix.
Pizza bites
Add pepperoni and Italian seasoning; serve with warm sugar-free marinara.
Breakfast bites
Add finely diced cooked bacon and a pinch of everything bagel seasoning on top.
Swiss & mushroom
Use Swiss cheese and fold in finely diced sautéed mushrooms.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Airtight container; reheat until crisp again |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze baked bites on a tray, then bag; bake from frozen at 375°F for 8–10 minutes |
| Reheat | — | Oven or air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes — the microwave makes them soft |
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