Appetizers, like crostini, cheese and cracker plates, and chips and dips, tend to be heavy on the carbs. But there are plenty of delectable low-carb, sugar-free, and wheat-free options that everyone will love, whether they’re on the keto diet or not. Keep your ketosis going with these diet-friendly dips, chips, and bites.
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Keto Tortilla Chips
Your typical tortilla chips are not part of the keto regimen, but these surprisingly easy homemade chips are made with almond flour, flax, and mozzarella cheese, making for a tasty snack that is diet-friendly. Serve the keto chips as-is or with a low-carb dip such as guacamole.
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Smoked Salmon Dip
Smoked salmon and cream cheese blend together with capers, lemon, horseradish, and fresh herbs to make a creamy flavor-packed spread. Make ahead of time to allow the flavors to blend and serve chilled. This salmon dip pairs beautifully with cut fresh vegetables.
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Chicken Skin Chips
The next time you’re making chicken stock or soup, don’t toss out that limp chicken skin—it can become crunchy, satisfying chips. Spread out the skin on baking sheets, add some seasoning, and cook until perfectly crisp and delicious for an irresistible snack. You can even serve the chicken chips with dip or stack with toppings.
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Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple, and a simple mix of shredded sharp cheddar, cream cheese, mayo, and pimento. You can make the spread spicy with the addition of hot sauce, if you like. Serve with keto friendly vegetables for dipping such as broccoli and celery sticks.
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Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese is a firm, almost meaty cheese that’s great for grilling as the grill adds a nice crust and smoky flavor to the salty and chewy cheese. Serve grilled halloumi hot with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
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Simple Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
When wrapped in bacon and quickly broiled, shrimp make a picture-perfect appetizer. Prep the high-protein snack ahead of time and broil just before serving to keep the bacon crisp. You can remove the toothpicks from the bacon-wrapped shrimp before serving or leave them in for easy retrieval.
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Keto Pigs in a Blanket
An easy-to-make cheese and almond flour-based dough replaces the typical flaky wheat pastry in this keto pigs in a blanket recipe. The low-carb snack will delight guests of all ages and tastes great with mustard on the side for dipping.
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Savory Spiced Mixed Nuts
Spiced nuts are always a crowd-pleaser, and these savory mixed nuts are sugar-free and full of flavor. Use your favorite mix, swapping out one type of nut for more of another, and adjust the cayenne to your desired spice level.
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Keto Nachos
Keto tortilla chips are topped with spiced chicken, cheese sauce, salsa, and sour cream for the ultimate nacho experience. Leftover or rotisserie chicken means this recipe is a breeze, and the pre-made cheese sauce makes for ooey-gooey nachos. Serve keto nachos as part of an appetizer spread or enjoy while you watch the big game.
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Cauliflower Hummus
Cauliflower replaces the chickpeas in this bean-free, low-carb take on hummus. Cooked cauliflower is blended with tahini, garlic, lemon, and spices for a smooth dip that’s perfect to eat with fresh veggies or keto chips for dipping.
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Keto Jalapeno Poppers
For a fun appetizer that's easy to whip up, make homemade jalapeño poppers. The chopped bacon on top of the cheddar and cream cheese filling add a salty crunch and creamy texture that are the ideal counterpoint to the spicy pepper.
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Copycat Chipotle Guacamole
Creamy guacamole is easy to make and will suit keto, low-carb, vegan, and gluten-free diets, making it an especially versatile appetizer. This recipe mimics Chipotle’s well-loved guacamole, complete with lime, cilantro, and red onion. Serve with keto chips and some julienned fresh veggies like carrots and radishes.
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Mozzarella Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
Meatballs are often a star appetizer and when stuffed with cheese, may become the finger-food favorite. These meatballs have a delightful surprise inside—melty mozzarella cheese that is enjoyed with every bite. Serve with toothpicks for skewering and, if you like, tomato sauce for dipping.
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Keto Pretzels
Keto pretzels may seem impossible since typical pretzels are full of wheat, but with some help from a creative, gluten-free dough, everyone can enjoy this classic snack. While the dough includes yeast, it’s purely for flavor and there are no long proofing times, making keto pretzels quicker and easier to make than regular pretzels.
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Cauliflower Cheese Bread
The crust for this melty cheese bread is made of cauliflower, making it gluten-free and low-carb. By baking the cauliflower mixture first, it draws out much of the moisture and leaves a tender, lightly crisp base. The cheese is baked both into the bread mixture and spread on top for a gooey finish.
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Baked Avocado Chips
These bright green chips are made almost entirely out of avocados. Sure to be a hit at your next gathering, they combine the flavors of chips and dips into one appetizer. Baked avocado chips are also nice served with a cheese dip or salsa.
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Jicama Fries
While typical potato fries are not on the keto list, jicama is a root vegetable that is diet-friendly and delicious when roasted like oven fries. Dusted with spices and baked until crisp, everyone will keep reaching for these jicama fries. They’re also good when paired with a sour cream or yogurt dip.
