Throughout my years as a keto enthusiast, I’ve come up with quite a few keto side dish recipes. I wanted to share my list of favorites so no matter what your main course, you have low-carb options made with quality ingredients. Not only will you find replacements for mashed or loaded baked potatoes, but you also find that most of these keto side dish recipes are so easy that you can make them any night of the week.
Sometimes keto side dishes tend to be a little heavier on the carbs (like spaghetti squash, for example), because they’re meant to be paired with a carbless protein like steak, chicken or fish. So keep that in mind when planning your meals!
Wicked Good Keto Side Dish Recipes
Keto Spaghetti Squash Aglio Olio
Aglio Olio, which means ‘spaghetti with garlic and oil, is a classic recipe from Naples, Italy. Real pasta is off limits on a low carb eating plan, but spaghetti squash can be a wonderful alternative as long as you watch your portions. Serve this Keto Spaghetti Squash Aglio Olio alongside roasted chicken or my Low Carb Italian Parmesan Breaded Pork Cutlets for a delicious meal even carb-lovers will devour.
The Best Keto Cauliflower Mash Recipe Ever
There are hundreds of keto side dishes of keto cauliflower ‘mashed potatoes’, but none compare to this one. It’s whipped with the perfect amounts of salt and butter and has the best texture of any low-carb potato replacement out there. If you’re feeling adventurous, use my secret ingredient. You won’t be disappointed.
Bacon Cheddar Carbonara with Spaghetti Squash
I loved carbonara sauce so much I had to make a keto-friendly version. While strict ketoers may say that spaghetti squash is too high in carbs, this Bacon Cheddar Carbonara with Spaghetti Squash makes an excellent keto side dish at only 3.5 net carbs for a half a cup. Serve it alongside your favorite protein and you have a delicious low-carb meal made with high-quality ingredients.
Simply Fresh Keto Brussel Sprouts Salad
This keto side dish just requires brussel sprouts and five other simple ingredients most already have in their pantry. It’s easy to make, you don’t even have to cook the brussels. Just shred them, toss with my simple dressing, then serve alongside your favorite seasoned proteins. Now you have a delicious low-carb dinner that can be made in less than thirty minutes.
Sweet Pumpkin Keto Cauliflower Puree
Sweet potatoes with marshmallows are one of my all-time favorite keto side dishes, but of course, they’re far from keto-approved. One weekend I was fighting an intense craving and a light bulb went off. What if I used cauliflower and sweet pumpkin puree as an alternative to sweet potatoes? Then I found my mascarpone cheese. That’s when my ultimate Sweet Pumpkin Keto Cauliflower Puree was born.
Perfect Cheddar Cauli Mac and Cheese with Bacon
There’s not much better in terms of comfort food than a perfectly creamy mac and cheese, but even one pasta dinner can throw you out of ketosis. Instead, try my Perfect Cauliflower Mac and Cheese with Bacon. It’s even kid-approved if you’re looking for a way to sneak veggies into their diet.
Onion & Sage Keto Stuffing
Stuffing is a great side dish for roast chicken or turkey but breaded versions are totally off-limits on keto. That doesn’t mean you have to leave your birds (or your stomachs) unstuffed. Try my Onion and Sage Keto Stuffing made with ground flax meal for a fluffy alternative that is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Pumpkin Cream Keto Spaghetti Squash Side Dish
I just can’t get enough of spaghetti squash and trying to find ways to enjoy it while keeping my carbs in check. This Pumpkin Cream Spaghetti Squash Side Dish is definitely one of my favorites. Sage and pumpkin compliment each other perfectly, and if you serve it in its shell you have the most impressive keto side dish for your next family dinner.
Kickin’ Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These Kickin’ Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a great vegetarian-friendly alternative to buffalo wings, but they also make a wonderful low-carb side dish. While this recipe isn’t for bland tastebuds, it is customizable so you can achieve your perfect level of spiciness.
Sheet Pan Green Bean Casserole
This isn’t your grandmother’s green bean casserole, it’s keto-friendly and so easy to make! Everything is tossed together on a sheet pan and roasted to perfection for a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with your favorite type of protein.
Crunchy Fresh Sriracha Broccoli Salad
This flavorful broccoli salad is great for cookouts, but it also makes a wonderful side dish any time of the year. I love the different textures in this one, from the creamy dressing to the crunchy veggies and sunflower seeds. It’s great served with grilled chicken drumsticks or a nicely seasoned steak.
Loaded Twice Baked Faux-tato with Cauli & Avocado
There’s nothing better with a steak than a loaded baked potato, but that’s totally off-limits on a low carb diet. Instead, try my Loaded Twice Baked FAUX-tato that’s made with whipped cauliflower and avocado then topped with all your favorites like sour cream, cheddar, and bacon. When served in the avocado shell it’s like eating the real thing!
Garlic Cauliflower Breadsticks
If you’re looking for the perfect sidekick to accompany your zoodles and sauce then you’ve come to the right place. These Garlic Cauliflower Breadsticks are so easy to make and so much better than a store-bought version with hidden carbs.
Garlic & Swiss Keto Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a great appetizer, but they also make a great side-dish, especially for a nice steak. These are filled with the most delicious garlicky, swiss mixture that is good enough to convert even the biggest mushroom haters.