The Ultimate Offal-ly Good Snack!
Let’s be honest, “delicious” and “liver” aren’t always used in the same sentence. But what if I told you these Savory Bacon & Beef Liver Bites could change your mind forever? By blending nutrient-packed chicken livers with savory bacon, ground beef, and a handful of perfect seasonings, we’re transforming this superfood into an irresistibly poppable snack. They have a texture similar to a meatball but with a much deeper, richer flavor. While they’re fantastic on their own, dipping them in a creamy Ranch or a zesty Green Speckled Dressing takes them to a whole new level of tasty. Who knew liver could be this good?
Ingredients
• MAKES 24 bites (1 per serving)
• PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus 24 hours to soak livers
• COOK TIME: 28 minutes
• 8 ounces / 225 g chicken livers
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 4 strips bacon, about 4.5 ounces / 130 g
• 1 pound / 455 g ground beef
• 1 cup / 75 g crushed pork rinds
• 12 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon finely ground sea salt
Instructions
1. Soak the Livers: Place the chicken livers in a medium-sized bowl and cover completely with water. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours. This step is key to mellowing the flavor. When ready, rinse and drain the livers thoroughly.2. Get Ready to Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.3. Create the Flavor Base: Place the soaked livers and bacon in a high-powered blender and pulse until a smooth paste forms. If you’re using a regular blender or food processor, give the bacon a rough chop first to help it break down.4. Mix the Meatballs: Transfer the liver and bacon mixture to a large bowl. Add the ground beef, crushed pork rinds, minced garlic, onion powder, pepper, thyme, and salt. Use your hands to gently mix until all are fully incorporated.5. Form the Bites: Pinch off about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms. Place it on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture to create a total of 24 bites.6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the liver bites for 25 to 28 minutes. They are done when cooked through and an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.
Nutritional Information
• Per bite
• Calories: 116
• Total Fat: 7.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.7 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Sodium: 248 mg
• Net Carbs: 1 g
• Protein: 11.4 g
• MACROS
• FAT: 57%
• CARBS: 4%
• PROTEIN: 39%
Pro Tips
• & Storage
• Don’t skip the soak! Soaking the livers in acidic water is a crucial step that tames their strong flavor, making them much more palatable and delicious for everyone.
• For easy reheating, enjoy the bites cold or place them in a covered frying pan with a drop of oil. Reheat over medium-low for about 3 minutes until warmed through.
• To make this recipe AIP-friendly, simply omit the black pepper. The combination of garlic, onion, and thyme provides plenty of savory flavor.
• These bites are perfect for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
FAQ
Q: Do I really need to soak the chicken livers
A: Yes, soaking the livers is a crucial step that should not be skipped. Soaking them in water with apple cider vinegar for 24 to 48 hours helps to mellow out their strong, sometimes metallic flavor, making the final bites much more palatable and delicious.
Q: Can I use beef liver instead of chicken liver in this recipe
A: This recipe is specifically designed for the milder taste of chicken livers. While you could substitute beef liver, be aware that it has a much stronger, more distinct flavor. If you choose to use beef liver, the soaking step is absolutely essential to reduce its intensity.
Q: What makes these liver bites keto-friendly
A: These Savory Bacon & Beef Liver Bites are perfect for a keto diet because they are very low in carbohydrates, with only 1 gram of net carbs per bite. They use crushed pork rinds as a binder instead of traditional high-carb breadcrumbs, making them a great high-protein, high-fat snack.
Q: How do I store and reheat these bites
A: You can store the cooked bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag for up to one month. Reheat them in a covered frying pan over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes until warmed through.
