The ketogenic diet, or ‘keto,’ has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, including weight loss and balanced blood sugar levels. One of the keys to success on a keto diet is finding side dishes that complement your main course while adhering to the low-carb, high-fat guidelines.
Fortunately, keto side dishes offer an incredible array of flavors and textures, often featuring healthy fats and nutrient-rich vegetables like avocados, leafy greens, and cauliflower. These versatile ingredients enable the creation of delicious meals that cater to dietary restrictions without compromising health goals.
Keto Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
A convenient keto side dish that’s quick to prepare, requiring just a few essential components. Simply wrap asparagus spears in foil, pop them into the oven, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing accompaniment that’s sure to disappear quickly – it’s a family favorite, after all.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
The comfort food classic – mac and cheese – is often off-limits for those who follow a low-carb diet. But, what if we told you there’s a way to enjoy a creamy, cheesy delight without sacrificing the pasta? The secret lies in substituting cauliflower for traditional macaroni, resulting in a keto-friendly side dish that’s just as satisfying. When it comes to achieving the perfect consistency, the key is to use heavy cream – the thicker your cheese sauce, the better! To complete the flavor profile, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and consider kicking things up with a dash of chili powder for an added kick. The original inspiration behind this recipe can be found at savorytooth.com.
Keto Cranberry Sauce
Don’t believe the hype – cranberry sauce is definitely keto-friendly! In fact, once you learn to whip up your own batch, you’ll discover just how delicious it can be. The secret lies in using natural sweeteners and a few simple ingredients like fresh cranberries, orange zest, and water. And if you want to really bring out the flavors of fall, a pinch of cinnamon is the perfect addition.
Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
When you combine asparagus with roasted garlic and parmesan, its natural deliciousness is elevated to an irresistible level. This simple recipe requires minimal prep time – just a couple of minutes if you use pre-diced garlic. The result is a mouthwatering side dish that can be ready in under 15 minutes, making it one of the quickest keto options available. While some keto sides may require baking or cooking, this recipe’s speed makes it an ideal choice for busy days.
Keto Creamed Spinach with Cheese
What makes this side dish perfect for a party is its incredible flavor, making it easy to fool even the most discerning palates into thinking it’s not keto-friendly. The best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content by adding in your favorite ingredients, like crispy bacon and melted gouda cheese – a match made in heaven! This dish is also an excellent way to sneak in some greens for your kids (or anyone who’s finicky about veggies) without them even realizing it. As the cooking time increases, this recipe transforms into a comforting casserole that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Creamy Garlic Mushrooms with Bacon
While these indulgent garlic mushrooms with bacon are typically served as a side dish, they can easily elevate any savory meal by adding a satisfying filling factor. The unique property of mushrooms is their ability to absorb and intensify the flavors of the surrounding ingredients, including the smoky richness of the bacon, the subtle warmth of paprika, the pungency of garlic, and the spicy kick from chili powder. This delightful dish can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making it a quick and impressive addition to any meal.
Parmesan Green Beans
With minimal effort, you can transform humble green beans into a tasty and effortless side dish by simply tossing them with parmesan cheese and baking. The best part? This recipe requires no prep time, leaving you more time to focus on other aspects of your meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider whipping up a homemade dipping sauce to elevate the experience even further.
Cheesy Cauliflower Puree
As you delve deeper into a ketogenic lifestyle, it becomes increasingly apparent that cauliflower is an incredibly versatile and valuable ingredient for your new dietary routine. The more you experiment with keto recipes, the more you’ll come to appreciate the remarkable ability of cauliflower to seamlessly replace traditional starches like potatoes, rice, and even macaroni. In fact, this recipe is all about elevating mashed cauliflower to a whole new level by infusing it with rich, savory flavors that rival those found in classic mashed potato dishes. And once you’ve mastered the art of seasoning your mashed cauliflower just right, you may find yourself so enamored with its unique character that you’d be hard-pressed to return to regular potatoes, even when you’re no longer following a keto diet.
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
One of the best things about this side dish is its adaptability – you can prepare it to suit your taste preferences. The simplicity of the ingredients means you won’t spend hours in the kitchen, and you have the option to cook it either in the oven or on the stovetop. Whether you’re looking for a small serving to accompany dinner or wanting to make extra for snacking, this dish is incredibly versatile. It’s also an excellent choice for incorporating into keto meals, as spaghetti squash pairs well with a wide range of dishes.
Keto Gravy
Indulge in the creamy goodness of your mashed potatoes by drizzling a rich, low-carb country gravy over them. This keto-friendly condiment is a game-changer for any meal, including breakfast, as it’s surprisingly quick to prepare and boasts a mere one carb per serving. The best part? It takes just five minutes to whip up, making it the perfect addition to your favorite keto side dishes or meals.
Zucchini Noodles with Garlic, Butter, and Parmesan
Discovering the convenience of the keto diet is often accelerated by acquiring a spiralizer, an invaluable kitchen tool that effortlessly transforms various vegetables into pasta-like strands. Notably, this device not only excels at handling squash but also expertly deals with zucchini, thus providing a reliable means to replace traditional noodles in dishes while adhering to keto principles and maintaining the desired texture.
Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip
What makes this Keto diet so unique is the allowance of indulgent foods like dips, which are often a strict no-go on other diets. This cheesy bacon spinach dip is one such treat that you can enjoy without any guilt. Once you start dipping into it (pun intended), be prepared to crave more! The combination of crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and three types of cheese is a match made in heaven, elevated by the tanginess of Worcestershire sauce. While traditional dippers like celery are always an option, feel free to get creative with keto-friendly alternatives like chips or cheese crisps.
Roasted Zucchini and Mushrooms
Indulge in a flavorful and effortless side dish with roasted zucchini and mushrooms, guaranteed to become a staple on your table. With only a few simple ingredients required, these tender veggies will absorb all the delicious flavors you add, then effortlessly transform into a culinary masterpiece with a quick trip to the oven. Allow the zucchini and mushrooms ample time to soak up the marinade’s nuances before baking, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors that complements any dish.
Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad
One of the key secrets to a successful Brussels sprouts salad is making a batch of dressing ahead of time. By doing so, you can easily store the excess in the refrigerator and use it on future salads. This simple trick allows you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort and only requires about 20 minutes of your time. To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients: crispy bacon, fresh Brussels sprouts, shaved parmesan cheese, and toasted almonds.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Take your cauliflower game to the next level with these bite-sized buffalo bites. Not only do they offer immense flavor, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare in large quantities and store for later. While they may not replicate the exact taste and texture of traditional chicken buffalo bites, they still deliver a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, you can enjoy them with or without a side of creamy ranch dressing – it’s up to you!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Indulge in a mouth-watering casserole that’s completely rice- and bread-free! With mere 10 minutes spent on prep time and approximately 30 minutes in the oven, this dish is a breeze to prepare. The winning combination of melted cheese, crispy bacon, succulent chicken, and pungent garlic ensures an unforgettable culinary experience.
Zucchini Fritters
Savoring each bite of these scrumptious fritters, it’s hard to resist their allure. Irrespective of whether you’re following a keto diet or not, the delightful flavors they offer are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The perfect blend of textures, with a satisfying crunch on the outside and a warm, soft center, makes them an irresistible treat.
Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This recipe is another crowd-pleaser, similar to the Chicken Bacon Ranch casserole. To create a well-rounded dish that balances flavor and nutrition, combine the comforting taste of cheese and bacon with the health benefits of broccoli, cauliflower, and even mushrooms if you like. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your personal preferences.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
There’s something undeniably cozy about savoring a warm, comforting bowl of broccoli cheese soup during the winter months. However, when ordering this dish at a restaurant, it often comes with a generous serving of carbohydrates. To make matters easier, preparing this soup for yourself can be accomplished in just 20 minutes. Moreover, making a larger batch allows you to refrigerate it for future meals, eliminating the need for takeout or dining out.
Keto Cauliflower Tots
When we initially explored the versatility of cauliflower, we barely scratched the surface. Fast forward to the world of keto cauliflower tots, where this humble vegetable becomes a game-changer. Your family will be hooked on these crispy, flavorful treats, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again – so much so that you might need to commit the recipe to memory. The art of creating the perfect breading is crucial, and it’s essential to stick to keto-friendly oils to ensure a delicious outcome.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice
Transforming a timeless cauliflower recipe into a coconut-infused masterpiece, this innovative take on a keto classic is guaranteed to breathe new life into your low-carb culinary repertoire. With preparation time clocking in at just 15-20 minutes, this versatile side dish effortlessly complements a wide range of meals, making it an ideal addition to any keto diet.
Spaghetti Squash Pizza Nests
Ditch those pizza bagels for a game-changing alternative – the humble pizza nest. By hollowing out spaghetti squash noodles to form a bowl-like shape, you’ll be able to scoop up your favourite cheese and toppings with ease. Simply pop these nutritious nests into the oven and enjoy a guilt-free snack that’s perfect for munching on throughout the week.
Parmesan Zucchini Fries
A delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with summer cookouts is Parmesan zucchini fries. With only a few ingredients and a preparation time of about 30 minutes, this recipe is quick and easy to make. Simply gather parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and some fresh zucchinis, and you’re ready to get started. According to fittoservegroup.com, this tasty treat requires minimal effort yet yields impressive results.
Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Bread
Surprisingly, bread can be a great addition to a keto diet – as long as you use the right ingredients! A recipe that combines flaxseed, coconut flour, and an abundance of cheese results in a unique ‘bread’ that’s perfect for your dietary needs. While it may take around 50 minutes to prepare and bake this side dish, making a batch can provide a week’s worth of satisfying snacks. The addition of jalapeno peppers and crispy bacon takes the flavor to the next level.
Keto Onion Rings
Looking for a side dish that complements your keto cookout without compromising on flavor or health? Look no further! These keto-friendly onion rings are the perfect accompaniment, offering a satisfying crunch from the outside while being significantly healthier than their traditional counterparts. By baking them instead of deep-frying, you’ll enjoy a reduced greasiness and a guilt-free snacking experience that aligns with your ketogenic diet goals.
Keto Green Bean Casserole
This delectable casserole, topped with crispy parmesan, not only caters to keto dieters but also offers a gluten-free option. While the ingredient list may seem overwhelming, feel free to simplify the process by opting for store-bought pre-prepared items. A pinch of onion powder can add a depth of flavor without requiring extra prep time. As a side dish or a standalone meal, this keto green bean casserole is sure to please, serving as a satisfying accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Keto Broccoli Salad
Need a quick and easy meal that’s also keto-friendly? This broccoli salad is a game-changer! It’s simple to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients – including crispy bacon that can be cooked in the microwave for added convenience. But don’t worry if you’re not feeling the bacon; this salad is delicious without it too. For an extra layer of flavor, top it off with some melted cheese. With minimal effort and prep time, you’ll have a tasty meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Keto Oven Roasted Vegetables
Indulge without guilt! This side dish is a keto dieter’s dream come true, with perfectly portioned veggies that fit seamlessly into your diet. The magic happens when you combine the natural sweetness of the vegetables with the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar, seasonings, and garlic. The result is a deliciously elevated veggie dish that’s anything but plain. And the best part? You can have it ready in under an hour, making it a quick and easy addition to your keto meal routine.
Cauliflower Potato Salad
When it comes to cauliflower dishes, another crowd-pleaser is just a stone’s throw away. This versatile recipe offers a potato salad alternative that can seamlessly pair with a wide range of American classics. Moreover, its adaptability makes it an excellent choice for various dietary preferences – paleo, keto, low-carb, and gluten-free all welcome this cauliflower delight. And the best part? With some simple substitutions, you can easily make it vegan-friendly by swapping out the mayo and eggs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious and inclusive meal.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Making Brussels sprouts from scratch can be intimidating if you’re new to cooking, but this simple recipe takes the guesswork out of it. With just a few basic steps, you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked and flavorful Brussels sprouts in no time. Start by cutting up your Brussels sprouts into bite-sized pieces, then top them with a generous drizzle of olive oil and crispy bacon for added smokiness. Add some seasoning to taste, whether that’s salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs, and you’re ready to roast. Check on the sprouts after about 30 minutes, and they should be tender on the inside and crisply caramelized on the outside – a delicious addition to any meal.
Keto Garlic Bread
Satisfy your cravings for a delectable garlic bread accompaniment without compromising on your keto dietary goals. This mouthwatering alternative is infused with the rich flavors of garlic, herbs, and cheese, making it a perfect complement to any meal. What’s more, you’ll only need around 30-40 minutes to prepare this delightful side dish, but be prepared for it to disappear quickly, so make sure to make extras!
Final Words
Get ready to delight your loved ones with these mouthwatering recipes. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual get-together, these dishes are sure to impress. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!