Lemon Mousse Cake

Low-Carb & Low-Calorie Cheesy Delight Buns: Guilt-Free Goodness

These variations focus on a "Fathead" style dough (a popular keto dough) or a very simple almond flour dough, combined with lighter fillings, to significantly reduce carbs and calories while keeping that satisfying cheesy center!

Variation 1: "Fathead" Cheesy Delight Puffs

This dough is a staple in low-carb baking for its versatility and cheese-like texture once baked.

Yields: 12-15 buns

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Low-Carb Dough:

 * 1.5 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim recommended for lower calorie)

 * 2 oz (56g) cream cheese (light cream cheese for lower calorie)

 * 1 large egg

 * 1 cup (112g) almond flour (super-fine blanched)

 * 1 tsp baking powder

 * Pinch of salt

 * Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs

For the Low-Calorie Cheese Filling:

 * 250g (approx. 8.8 oz) part-skim, low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes or sticks

 * Optional additions for flavor/bulk with minimal calories:

   * 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or dill

   * 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked spinach (squeezed very dry)

   * Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions:

 * Preheat Oven & Prep: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

 * Make the Fathead Dough:

   * In a microwave-safe bowl, combine shredded mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth (about 60-90 seconds total).

   * Add the egg, almond flour, baking powder, salt, and optional seasonings to the melted cheese mixture. Mix vigorously with a spoon or your hands until a cohesive dough forms. It will be sticky at first but firm up as it cools slightly.

 * Shape & Fill:

   * Divide the warm dough into 12-15 equal pieces.

   * On a silicone mat or parchment paper (lightly greased if needed, though usually not necessary with fathead dough), flatten each piece into a disk.

   * Place a mozzarella cube/stick in the center. If using optional filling additions (chives, spinach), mix them directly with the mozzarella pieces before stuffing.

   * Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the cheese and pinch firmly to seal completely. Shape into a neat ball.

 * Bake: Place the filled buns seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly inside.

 * Garnish & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives. Serve warm.

Variation 2: Ultra-Lean Cottage Cheese & Veggie Buns (No Dough)

This variation skips the traditional dough altogether, using an egg and cottage cheese base to hold together a savory filling, then baked. More like a savory muffin or frittata cup, but shaped like a bun.

Yields: 12 buns

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

 * 1 cup (226g) low-fat cottage cheese

 * 2 large eggs

 * 1/4 cup almond flour (or coconut flour, but texture will differ slightly)

 * 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions

 * 1/2 cup finely diced bell peppers (any color)

 * 1/4 cup finely diced zucchini (squeezed dry)

 * 1/2 tsp garlic powder

 * Salt and black pepper to taste

 * 1 cup (112g) part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping and optional mixing into batter)

 * Cooking spray or silicone muffin liners

Instructions:

 * Preheat Oven & Prep: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin or use silicone muffin liners.

 * Combine Base: In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese and eggs until well combined. Stir in almond flour, chives/green onions, bell peppers, zucchini, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

 * Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

 * Add Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the top of each "bun."

 * Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, set in the center, and the cheese is bubbly.

 * Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before carefully removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm. These are fantastic for meal prep!

Key Low-Carb / Low-Calorie Principles Applied:

 * Flour Substitution: Replaced wheat flour with almond flour, eliminating most carbs.

 * Cheese Choice: Opted for part-skim mozzarella and light cream cheese where possible.

 * Lean Protein/Veggie Inclusion: Added veggies and suggested lean protein for bulk and nutrients without high calories.

 * Baking vs. Frying: Retained baking as the cooking method.

Enjoy your guilt-free, cheesy delights!

Okay, here are the estimated Nutrition Facts, Prep + Cook times, and 30 SEO hashtags for your low-carb and low-calorie Cheesy Delight Buns, formatted for easy Instagram copy-pasting!

Low-Carb & Low-Calorie Cheesy Delight Buns: Guilt-Free Goodness

Variation 1: "Fathead" Cheesy Delight Puffs

Yields: 12-15 buns

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

📊 Estimated Nutrition Facts (per bun, based on 12 buns):

 * Calories: ~150-180 kcal

 * Fat: ~12-15g

 * Protein: ~8-10g

 * Net Carbs: ~2-3g

 * Fiber: ~1-2g

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Variation 2: Ultra-Lean Cottage Cheese & Veggie Buns (No Dough)

Yields: 12 buns

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

📊 Estimated Nutrition Facts (per bun, based on 12 buns):

 * Calories: ~50-70 kcal

 * Fat: ~2-3g

 * Protein: ~6-8g

 * Net Carbs: ~2-3g

 * Fiber: ~1g

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