Following a ketogenic diet doesn't mean you should skimp on a delicious breakfast or eat the same thing every day. In fact, Atkins’ take on keto diets emphasize optimal amounts of protein, healthy fats, and low carb foods. Since they don’t require strict monitoring like classic keto diets do, you’ll have more food options to choose from and enjoy. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I'd have to agree! A delicious breakfast sets the tone for your day to come, ensuring you're fueled and ready to take on the world. Breakfast foods, in particular, can get a little tricky for specific diets because we're so bound by tradition. Luckily, there are tons of yummy low-carb breakfast foods for you to make and enjoy.
If you're wanting a light breakfast or need to bump up your base meal for extra satiety, these keto breakfast sides are perfect for the job! Here, we'll explore a variety of keto-friendly breakfast side dishes that will add excitement and flavor to your mornings. From savory to sweet, there's something for everyone to enjoy while staying within their low-carb limits.
Savory Sensations: Keto Sides for a Hearty Breakfast
Keto Hash Browns: A Potato-Free Delight
Craving crispy hash browns without the carbs? Learn how to make keto hash browns that are crispy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside. They’re made with 4 ingredients and NO potatoes! These are made with simple ingredients and no actual potatoes. They have a crispy coating and are freezer-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Riced cauliflower (you can either rice your own cauliflower or buy a pre-riced one from the grocery store)
- Parmesan cheese (for saltiness and to bulk up the hashbrowns)
- Olive oil (just a bit to crisp up the hashbrowns)
- Eggs
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions:
- Prep work: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Line a flat baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Steam the cauliflower: Add riced cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes or until tender.
- Remove from the microwave and let the cauliflower sit for 10 minutes, before using a dishcloth to squeeze out all excess moisture.
- Mix ingredients: Transfer the cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well, until combined.
- Bake: Using your hands, form 8 small portions of the mixture and place them onto the lined sheet. Form into rectangular shapes and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the hash browns from the oven and let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Air frying: Yes, while I find the oven yields the best texture, you can air fry the keto hashbrowns if you prefer. Place 2-3 hashbrowns in an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper.
- Mix-ins: Add mix-ins. Fold in some seasonings. Make them restaurant-style.
Reheating: Reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat or in the air fryer until warm.
Storage: Leftover hash browns should be stored in the refrigerator, covered.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage
Make perfectly browned Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage with this video tutorial. Easy homemade chicken breakfast sausage allows you to have complete control of the taste and quality of the first meal of the day. My hearty sausage patties are loaded with flavor but have a fraction of the sodium and fat found in commercial breakfast sausage links. Sage and ginger infuse major flavor into our turkey breakfast sausages. They’re ready in minutes, and each patty contains 5 grams of fat and no carbs. When you want to cut salt and saturated fat, turkey sausage is a wonderful option. The aroma of these patties sizzling in the pan will wake up any sleepyhead. Bring the flavors of Thanksgiving to your keto breakfast with sage turkey breakfast sausages. They freeze well, and each patty contains 6 grams of fat and no carbs.
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
This crispy air fryer bacon is cooked to perfection every time. It's so easy to make, and only takes 12 minutes!
Cheesy Cauliflower Grits
Creamy cheesy cauliflower grits are the perfect keto substitute for carb heavy grits. This Keto Grits recipe skips the carbs in grits, but not the flavor. The perfect way to eat grits on keto without cauliflower.
Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
Crisp up turkey bacon in your air fryer with this easy Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Turkey Bacon recipe. Ready in about 10 minutes. No constant flipping.
Low Carb Breakfast Muffins
My low carb breakfast muffins are made with parmesan, cottage cheese, and sugar-free bacon.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Keto Egg Bites
These keto egg bites are a low-carb staple. We love Starbucks copycat recipes and egg bites happen to be one of the keto-friendly options! Use full-fat cheese and bacon in your recipe for 10 grams of fat and 1 gram of carbs.
Bacon-Wrapped Avocado
We all know almost everything is improved with bacon, and avocado is no exception. Since it's made in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! Bacon-wrapped avocado wedges dipped in Sriracha and mayo are quick to prepare, and you won’t believe …
Sweet Treats: Keto Sides to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Keto Pancakes
Try stirring in cacao nibs, blueberries or chopped pecans to make these pancakes your own. For the best flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the batter. Whip up keto-friendly pancakes for the entire family with these protein pancakes. I was impressed with myself that I could omit dairy and still create something so good!
Keto English Muffins
Make these keto English muffins easily in the microwave for a health-conscious, last-minute breakfast. Just pull out a ramekin, your favorite jelly and the toaster, and you'll have a delicious from-scratch breakfast in no time. You can still enjoy your morning toast when following the keto diet. These English muffins still contain all the nooks and crannies you’ve come to love.
Keto Cinnamon Rolls
Looking for the best low-carb cinnamon rolls? My keto cinnamon rolls take the cake!
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
Keto Maple Syrup
This keto maple syrup is a breakfast table staple.
Low-Carb Rainbow Pancakes
These low-carb rainbow pancakes are bright and cheerful.
Keto Blueberry Muffins
This list wouldn't be complete without some keto blueberry muffins.
Vegetable-Forward: Keto Sides for a Nutrient Boost
Air Fryer Green Beans
Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans are a delicious, crunchy, low carb side dish.
Air Fryer Broccoli
Ninja Air Fryer Broccoli takes less than 20 minutes to make with 5 simple ingredients. No need to thaw our your frozen broccoli with this easy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli recipe. Uses four ingredients and takes 10 minutes.
Keto Coleslaw
Learn how to make creamy and tangy Low Carb & Keto coleslaw in minutes using the best keto coleslaw recipe. Perfect side dish for keto bbq and picnics. Just 2g net carbs.
Cucumber Salad
Summer in a bowl! This Cucumber Salad {Keto} is light, refreshing and so EASY to make.
Mediterranean Low Carb Broccoli Salad
This Mediterranean Low Carb Broccoli Salad is the EASIEST, healthy and protein packed side dish for dinner or a potluck!
Air Fryer Eggplant
If you're looking for a simple side dish with five ingredients, then this easy Air Fryer Eggplant with no breading is the perfect air fryer vegetable recipe for you. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and cook.
Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a classic American side dish, and this cauliflower rice version offers its deliciousness without grains! Make this cauliflower rice pilaf recipe in minutes.
Spanish Cauliflower Rice
This Keto Spanish Cauliflower Rice is a quick low-carb take on traditional Mexican Rice. It requires one pan, simple ingredients and is perfect for the whole family. Enjoy this with your favorite protein or in a keto burrito bowl to make a complete meal.
Keto Drinks
No morning is complete without a cup of coffee! Pair your low-carb breakfast with any of these keto drink recipes. You've heard of bulletproof coffee, but what about bulletproof tea?
- Keto Breakfast Smoothie Recipes Creamy, delicious, and packed with vitamin C, this raspberry smoothie has everything you want and need in a breakfast smoothie. Just throw everything in a blender for a quick keto breakfast that’s ready in minutes. This dessert-like smoothie recipe is perfect for those who prefer a sweet start to their day. Blended with strawberries and cocoa powder, this keto breakfast smoothie is quick and easy to make. Get a serving of vegetables in this delicious, creamy green shake. Made with whey protein and a full cup of spinach, this keto breakfast shake can keep you full all morning. This nutritious smoothie is packed with antioxidants, protein, and fiber for a well-balanced keto breakfast you’ll enjoy. Just blend and go for a delicious meal you’re bound to make again and again. If you’re a fan of the peanut butter and chocolate combo, this recipe is for you. High in protein, low in carbs, and ready in minutes, this creamy smoothie is a recipe for perfection. In need of a little zest in your life? This keto breakfast shake has just what you’re looking for. Lemon, vanilla protein powder, and coconut milk make up this flavorful smoothie that’s ready to enjoy in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Keto Breakfast
Can you eat oatmeal with keto?
Unfortunately, oats are not a keto-friendly food item. This starchy food contains primarily carbohydrates, with 23g net carbs per 100g serving. But if you're an oatmeal lover, never fear! You can enjoy a yummy "no oats oatmeal" made from ground flaxseed or chia seeds. Top with some low-carb raspberries and a drizzle of peanut butter for extra flavor!
Are bananas ok on keto?
Bananas are considered a high-carb fruit, with 20g net carbs per 100g serving. Because they're high in both carbs and natural sugars, they're not recommended for a keto diet. You can, however, enjoy that tasty banana flavor by using extracts, like in my sugar-free banana pudding or low-carb banana bread. Fruits that you can eat more freely on a keto diet include raspberries, avocados, and watermelon.
What are some keto breakfast ideas when you can't eat eggs?## What are some keto breakfast ideas for a lazy keto diet?
A lazy keto diet is when you eat low-carb, high-fat foods without counting your macros. This less-strict method can be still effective in weight loss if you have a good knowledge of keto-friendly foods! Some lazy keto breakfast ideas include: Easy Egg Bake With Ham And Cheese, Crispy Baked Bacon, and Fluffy Scrambled Eggs. These foods are incredibly easy to prep, focusing on basic breakfast ingredients you probably already have in the fridge! If you're struggling to make your keto diet sustainable, these lazy keto options might be perfect for you.
Why can't you have potatoes on keto?## How many eggs can I eat for breakfast on keto?
Eggs are a very keto-friendly food, with the average chicken egg containing just 0.7g of total carbs. Because eggs are high in cholesterol, many recommend that you limit your daily egg intake to 3-6 eggs. So, scrambling up a few eggs is a wonderful and easy breakfast option!