Our best low carb & keto appetizers

Fortunately, living a keto lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious food. This recipe collection will provide proof that you can still enjoy appetizers — minus the carbs or guilt.

All of the included recipes are keto-friendly and simple to prepare at home. In fact, many of them don’t require any cooking at all.

Do you already have a go-to recipe but haven’t found a low carb version yet? Perhaps it’s any of these high-carb classics: Sliced pepperoni pizza, Garlic Bruschetta, Hummus, or Stuffed mushrooms?

If so, your search ends here. It doesn’t matter if you’re feeding a crowd or just having a cozy evening by yourself — we’ve got all the tasty ideas you need.

Let’s get started and explore our best keto and low carb appetizers!

Popular low-carb appetizers

Pick your favorite as an entrée of a three-course menu, add it to your snack buffet, or why not select several and create a rustic family-style tapas dinner? The recipes we’ve selected suit both kids and adults. No need to spend hours by the stove just to please all of your guests.

What are ‘good’ keto appetizers?

What are the best appetizers to serve?

A “good” keto appetizer can really be any type of food that you like, as long as it’s low on carbs and works as a starter — not a full-sized meal.

Below, we have listed keto-friendly foods, along with simple recipes that work perfectly as an appetizer or side dish.

Top 5 appetizer ideas:

  1. Cold cuts: Add a little extra flavor and texture to your typical Charcuterie platter by adding olives, capers, or Pickled red onions.
  2. Cheese: As time saver on busy days, eat a bite of your favorite cheese as is — or give any of our more festive recipes a try: Oven-baked Brie cheese, Salami and cheese chips, or Keto cheddar cheese and bacon balls.
  3. Veggies and dip: Cut your favorite keto vegetables 1 into sticks and enjoy a satisfying dip on a serving plate or rustic cutting board. If you want extra crunchiness, use our Keto ranch dressing with bacon and veggies for inspiration and add slices of crispy bacon.
  4. Keto chips and fries: With our Zucchini chips or Eggplant fries, you wont miss traditional chips, crisps, or fries. Serve as a side dish or starter while waiting for the main course.
  5. Filled avocados: With its creamy texture and rich taste, avocado can be combined with almost anything. Salmon-filled and Tuna-stuffed avocados are two simple favorites that require next to no effort.

If you’re interested in learning more about keto foods that are suitable as an appetizer or snack, read our ultimate guide to the Best and worst keto snacks, or Keto diet foods.

Easy keto & low carb chicken appetizers

Mexican appetizers

Mexican food is without a doubt one of the world’s most flavorful cuisines. That said, it’s no wonder we decided to create healthy low carb and keto options inspired by some of the most popular Mexican food classics.

For even more Mexican-inspired recipes, check out our full recipe collection, which includes: Cheese tortilla beef burritos, Fish taco bowls, Keto quesadillas — and more.

Below you’ll find six of our most authentic recipes — perfect as a starter or as a side dish.

Keto appetizers with bacon

Simple appetizers for the holidays or a family party

Yes, feeding a crowd can be stressful, especially around the holidays. Make it easy by serving a delicious buffet with healthy finger foods that you can prepare in advance.

If you need healthy ideas for a specific holiday, we have separate collections for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas — and so much more.

Below, we’ve selected six popular appetizers, that will please even the pickiest of eaters.

Dairy-free keto appetizers

Cold appetizers

Making cold appetizers can save you both time and energy. Whether you’ve had a hectic week at work, are a frequent traveler, or would just love a night off from cooking — we have plenty of healthy “no-cook” options to discover.

Below you’ll find a variety of appetizers and No-cook plates, which all require minimal cooking.

That’s right, a healthy keto lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Vegetarian appetizers

Keto appetizers for pizza lovers

A sliced up, homemade pizza as an appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser. Top the Pizza crust with your favorite toppings, or let your guests create their own Mini pizzas.

Cooking definitely is a favorite activity when spending time with loved ones. Browse some of our favorite recipes below, or check out our full collection of Low carb pizza recipes.

Dips & sauces

Popular cooking videos

Keto appetizer: Halloumi fries with avocado dip
Keto appetizer: Garlic bread
  1. If you want guidance on which vegetables to choose, our guide on vegetables on a low carb diet will help you pick the right ones for you.