Cooked bacon

Maple Bacon Protein Balls {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}

July 25, 2018

When it comes to bacon, I just can’t help myself. I’m guilty of trying to find an excuse to use it in any recipe.

Protein balls are NO exception. I make a batch of protein balls every week for quick, convenient snacks, and these might have to be a regular occurrence. THEY ARE SO GOOD!

They taste like you just ate the last bite of pancakes and bacon off your plate. YES, PLEASE.

They’re crunchy from the crispy bacon and sweet from the maple syrup and maple sugar.

Protein balls are a great way to snack and get in some healthy fats and protein during the day. Snacks, like these, are the kind that keeps you feeling satisfied longer, along with being fairly guilt-free. Don’t go and eat the whole batch, though. I wouldn’t classify that as being a smart choice!

Not a fan of the salty and sweet combo? Check out a few of my other protein ball recipes below!

Cinnamon Roll Protein Balls

Strawberry Shortcake Protein Balls

Birthday Cake Protein Balls

Cherry Cobbler Protein Balls

Double Chocolate Brownie Balls


Print Recipe
Maple Bacon Protein Balls {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 20+ minutes of cooling/freezing
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 20+ minutes of cooling/freezing
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a high-powdered blender or food processor, blend cashews and coconut oil until fairly smooth.
  2. Add in bacon slices to the blender and blend for 10-15 seconds until the bacon is broken up into very little pieces and equally dispersed throughout the cashew butter.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cashew butter with the remaining ingredients.
  4. Scoop out tablespoon sized balls onto a tray until all of the mixture is used. Melon baller scoops work great for this step!
  5. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
  6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes

*Maple sugar can be hard to find, but it adds extra maple flavor as the pure syrup can sometimes be lacking. If you cannot find maple sugar you can substitute coconut sugar.

Smokey Bacon Meatballs

April 25, 2018

Is there anything that bacon doesn’t make better? That’s a big “NO” in my book.

REAL TALK: the only reason I don’t put bacon in more recipes is because I’m too lazy to cook it.

Anyone else have this problem?

Do yourself a favor and just go make some bacon. You’re going to want it for these Smokey Bacon Meatballs! They are easy to make and offer up a subtle change from the typical meatball flavor. They are tender and moist, along with being seasoned just right!

They’re pretty addicting, so you may want to double the batch!

I use good quality grass fed and grass finished ground beef from Strauss Brands meat. If you have never heard of them, check them out! They offer meat BORN & RAISED in the USA! They’re having a promotion through the end of this month (April 30, 2018). It’s goal is to educate consumers on their role in restoring our ecosystem and committing to environmental stewardship. All you have to do is pledge your support of America’s farmers who manage their land sustainably and produce grass fed and grass finished beef – in return, you’ll receive a special offer for 5 pounds of ground beef for $25 + FREE SHIPPING through Strauss. This is an AMAZING deal! Check out the 1 LB Challenge for more information! (NOT SPONSORED: I just love this meat and want to spread the goodness and it’s a great cause to support!)

So, do yourself another favor, and grab some of their ground beef! It has phenomenal flavor and there’s never any fat to drain off of the meat. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, count your blessings that you’ve never had to experience cooking with terrible quality, fatty (not the good kind) meats. Quality is so important with the meat that you eat!


Print Recipe
Smokey Bacon Meatballs
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
meatballs
Ingredients
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
meatballs
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, caramelize the onions in oil for about 8-10 minutes or until browned slightly. Remove from heat to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  3. In a bowl, gently combine ground beef, almond flour, seasonings, liquid smoke, egg, and nut pods/cream.
  4. Stir in cooked bacon pieces and onions.
  5. With a tablespoon or a melon ball scooper, portion out meatballs onto a baking sheet (I line mine with parchment paper for easy clean up!) in heaping tablespoons.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes or until browned and cooked through the center.