Comfort foods can be a challenge when following a ketogenic diet, as they often consist of high-carb ingredients. However, with a little creativity and the right recipes, it’s possible to indulge in delicious comfort foods without compromising your dietary goals.
In fact, there are many keto-friendly options that can satisfy your cravings for hearty, comforting meals. Today, I’m excited to share 22 of my favorite keto comfort food recipes, each one designed to provide a satisfying and comforting dining experience while still adhering to the principles of a ketogenic lifestyle.
Zucchini Lasagna
Italian cuisine is renowned for its comforting dishes, but let’s be honest – many of these beloved meals are carb-heavy. The foundation of Italian cooking lies in pasta, which can be a concern for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.
To create a low-carb twist on this classic dish, we’re substituting traditional pasta sheets with slices of zucchini. The end result is just as flavorful as the original lasagna, but without the high carb count.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 368
Fats: 25g
Net Carbs: 7g
Protein: 26g
Cauliflower “Mac” And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, a quintessential American comfort food, is often associated with warmth and nostalgia. However, for those looking to mix things up, a cauliflower-based version offers a creative twist on the classic. By substituting pasta with cauliflower, this dish not only reduces carbs but also adds a delightful crunch. To elevate the sauce, be sure to include Dijon mustard and cayenne pepper among your ingredients.Per Serving:Calories: 350Fats: 31gNet Carbs: 4gProtein: 12gRecipe:
Pizza Margherita
While a single slice of traditional pizza can be a carb-heavy culprit, packing nearly twice the daily allowance in just one serving. This is where keto-friendly pizza recipes come into play, offering a lower-carb alternative to the classic pie. By substituting regular flour with almond flour, which is naturally low in carbohydrates, we can significantly reduce our carb intake.
Per Serving:
Calories: 237
Fats: 17g
Net Carbs: 4g
Protein: 15g
Recipe:
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This dish is elevated by the addition of crushed pork rinds, which provide a satisfying crunch reminiscent of a traditional casserole’s crispy topping. For an added layer of depth, red pepper flakes bring a subtle kick to the recipe. It’s essential to use a no-sugar-added marinara sauce to maintain the keto-friendly nature of this dish. You can find high-quality pork rinds here. If you’re looking for more keto casserole recipes, click here.
Chicken Quesadilla
If you’re yearning for the warmth of Mexican comfort food, chicken quesadillas can be a satisfying solution. However, a single serving could leave you with over 50 grams of net carbs, which may not align with your dietary goals.
To create a low-carb alternative, we’ll substitute traditional tortillas with mozzarella and cheddar cheese baked in the oven to form a ‘taco’ shell. Keep in mind that cheese can stick to wax paper, so it’s essential to bake these cheese tacos on parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Per Serving:
Calories: 599
Fats: 40.5g
Net Carbs: 5.4g
Protein: 52.7g
Fried Chicken Tenders
Southern comfort food gets a keto twist with this creative take on fried chicken! The traditional dredging process in wheat flour and breadcrumbs is swapped out for almond flour and pork panko, making this recipe a game-changer for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.
Rather than relying on grains, we’re using nutty almond flour and crunchy pork panko to coat the chicken tenders. This clever substitution not only saves carbs but also adds a delightful texture to the dish.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
Calories: 193.6
Fats: 9g
Net Carbs: 1.1g
Protein: 26.8g
Butter Chicken
Satisfy your cravings for Indian comfort food with butter chicken, a low-carb delight that’s perfect for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. The aromatic blend of cumin, turmeric, and garam masala will tantalize your taste buds, while the dish’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or a quick work lunch. Pair it with keto-friendly cauliflower thins or naan for a satisfying meal. To ensure the best results, invest in a high-quality wok stir-fry pan – this one is highly recommended.Per serving, butter chicken boasts an impressive nutritional profile: 367 calories, 22g of fat, only 6g of net carbs, and a substantial 36g of protein.
2-Ingredient Keto Pasta
With a staggering 40 grams of net carbs per cup, traditional pasta can be a significant hurdle for those following a keto diet. However, this 2-Ingredient Keto Pasta recipe offers a game-changing solution that not only satisfies your pasta cravings but also provides a complete meal with a mere 3g of net carbs. By serving it with no-sugar-added marinara sauce and a side garden salad, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal on days when meat isn’t an option. The impressive nutrition profile for this recipe includes: Per Serving – Calories: 358, Fats: 22g, Net Carbs: 3g, Protein: 33g.
Paleo Turkey Burger
The quintessential American experience – firing up the grill and crafting a juicy burger, topped with an array of delectable fixings. The comforting familiarity is undeniable, and it’s even more satisfying when shared with loved ones. For those without outdoor grilling capabilities, indoor alternatives can still yield impressive results. A high-quality indoor grill is an excellent investment for any home cook, and its versatility extends to keto meal prep, making it a valuable asset in the kitchen.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
Calories: 223
Fats: 15g
Net Carbs: 4g
Protein: 17g
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Meatballs, a quintessential Italian-American comfort food, get a modern twist in our recipe. By substituting almond flour for traditional wheat flour, we achieve a unique texture and a flavor profile that’s anything but conventional. Blending chicken with spices and hot sauce yields a meatball that’s not only low in carbs but also packed with protein and moisture. Pair these spicy morsels with your go-to keto ranch dressing – I recommend the one below – for a culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Burger Bombs
Take your classic cheeseburger and give it a decadent twist with our bacon-wrapped avocado burger bombs. Imagine tender ground beef, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado all wrapped up in a neat package – the perfect treat when you’re craving something rich and indulgent. To make these bombs, simply stuff ripe avocados with melted cheese, then wrap them in a mixture of ground beef and crumbled bacon. Grill to perfection for a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Per serving, our burger bombs pack a punch: Calories: 618, Fats: 46g, Net Carbs: 5g, Protein: 48g.
Keto Pizza Bread
When it comes to this keto pizza bread, we’re taking a unique approach by swapping traditional wheat flour for almond flour – a move that significantly reduces the carb count. This clever twist is sure to please even the most discerning cheese lovers, with its blend of mozzarella, parmesan, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar. Each bite is a masterclass in rich flavors, guaranteed to leave you wanting more. For those looking for more creative ways to enjoy keto and almond-based recipes, be sure to check out our additional offerings.
Peanut Curry with Chicken
Looking for a comforting Thai dish that’s also keto-friendly? You’re in luck! This creamy, mild recipe is a perfect match for shirataki noodles or cauliflower rice. To make it, simply follow these steps and don’t forget to pick up some steamed veggies and a food processor.For those who prefer cauliflower rice, you’ll need a steamer and a low-budget-friendly food processor like this one. Alternatively, you can use a high-quality processor if that’s what you’re comfortable with.Nutrition Information (per serving):Calories: 367Fats: 31gNet Carbs: 3gProtein: 25g
Mozzarella Chicken
Parmesan chicken is a beloved Italian American comfort food that’s easy to love, even without the breading. The key to this one-pan dish lies in its rich, saucy goodness that makes up for the absence of breadcrumbs. The star of the show is undoubtedly the homemade tomato sauce, which requires just 5 minutes of preparation and is utterly worth it. Simply combine crushed tomatoes with your other favorite seasonings, and you’re all set to create a flavorful base for this satisfying meal.
Per serving, this dish delivers:
Calories: 309
Fats: 25.9g
Net Carbs: 6g
Protein: 37g
Recipe: [insert recipe here]
Low Carb Nachos
Nachos, a Mexican staple, get a creative twist with this recipe that swaps traditional flour for baked parmesan and cheddar cheese. The result is a deliciously different take on the classic snack that just so happens to be low in carbs and perfect for those following a keto diet.
To make these tasty treats, you’ll need a good pizza cutter to slice the melted cheese into bite-sized pieces. Don’t have one? Now’s the time to get your hands on it! Not only are these nachos a great snack, but they’re also an excellent option for anyone looking for a guilt-free indulgence.
Per serving:
Calories: 324
Fats: 26g
Net Carbs: 2g
Protein: 20g
Keto Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls, the perfect comfort food, but often a no-go for those following a keto diet. That’s why we’re excited to share our low-carb pizza roll recipe, made with almond flour and filled with mozzarella and cream cheese. Not only are they a delicious snack, but they can also be served as elegant appetizers. With only 2.1g of net carbs per serving, these pizza rolls fit perfectly into a keto lifestyle. Here’s the recipe:
Original Chicken Tenders
Dipping into comfort food heaven with chicken tenders is a no-brainer, but did you know that regular tenders pack a whopping 12.0 grams of net carbs per 3.0 ounce serving? That’s why we’re ditching the traditional approach for a low-carb twist using almond flour to dredge our tender delights. Simply coat your chicken strips with the almond flour mixture, then pop them into a Ziploc bag and give it a good shake – repeat until you’ve got that perfect crunchy exterior. Per serving, this game-changing recipe yields: 285 calories, 14.7g of fat, a mere 3g of net carbs, and a protein-packed punch with 29.3g per serving.
Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream Icing
Indulging in a rich and comforting chocolate cake is a treat like no other. To elevate the experience, we’re pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream icing. But what really sets this recipe apart is its innovative use of coconut flour instead of traditional wheat flour. This swap not only enhances the flavor but also reduces the carbohydrate content significantly – just 5g per serving, to be exact. For those looking for more low-carb dessert options, we recommend exploring our recipes for low-carb doughnut cookies and keto shredded coconut cookies, both of which feature coconut flour or unsweetened coconut flakes as key ingredients.
Per Serving:
Calories: 358
Fats: 33g
Net Carbs: 5g
Protein: 8g
Creamy Chocolate Pudding
Indulging in chocolate pudding is a delightful way to satisfy your cravings for something rich and indulgent. However, traditional puddings can be high in net carbs, making them less than ideal for those following a low-carb diet. That’s why we’re taking a clever approach by using Lakanto’s monk fruit sweetener to add sweetness without the carbohydrate content. This innovative swap reduces the net carb count significantly, making our pudding a guilt-free treat. Here are the nutritional details per serving: Calories – 407.5, Fats – 44.4g, Net Carbs – 2.75g, Protein – 4.4g. If you’re looking for a decadent dessert that won’t ruin your diet, this recipe is an excellent choice.
Fluffy Low Carb Waffles
The allure of a waffle-scented Saturday morning is undeniable, but it’s essential to consider the nutritional implications. A single serving can pack almost 13 grams of net carbs. However, when made with care, these waffles can be incredibly satisfying, especially when paired with a sugar-free syrup. In fact, fans of waffles often share a love for pancakes as well. If you’re a pancake enthusiast, you might appreciate exploring low-carb pancake recipes. In terms of the nutritional breakdown, here’s what you can expect per serving: 291 calories, 27g of fats, just 4g of net carbs, and a respectable 9g of protein.
Conclusion
While it’s easy to assume that a ketogenic diet means sacrificing your beloved comfort foods, the truth is that you can easily adapt many of your favorites to fit within the guidelines of a keto lifestyle. By making some simple tweaks and substitutions, you can indulge in the comforting dishes you love without compromising your dietary goals.