Busy weeknights and keto diets don’t have to be at odds! Whether you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, or packed with veggies, these 18 easy-to-make keto side dishes are here to save the day. From crispy roasted Brussels sprouts to garlic butter mushrooms, each recipe is a flavor-packed companion to your main course. Ready to elevate your low-carb meals? Let’s dig in!
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Oh, you’re about to level up your appetizer game with this crispy, salty, veggie-packed bite. Bacon-wrapped asparagus is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—easy to make, impossible to resist.
Ingredients
- For the bundles:
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the glaze:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss asparagus with olive oil in a bowl—coat evenly for crisp-tender results.
- Divide asparagus into 8 small bundles (about 4 spears each).
- Wrap each bundle tightly with one slice of bacon, overlapping slightly to secure.
- Place bundles seam-side down on the baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then flip bundles for even crisping.
- Whisk honey, Dijon, and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush generously over bundles.
- Return to oven for 5-7 minutes until bacon is crispy and glaze is bubbly.
That smoky-sweet crunch? Chef’s kiss. Serve these hot with a squeeze of lemon or dunked in ranch for extra flair.
Keto-Friendly Coleslaw
Ditch the guilt and dive into this crunchy, creamy keto coleslaw—no sugar, all flavor, and ready in 10 minutes flat.
Ingredients
For the slaw:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Tip: Taste and adjust vinegar for tanginess.
- Pour dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss thoroughly until all veggies are evenly coated. Tip: Let sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Tip: Stir well before serving if chilled.
Light, crisp, and tangy with a hint of spice from the mustard, this slaw pairs perfectly with grilled meats or stuffed into lettuce wraps for a low-carb crunch.
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Dig into this creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed dish that’s low-carb but high on flavor—perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. Crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and tender cauliflower bake into pure comfort.
Ingredients
For the cauliflower base:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
For the topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast cauliflower for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures crispiness.
- While cauliflower roasts, heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
- Whisk in cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Transfer roasted cauliflower to the greased baking dish. Pour sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Tip: Reserve some bacon for garnish.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Garnish with green onions and reserved bacon. Tip: Let it cool 5 minutes—this helps the sauce thicken.
This casserole delivers a creamy, crunchy, smoky bite in every forkful. Serve it with a side of hot sauce or over greens for a keto-friendly meal.
Avocado Cucumber Salad
Hungry for a crisp, creamy bite? This avocado cucumber salad **hits all the right notes**—cool, crunchy, and packed with fresh flavor. No fuss, just vibes.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp honey
Instructions
- **Slice cucumbers** into 1/4-inch rounds. Pro tip: Leave the skin on for extra crunch.
- **Dice avocados** into 1/2-inch cubes. Gently toss with cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
- **Add red onion and cilantro** to the bowl, scattering evenly.
- **Whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and honey** in a small bowl until smooth.
- **Drizzle dressing** over the salad and fold gently to coat—avoid overmixing to keep avocados intact.
- **Chill for 10 minutes** before serving to let flavors meld.
This salad **crunches** with freshness, balanced by creamy avocado and zesty lime. Serve it alongside grilled fish or scoop it onto toasted sourdough for a next-level open-faced sandwich.
Cheesy Broccoli Bake
A cheesy, creamy broccoli bake that’s **so easy** you’ll make it weekly. **Bold flavors**, minimal effort—just dump, mix, and bake.
Ingredients
For the bake:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toss broccoli florets with 1 cup cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. **Tip:** Cut florets evenly for even cooking.
- Pour heavy cream over the mixture and stir gently to coat.
- Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar on top.
- In a small bowl, mix panko and melted butter. **Tip:** Use your fingers for clumpy, crispy topping.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. **Tip:** Broil 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Golden, gooey, and packed with crunch—this bake is **next-level comfort food**. Serve with grilled chicken or scoop straight from the dish (no shame).
Keto Garlic Breadsticks
Zesty, garlicky, and low-carb? **Say hello to these keto garlic breadsticks**—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and ready in 20 minutes flat. No one will guess they’re grain-free!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ¾ cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
For the garlic topping:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave for 60 seconds, stir, then microwave another 30 seconds until fully melted. Tip: Stir vigorously to avoid clumps.
- Quickly add almond flour, egg, and baking powder to the cheese mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Tip: Wet your hands to prevent sticking when shaping.
- Divide dough into 6 equal parts. Roll each into a 5-inch log and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Tip: Rotate the tray halfway for even browning.
- While baking, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
- Remove breadsticks from the oven and brush generously with the garlic butter.
- Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and fragrant.
Kick these up with a sprinkle of grated parmesan or dunk them in marinara. The garlic butter soaks into every nook, leaving them **irresistibly crispy-edged**—perfect for tearing apart and devouring hot.
Roasted Radishes with Herbs
Viral but underrated, roasted radishes are the low-carb potato swap you NEED. Toss them with herbs, and they caramelize into sweet, crispy bites—zero guilt, all flavor.
Ingredients
For the radishes
- 1 lb radishes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the herbs
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss radishes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread radishes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Tip: Crowding = steaming. Give them space to crisp!
- Roast for 20 minutes, then flip with a spatula. Tip: Wait for golden edges—that’s when the magic happens.
- Roast another 10-15 minutes until fork-tender and caramelized.
- Transfer radishes to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with thyme, parsley, and lemon zest. Tip: Add zest last for a bright, fresh pop.
Zesty and buttery-soft inside, these radishes are next-level with a dollop of garlic aioli or tossed into a grain bowl. Leftovers? Chop ’em into a next-day salad for crunch.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Zesty, juicy, and packed with umami—these stuffed portobellos are your next weeknight hero. **Roast** them crispy, **stuff** them cheesy, and **devour** them hot.
Ingredients
- For the mushrooms:
- 4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- For the filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush both sides of the mushrooms with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place mushrooms gill-side up on the baking sheet. Tip: Scrape the gills lightly with a spoon for extra room.
- Bake for 10 minutes to soften. Remove from oven—pat any excess moisture with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and oregano.
- Divide the filling evenly among the mushrooms, pressing gently to pack it in. Tip: Overstuff for extra gooeyness!
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Tip: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispier top.
Outrageously savory with a crispy-chewy contrast, these mushrooms shine as a main or atop a lemony arugula salad. **Drizzle** with balsamic glaze for a sweet-tangy kick.
Keto-Friendly Mac and Cheese
Fight cravings without the carbs—this **Keto-Friendly Mac and Cheese** is creamy, cheesy, and totally guilt-free. Swap pasta for cauliflower, and no one will miss the OG.
Ingredients
For the “Mac” (Cauliflower Base)
– 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– ½ tsp salt
For the Cheese Sauce
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp cream cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Topping (Optional)
– ¼ cup crushed pork rinds
– 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
1. **Preheat oven to 400°F**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil and salt. **Spread evenly** on the baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are golden.
3. **Tip**: Don’t overcrowd the pan—crispy florets = better texture.
4. While cauliflower roasts, **heat heavy cream** in a saucepan over medium-low until simmering (about 3 minutes).
5. **Whisk in cream cheese**, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth (1 minute).
6. **Reduce heat to low**, add cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until fully melted (2–3 minutes).
7. **Tip**: Low heat prevents the sauce from breaking—patience is key!
8. Combine roasted cauliflower and cheese sauce in a greased 8×8″ baking dish.
9. **Mix pork rinds with melted butter**, sprinkle over the top. Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
10. **Tip**: Watch closely—pork rinds burn fast under the broiler.
Ultra-creamy with a smoky kick, this dish nails the mac-and-cheese vibe. Serve with crispy bacon bits or dunk in sugar-free ketchup for a nostalgic twist.
Green Bean Almondine
Perfectly crisp-tender green beans meet buttery almonds in this 15-minute stunner. Blitz the almonds, toss the beans, and drizzle with lemon—dinner’s ready.
Ingredients
For the beans & almonds:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the finish:
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes until bright green. Tip: Shock in ice water to lock in crunch.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add almonds; toast 2 minutes until golden, stirring constantly.
- Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Tip: Don’t let it brown—bitter garlic ruins the vibe.
- Toss in green beans, salt, and pepper. Sauté 2 minutes to coat.
- Drizzle with lemon juice. Tip: Zest the lemon first for extra brightness.
Silky butter clings to each bean, while almonds add a toasty crunch. Serve over creamy polenta or with seared salmon for a plate that’s *chef’s kiss*.
Cheesy Zucchini Gratin
Zucchini gets a glow-up in this crispy, cheesy gratin—layered with cream, garlic, and a golden breadcrumb crunch. Slice, bake, and watch it disappear.
Ingredients
For the gratin:
- 2 lbs zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the topping:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange zucchini rounds in overlapping layers in the dish. Tip: Pat zucchini dry first to prevent sogginess.
- In a bowl, whisk cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over zucchini.
- Bake for 20 minutes until zucchini is just tender. Tip: Cover with foil if browning too fast.
- Mix Gruyère, Parmesan, panko, and melted butter in a bowl. Sprinkle over zucchini.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until topping is golden and bubbly. Tip: Broil 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
All that’s left? Dive into creamy zucchini with a crackling cheese crust. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or scoop straight from the dish—no judgment.
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
Nail your snack game with this **Spicy Roasted Cauliflower**—crispy, fiery, and stupidly easy. Toss, roast, devour. Done.
Ingredients
For the cauliflower:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt until evenly coated. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the bowl—toss in batches if needed.
- Spread cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Tip: Leave space between florets for crispiness.
- Roast for 20 minutes, then flip florets with a spatula. Roast another 10–15 minutes until edges are charred and crispy.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle parsley. Tip: Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Kick back with florets that are smoky, spicy, and addictively crunchy. Stuff ’em in tacos or pile on nachos—zero regrets.
Keto-Friendly Deviled Eggs
Out with the boring snacks—these keto-friendly deviled eggs pack a creamy, tangy punch. Whip them up in minutes, and watch them disappear faster than a TikTok trend.
Ingredients
For the eggs:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
For the filling:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place 6 eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup water and enough cold water to cover the eggs by 1 inch.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10 minutes—this ensures perfectly cooked yolks without the gray ring.
- Transfer the eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
- Peel the eggs under cool running water, then slice them in half lengthwise.
- Scoop the yolks into a bowl and mash with a fork until smooth.
- Add 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy.
- Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites. Pro tip: Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped for a clean, restaurant-worthy look.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives and an extra sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Just like that, you’ve got a protein-packed bite with a smoky kick and velvety texture. Serve them on a bed of crisp lettuce or with a side of pickles for extra crunch.
Summary
Perfect for any keto meal, these 18 easy-to-make side dishes bring flavor and variety to your table. Whether you’re craving something creamy, crunchy, or packed with veggies, there’s a recipe here for you. Give them a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment with your favorite—or share this roundup on Pinterest to inspire fellow keto cooks!