Christmas is a special time of year filled with joy, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food! For those following a ketogenic diet, navigating holiday parties can be a challenge. But fear not! There are plenty of delicious and festive keto-friendly appetizer options that will impress your guests and keep you on track.
Embracing the Keto Lifestyle During the Holidays
The keto diet, with its emphasis on high-fat, low-carbohydrate intake, has gained immense popularity. Many people are on the keto diet these days, so having a few compliant dishes is a great idea when entertaining. As someone who follows a keto diet, I am always looking for fun foods for parties that aren’t too high in carbs. Over the past few Christmases, I’ve gotten more creative with my cooking to incorporate my keto diet into the celebration! If you’re stressing about the upcoming holiday season and worried that Christmas dinner is going to throw you off track - stress no more.
Essential Keto Pantry Staples for Holiday Cooking
It’s always best to do a little prep before a big holiday cooking spree- so check your cupboard and refresh as necessary! If you’re new to cooking keto, there are a few different items you’ll need to become familiar with. One of them is flour- to keep your baking keto friendly, use almond flour or coconut flour. There are also several different types of sugar substitutes you’ll need- I like this Swerve sweetener. There’s also a great powdered sugar substitute as well as a brown sugar substitute.
Savory Keto Christmas Appetizer Recipes
Deviled Eggs with a Festive Twist
If you are looking for festive holiday appetizers, try these Christmas Deviled eggs. A perfect easy keto appetizer for the holidays. This easy holiday appetizer is inexpensive to make and so very festive. The recipe is even more appealing since the deviled eggs are keto friendly appetizers.
Here is a quick visual guide to making this low carb appetizer. If you are unfamiliar with hard boiling eggs. Simply place eggs in a pot of water, making sure there is enough water to fully immerse them with room to spare. Bring to a boil then turn off the burner. Peel and rinse the hard boiled eggs, then cut each in half. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise and place on a platter. Remove the yolks and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, add avocado, lime, cilantro, egg yolks from 3 whole yolks (discard the remaining yolks), salt and pepper to taste and optional cayenne pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth. Optional: If using a piping bag and tip to fill the eggs, place the ingredients in a small food processor and pulse until smooth. This gives a smoother consistency and breaks down the cilantro better, which will avoid clogging the piping tip when adding the filling. Skip this step if you are simply spooning in the filling. If piping the filling into the eggs, spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Fill each egg with avocado filling. Garnish with 2 cilantro leaves and 2-3 diced tomato pieces to resemble Christmas Holly. This recipe should be prepared the same day as serving.
These smokey, creamy deviled eggs take the original recipe to the next level with the addition of avocado. Make a double batch - your guests won’t be able to eat just one.
Keto Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels
The perfect keto appetizer! Keto Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels are made with fat head dough and loaded with sausage and cream cheese!
Italian Antipasti Skewers
Colorful, festive and tasty, these Keto holiday appetizers will be the hit of your Christmas party. Serve these festive colorful Italian Antipasti Skewers at your holiday party and your guests will devour them! They also make a great Low Carb snack and can even be made ahead of time!
These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. 1 kabob: 66 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. with sausage and cheese. This is one of my favorite recipes for parties. 1 appetizer: 56 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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This Italian Antipasti Platter has a colorful mix of savory cold cuts, creamy cheeses, marinated artichokes, peppers and olives. It’s beautifully presented, making it the perfect appetizer for special occasion or holiday dinners!
Stuffed Mushrooms
These Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms are an easy, elegant and mouth-watering appetizer that’s always a crowd pleaser! These savory bites take just minutes to prepare, cooked to golden perfection in only 15 minutes.
Everyone loves some stuffed mushrooms. This deliciously savory recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, and contains only one net carb per mushroom. Plate them up and enjoy!
These Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are the ultimate dinner party appetizer. They’re stuffed with a creamy and flavorful tender crab meat filling, then baked until completely irresistible!
These Prosciutto and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms are loaded with prosciutto, cheese, herbs, and spices!
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These Crab and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms are packed with creamy cheese, salty bacon and lumps of crab meat. The perfect low carb, keto, five ingredient appetizer!
These stuffed mushrooms are can't-stop-eating-them good. For variations, I sometimes substitute venison or crabmeat for the pork sausage in the stuffing. 1 stuffed mushroom: 53 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. 1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Dips and Spreads
This creamy Spinach Dip made with just a handful of ingredients, will be the star appetizer at any gathering. One bite of its classic cold spinach dip flavors, and you’ll see why it always disappears fast.
This Burrata Caprese features a beautiful blend of juicy tomatoes and creamy burrata, finished with a drizzle of homemade balsamic glaze. Classic and elegant Caprese Salad with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil drizzled with a sweet balsamic vinegar reduction.
This cool and creamy Smoked Salmon Dip combines tangy cream cheese and zesty lemon with the savory richness of smoked salmon. It’s the perfect pairing for your favorite low-carb crackers, chips, or fresh veggies.
This incredibly delicious Whipped Feta Dip is fluffy, creamy, and full of savory cheese and zesty lemon flavors. It’s an irresistible dip that’s perfect with fresh veggies, crackers, and chips.
This Baked Brie with Cranberry is warm, gooey and loaded with the most delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Creamy ricotta whipped with a 3 cheese blend, fresh rosemary and lemon, then baked in the oven makes this Ricotta Dip an easy appetizer your guests will love!
This quick and easy Hot Crab Dip recipe features fresh tender crab meat in a creamy cheese sauce, baked until hot and bubbly. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply indulging in a rich and decadent snack.
This Keto Avocado Bacon Dip is an easy game day snack!
A classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. 2 tablespoons: 116 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
Pinwheels and Rolls
These Smoked Salmon Pinwheels combine buttery salmon with a bright, tangy cream cheese spread, all wrapped up in soft tortillas.
These healthy Easy Italian Pinwheels are everything you love about a classic Italian sub, wrapped up into a delicious bite sized appetizer.
These easy Keto Pinwheels are made on a low carb tortilla and loaded with zesty ranch, deli turkey, salty bacon and cheddar cheese! Enjoy a generous serving for less than 5 net carbs!
These easy Keto Steak Rolls are loaded with flavor.
Seafood Sensations
These Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs are a delicious twist on the classic appetizer, featuring creamy, flavorful filling with tender smoked salmon. Their elegant presentation makes them perfect for brunches or parties, yet they’re easy enough for a weekday snack.
These are the best Keto Crab Cakes!
This recipe for the Best Shrimp Cocktail features succulent jumbo shrimp paired with a zesty, homemade cocktail sauce. It’s a quick, easy-to-prepare, and amazingly delicious appetizer, perfect for any occasion.
These salmon patties are an omega-3 rich version of traditional crab cakes[*]. Serve them fresh out of the oven with some spicy sriracha sauce.
These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. 1 shrimp: 28 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Meatballs and Bites
These deliciously cheesy gluten free Keto Sausage Balls are a tasty and healthy spin on traditional sausage balls with a fraction of the carbs!
Entertaining has never been easier with these Instant Pot Stuffed Meatballs.
These smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit. 1 meatball: 52 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Easy Italian Sausage Balls! A flavor packed, low carb, keto-friendly appetizer that is so easy to make!
Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. 3 meatballs: 276 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
Other Savory Bites
These 4-ingredient Blackberry Brie Bites are the easiest, tastiest low-carb appetizer!
These Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are made in one pan and perfect for entertaining!
These Marinated Mozzarella Balls are going to be the hit of the summer!
These easy Prosciutto and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms are loaded with prosciutto, cheese, herbs, and spices!
Sweet Keto Christmas Appetizer Recipes
Peppermint Keto Bark
This easy Peppermint Keto Bark is the perfect low-carb holiday dessert! Even better, it’s made with just 4 ingredients and takes just 10 minutes to prep!
Other Keto Christmas Recipes
Keto Christmas Breakfast Recipes
Waking up to a big breakfast on Christmas is a tradition in our house! These Keto Sausage Cheddar Biscuits are loaded with flavor and have less than two net carbs each. Pair with scrambled eggs and enjoy the perfect keto breakfast! These Ham and Cheese Chaffles require just 5 ingredients and are about 1 net carb each! This is the perfect easy keto breakfast or snack recipe! These Keto Bacon Egg and Cheese Rolls contain about 3 net carbs each! These Cinnamon Roll Chaffles are going to be your go to for a keto breakfast! These easy Almond Flour Keto Sausage Balls are the perfect Keto appetizer, or great for keto meal prep! Sweet and sticky gluten free Keto Cinnamon Rolls packed with cinnamon and pecans! Less than 2 net carbs per roll! Working on incorporating easy keto meal prep into your routine? Try these Keto Bacon Egg and Cheese Bites for an easy grab and go breakfast! Less than one net carb per bite! These Sheet Pan Eggs are a healthy breakfast with less than 4 net carbs per serving. These amazing Keto Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are bursting with flavor and contain about 2 net carbs each! Enjoy one of your favorites with this Keto Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino! These Sausage Jalapeno Chaffles are the perfect low-carb snack to keep you energized today! This savory Keto Ham and Cheese Quiche is the perfect low carb brunch recipe! Packed with smoked ham, tender asparagus and sharp cheddar cheese this will be a family favorite! These easy 5 Ingredient Keto Sausage Balls are perfect for keto meal prep, an easy grab and go breakfast or even an appetizer! This Keto Sausage and Cabbage Breakfast Hash is an incredibly hearty low carb breakfast! These giant, soft, and fluffy Keto Ham and Swiss Biscuits are the perfect grab and go breakfast recipe! Each biscuit has about 3 net carbs and is perfect with scrambled eggs! This low carb guiltless pleasure combines a rich keto caramel sauce with delicious coffee for a decadent caffeine fix! A Keto Gingerbread Latte is the best start to a chilly morning! Homemade Breakfast Sausage is super easy to make and a house staple! These Easy Keto Bagels make the best low carb breakfast sandwiches! Try this Keto Sausage and Biscuit Recipe for an easy low carb breakfast! This Bacon Asparagus Quiche is packed with perfectly tender asparagus, salty bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy quiche recipe has options for a low-carb, keto-friendly crust. These rich Keto Chocolate Chip Muffins are loaded with dark chocolate chips and are under 4 net carbs each! Wondering what to eat for breakfast on keto? These Keto Breakfast Hot Pockets are loaded with sausage, cream cheese and eggs!
Keto Christmas Side Dishes
One of the best parts of the meal- the sides! These Keto Three Cheese Biscuits are perfectly soft and fluffy! Each low carb biscuit is loaded with sharp cheddar, mozzarella and fresh basil for just 2 net carbs each! This Easy Keto Sausage Stuffing is loaded with flavor, naturally gluten free, and has about 5 net carbs per serving! This low carb side dish is perfect for all of your holiday gatherings! Try this Keto Mashed Cauliflower as a delicious, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes! These Keto Bacon Cheddar Chive Biscuits are exploding with flavor! Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is perfectly seasoned and roasted until crisp and full of flavor! Each serving has about 3 net carbs, making it an excellent keto side dish! Green Beans Almondine is a classic side dish that goes perfectly with most entrees! Tender green beans are tossed in a rich butter sauce and toasted almonds, for only 3.6 net carbs per serving! These Italian Baked Mushrooms are smothered in a delicious butter, garlic, and herb sauce! These Keto Dinner Rolls are perfectly soft and fluffy, you would never guess they are low carb! Are you looking for a crispy, salty snack? These easy Air Fryer Green Bean Fries are the perfect low-carb side dish or appetizer! You will love these easy Cheddar Garlic Keto Biscuits! They are a perfect low carb Red Lobster Biscuit copycat! Only 2 net carbs each and loaded with flavor! The perfect Rosemary Garlic Keto Rolls! This ultra rich Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is the perfect low carb, keto-friendly side dish! Tender roasted vegetables are covered in a rich, cheese sauce and topped with crunchy bacon in this Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole! This recipe features marinated green beans wrapped in bacon, then grilled to perfection and topped with tangy bleu cheese! If you need a cheesy low-carb side dish, this Loaded Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Casserole is packed with everything you love in a baked potato! This three-ingredient Keto Cranberry Sauce is essential for your keto holiday spread! This low carb, keto-friendly Cheesy Roasted Asparagus is the perfect side dish! This tender and perfectly crispy Air Fryer Broccoli only takes 8 minutes to make and has three net carbs! This Easy Wedge Salad is a simple low carb, keto-friendly side dish! Chilled iceberg lettuce is topped with tangy blue cheese, crispy bacon and tomatoes for a refreshing dish!
Keto Christmas Main Dishes
The big event! Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Pork Tenderloin is an effortless Asian dish that is the perfect combination of sweet and savory! This Crockpot Turkey Breast is the perfect foolproof turkey recipe! These One Pan Pork Chops with Cream Sauce are an easy, low carb recipe that is always a family favorite! This easy comfort food has about 4 net carbs per serving! This Asparagus Stuffed Chicken is loaded with two kinds of cheese, tender asparagus and is rubbed with an Italian herb mix. This one pan, low carb recipe has about 2 net carbs per serving and is ready in 30 minutes. This creamy Lobster Bisque is a shortcut recipe that is low on carbs, but big on flavor! This 30 minute soup recipe features a savory broth and garlic butter lobster for a truly decadent meal! This Instant Pot Keto Beef Stew is loaded with tender shredded beef, and vegetables in a savory broth. Each serving of this stew is about 5 net carbs! This is the perfect low carb comfort food with stove-top, Instant Pot, or slow cooker directions! Learn how to make the Perfect Roast Chicken that is super juicy and loaded with flavor! This low-carb Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken is a keto 30-minute dinner dream! Learn exactly how to cook the perfect juicy, tender Pork Sirloin Roast! A big, juicy thick-cut pork chop is perfect for the holidays!
Keto Christmas Desserts
The grand finale! These decadent three layer Keto Caramel Mocha Cheesecake Bars are the perfect sweet treat! Each bar contains just 2.5 net carbs! The best keto lemon bars! These sweet and tangy lemon bars are low carb, gluten free and keto approved! This rich Keto Butter Pecan Cheesecake is an incredibly decadent low carb dessert! These Butter Pecan Keto Blondies are loaded with rich butter, vanilla and pecans! This is the perfect low-carb dessert at about 2.5 net carbs per slice! This is the perfect Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe! These flourless peanut butter cookies are packed with dark chocolate chips and perfectly soft and chewy. Naturally gluten-free, and about 3 net carbs each! These Almond Butter Espresso Bars are packed with chocolate and coffee flavor! Ultra fudgy Keto Brownies with a thick cheesecake swirl! These soft and chewy Keto Snickerdoodles are loaded with vanilla and cinnamon! Each grain free cookie has just 1.5 net carbs each! This Keto Caramel Sauce is utterly delicious and perfect when drizzled over cheesecakes, cookies or stirred in your favorite coffee drink! These soft and chewy Keto Red Velvet Cookies have a hint of cocoa and are covered with a low carb cream cheese frosting! Try my favorite Bakery Style Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies that are perfectly crisp on the outside and gooey in the center! Each giant cookie contains about 4 net carbs! These Cranberry White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are the perfect low carb cookie! Try this Keto French Silk Pie for a decadent low-carb dessert! This is the perfect Keto Sugar Cookie Recipe! This easy Peppermint Keto Bark is the perfect low-carb holiday dessert! Even better, it’s made with just 4 ingredients and takes just 10 minutes to prep! These Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies are a must for your holiday celebrations! Low-Carb Crockpot Candy is the perfect keto and diabetic-friendly holiday dessert! The perfect rich Keto Chocolate Cookies, only 3 net carbs each! This is the perfect keto dessert when you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. These Keto Peanut Butter Cheesecake Truffles require just 6 ingredients and no baking! These low carb delights are about 2.5 net carbs each and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth! These Keto White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are the perfect low carb dessert! These Keto Peanut Butter Brownies are packed with fudgy chocolate and swirled with a rich peanut butter cheesecake layer! All low-carb and keto approved! Make this delicious low-carb Salted Caramel Crock Pot Candy with only four ingredients! These Salted Caramel Stuffed Keto Brownies are the PERFECT fudgy low-carb dessert! These refreshing Lemon Blondies are covered in a sweet citrus and cream cheese frosting! This keto-friendly treat has less than 3 net carbs per serving! These Peppermint Mocha Truffles are a holiday season favorite! Not only do they look and taste incredible, but they're low carb and keto-friendly! These low carb Almond Butter Brownies are grain, gluten and refined sugar free! This easy Coconut Mocha Bark is the perfect low-carb dessert! This Keto Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce is the perfect low-carb treat to enjoy fresh berries this summer! These Keto Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are creamy, dreamy and low carb! These delicious Mini Keto Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes are the perfect low-carb dessert! These delicious Keto Cranberry Cheesecake Bars have an almond flour shortbread cookie crust, a vanilla cheesecake filling, a layer of low-carb cranberry sauce, and a pecan crumble topping. This incredible Salted Keto Chocolate Cheesecake has three rich chocolate layers! Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Keto Chocolate Sugar Cookies! These no bake Keto Cookie Dough Bites are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth! This easy low carb Brownie Pie is loaded with chocolate chips, pecans and is perfectly gooey! These Keto Chocolate Cheesecakes with Chocolate Covered Strawberries are the ultimate low carb treat! These Keto Mocha Cheesecake Brownies feature a rich chocolate brownie base with coffee flavor with creamy vanilla cheesecake swirl! Looking for a low-carb treat that’s quick, easy, and perfect year-round? These Almond Butter Truffles are just what you need!
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