Cheesy • Bacon-Loaded • Spicy Comfort Food
These keto jalapeño popper meatballs bring together everything you love about classic poppers—cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and jalapeños—wrapped inside juicy, flavorful meatballs. Perfect for dinner, game day, or party appetizers.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 lb ground beef (or pork, or a beef–pork blend)
1 egg
¼ cup almond flour (or crushed pork rinds for extra crunch)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Creamy Jalapeño Filling
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for milder heat)
2 tbsp cooked bacon bits
Optional Topping
Thin jalapeño slices
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined. Form into 1½-inch meatballs and press a small indent into the center of each.
Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeño, and bacon bits until smooth and creamy.
Stuff the Meatballs
Spoon a small amount of the cheese mixture into each meatball indent.
Add a jalapeño slice on top if desired.
Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the filling sets slightly.
What to Serve With
Keto-Friendly Sides
Garlic cauliflower mash
Zucchini fries or chips
Avocado lime salad (cooling and refreshing)
Drink Pairings
Cucumber–mint sparkling water with lime
Keto margarita (tequila + lime + monk fruit)
Iced green tea