Our best low carb & keto appetizers

By Jill Wallentin – Updated September 25, 2026

Low-carb appetizers can be just as varied as any other starter. Think crispy chicken bites, stuffed mushrooms, cheese-based snacks, fresh vegetables with creamy dips, mini pizzas, seafood, and simple charcuterie-style plates.

Many of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time, and some require little or no cooking at all — perfect for entertaining without spending the whole evening in the kitchen.

Browse our most popular low-carb and keto appetizers below, or explore our collections of chicken, Mexican-inspired favorites, bacon appetizers, dairy-free options, cold appetizers, vegetarian recipes, pizza, dips, and more.

Easy low-carb and keto appetizer ideas

A great low-carb or keto appetizer doesn’t need to be complicated. The best options are easy to serve, full of flavor, and small enough to enjoy before a meal — or combine with other appetizers for a snack platter or buffet.

Here are five simple ideas that are easy to adapt depending on what you have at home:

Top 5 appetizer ideas:

1. Cold cuts: Build a simple charcuterie platter with your favorite cold cuts, then add olives, capers, cheese, or pickled red onions for extra flavor and variety.
2. Cheese: Serve your favorite cheese as is, or turn it into something more festive with recipes like oven-baked Brie, salami and cheese chips, or keto cheddar cheese and bacon balls.
3. Veggies and dip: Cut your favorite low-carb vegetables ¹ into sticks and serve them with a creamy dip. Cucumber, celery, bell peppers, radishes, and cauliflower are all easy options.
4. Low-carb chips and fries: When you want something crunchy, try zucchini chips or eggplant fries. Serve them with your favorite dip as a snack, starter, or party food.
5. Filled avocados: Creamy avocado makes an easy base for a more substantial appetizer. Try salmon-filled avocados or tuna-stuffed avocados for an easy protein-rich option.

For even more ideas, explore our guide to keto snacks or browse our guide to keto foods.

Mexican appetizers

Mexican-inspired flavors are perfect for appetizers. Think spicy fillings, creamy avocado, cheese, fresh herbs, and plenty of bold seasoning — all easy to adapt to a low-carb or keto meal.

For even more Mexican-inspired recipes, explore our full collection, including cheese tortilla beef burritos, fish taco bowls, keto quesadillas, and more.

Below you’ll find six flavorful recipes that work well as starters, snacks, or part of a larger spread.

Easy appetizers for holidays and parties

Feeding a crowd doesn’t need to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Choose appetizers and finger foods that can be prepared ahead of time, then serve them buffet-style so everyone can help themselves.

If you’re planning food for a specific celebration, explore our collections for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more.

Below we’ve selected six low-carb and keto appetizers that are easy to share with family and friends.

Cold appetizers

Cold appetizers are perfect when you want to keep things simple — especially when entertaining. Many can be prepared ahead of time, and some require no cooking at all.

Build a platter with cold cuts, cheese, seafood, eggs, avocado, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dip, or browse the recipes below for more inspiration.

For even more easy options, explore our collection of low-carb and keto no-cook meals.

Low-carb and keto appetizers for pizza lovers

Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, and smaller portions make an easy appetizer or party snack. Top a keto pizza crust with your favorite ingredients and cut it into small pieces, or make individual mini pizzas that guests can customize themselves.

Browse some of our favorite recipes below, or explore our full collection of low-carb and keto pizza recipes.