Are you looking to start a low-carb diet, but worried that it means sacrificing flavor and variety? Think again! The ketogenic diet, or “keto” for short, has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and increased energy. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice deliciousness for a healthy lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering keto recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From creamy garlic butter steak bites to cheesy bacon-wrapped chicken thighs, and from zucchini noodles with alfredo sauce to keto-friendly cauliflower mac and cheese, these dishes will keep you full and satisfied while also supporting your dietary goals.
Whether you’re a seasoned keto enthusiast or just starting out on your low-carb journey, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, get cooking, and let the deliciousness begin!
Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Elevate your steak game with these tender and flavorful bites, smothered in a rich cream sauce infused with garlic butter. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressive party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add steak cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Remove steak from the oven and toss with cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this indulgent recipe that combines the richness of cheese, smokiness of bacon, and juiciness of chicken. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (such as applewood-smoked)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the shredded cheese and chopped bacon.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Wrap each thigh with the cheese-bacon mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Avocado and Egg Breakfast Bowl
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast bowl that combines creamy avocado, savory eggs, and crunchy toast.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 slice whole grain bread, toasted
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and cook until they’re scrambled and set, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, toast the bread slice.
4. To assemble the breakfast bowl, place the toasted bread on a plate, then top with the mashed avocado, scrambled eggs, and chopped cilantro.
5. Drizzle the lime juice over the top and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Zucchini Noodles with Alfredo Sauce
Transform ordinary zucchini noodles into a decadent Italian-inspired dish with this easy recipe. Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce coats tender zucchini noodles, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Spiralize zucchinis into noodles.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine cooked zucchini noodles with Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat, adding chopped parsley if desired.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Get ready to enjoy the comforting taste of mac and cheese without the guilt! This recipe uses cauliflower instead of pasta, making it a perfect fit for a ketogenic diet.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (make sure it’s a keto-friendly option)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into florets.
3. Steam the cauliflower until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the steamed cauliflower and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Add a spicy kick to your snack game with this easy and flavorful recipe! Roasted peppers filled with juicy chicken, buffalo sauce, and melted cheese make for the perfect combination.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together chicken breast, buffalo wing sauce, salt, and pepper. Stuff each pepper with the chicken mixture.
4. Top each pepper with shredded cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Parmesan
Elevate your seafood game with this decadent recipe that combines succulent shrimp with the richness of garlic butter and the nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
7. Serve shrimp with garlic butter sauce spooned over top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Fat Bombs
Rich, creamy, and indulgently satisfying, these Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Fat Bombs are the perfect treat to curb your cravings while staying in ketosis. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re quick to prepare and can be enjoyed on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) peanut butter
– 1/2 cup (100g) coconut oil
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sweetener (such as Swerve or Erythritol)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup (25g) chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut oil, and granulated sweetener. Mix until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Stir in cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
4. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to form mixture into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
5. Place chopped peanuts on top of each fat bomb, if desired.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! These Fat Bombs are best served chilled.
Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
This recipe brings together the flavors of lemon, dill, and salmon to create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal preparation and cooking time, this baked salmon is a great option for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon, then sprinkle with chopped dill.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole
Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole: A Twist on a Classic!
This recipe combines the flavors of cheeseburgers with the convenience of a casserole, perfect for a quick and easy dinner that’s low in carbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 low-carb tortillas (6-8 inches in diameter)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
4. Add cooked ground beef, chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to the cheese mixture; stir until combined.
5. Arrange 2-3 low-carb tortillas in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the remaining tortillas.
7. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of tortillas on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Keto Pancakes with Sugar-Free Syrup
Start your day with a delicious breakfast treat that’s low in carbs and rich in flavor! These keto pancakes are made with almond flour and topped with a sweet and tangy sugar-free syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
– Sugar-free syrup (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, eggs, salt, and baking soda.
2. Add melted coconut oil and mix until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Sugar-Free Syrup Recipe:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup granulated sweetener (such as Swerve or Erythritol)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Combine ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes per batch
Bacon and Egg Breakfast Muffins
Start your day off right with these savory breakfast muffins packed with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Butter or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pesto Zucchini Pasta with Grilled Chicken
This recipe combines the best of Italian and American cuisine, featuring grilled chicken, zucchini noodles, and a rich pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (zucchini noodles or spaghetti)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken breast for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. While chicken cooks, prepare zucchini noodles according to package instructions.
4. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Process until smooth.
5. Add pesto sauce to cooked pasta and toss to coat.
6. Slice grilled chicken into strips and serve on top of pasta with additional pesto sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Keto-Friendly Chocolate Avocado Mousse
A rich and creamy dessert that’s surprisingly low-carb, this chocolate avocado mousse is the perfect treat for keto dieters. With only 5 ingredients and no baking required, you can have a decadent dessert in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sweetener (such as Swerve or Erythritol)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 ounces heavy cream, chilled
Instructions:
1. Peel and pit the avocados and place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the cocoa powder, sweetener, and vanilla extract to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold the whipped cream into the avocado mixture until well combined.
6. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or ramekins.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Cheese
These savory mushrooms are filled with a blend of creamy cheeses and herbs, perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, garlic, and parsley.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
4. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This classic comfort food recipe is a staple for a reason – tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and savory flavors come together in a deliciously easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the beef, broccoli, onion, and garlic to a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, and black pepper. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Season with salt to taste before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Keto Bread with Almond Flour
This recipe yields a deliciously moist and flavorful keto bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or snacking on its own. Made with almond flour as the base ingredient, this bread is not only low-carb but also gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups almond flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sweetener (such as Swerve or Erythritol)
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together almond flour, granulated sweetener, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs and olive oil.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your dinner table with these flavorful and aromatic chicken thighs infused with the zesty goodness of lemon, garlic, and butter. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, lemon juice, and softened butter.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the garlic-lemon butter mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cauliflower Fried Rice with Bacon
This recipe is a creative twist on traditional fried rice, substituting cauliflower for the usual grains and adding crispy bacon for added smokiness. The result is a flavorful, gluten-free dish that’s perfect for low-carb dieters or anyone looking to mix things up.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the cauliflower “rice” to the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes or until slightly tender.
4. Stir in the crumbled bacon, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total
Keto Tiramisu with Whipped Cream
This creamy, coffee-infused dessert is a low-carb twist on the classic Italian treat. A perfect combination of rich mascarpone cream and sweet whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz heavy whipping cream
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 2 tbsp granulated sweetener (such as Swerve or Erythritol)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate chips (at least 85% cocoa)
– 12-16 ladyfingers (made with almond flour and sweetener)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, granulated sweetener, and vanilla extract. Whip until well combined.
3. Fold the sweetened almond milk mixture into the whipped cream until smooth.
4. Dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee for about 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable.
5. In a large serving dish, create a layer of ladyfingers. Top with a layer of mascarpone cheese mixture (softened butter mixed with mascarpone), then whipped cream. Repeat for 2-3 layers, finishing with whipped cream on top.
6. Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over the top of the tiramisu.
Cooking Time: None required! Assemble just before serving.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the world of keto cuisine! This article presents 20 mouthwatering recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your diet low-carb. From creamy garlic butter steak bites to cheesy bacon-wrapped chicken thighs, and from zucchini noodles with Alfredo sauce to keto-friendly cauliflower mac and cheese, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick breakfast or a satisfying dinner, these recipes are sure to impress. So go ahead, get cooking, and experience the delicious world of keto living!
