I never asked for this ketogenic diet life. If it were up to me, I’d be happily chowing down on pasta, bread, and all the carb-loaded deliciousness my heart desires. But no, I have to deprive myself and follow this restrictive keto way of eating, all because of the people around me. My nagging wife insists it’s for my health, raving about how keto will help me lose weight and avoid heart disease.
My pretentious friends act like keto is the only civilized diet, sneering at my bread basket cravings. Even my meddling coworkers ask if every meal is “keto-approved.” I’m tired of it all. Can’t a guy just eat what he wants without judgment? Not in my world. So here I am, begrudgingly seeking out keto recipes, all to keep the peace and conform to what everyone else wants from me. The things we do to please others, am I right?
1. Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter
Tender, flaky salmon baked to perfection and drizzled with a bright, tangy lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients: Salmon fillets, butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Remove the butter mixture from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the top of the salmon fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
Cook time: 20 minutes
2. Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Plump, juicy shrimp drenched in a rich, indulgent garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients: Large shrimp, olive oil, butter, garlic, cream, parmesan, parsley
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until opaque and pink.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream and grated parmesan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Add the shrimp back into the garlic cream sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.
Cook time: 15 minutes
3. Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Cups
Meaty, cheesy bacon cups loaded with all your favorite cheeseburger flavors.
Ingredients: Ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, eggs, green onions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin generously with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook the bacon until crispy then crumble it into pieces. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix together the cooked beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, beaten eggs, and sliced green onions until well combined.
- Scoop heaping spoonfuls of the beef mixture into each muffin cup, filling them up about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cups are set and the tops are lightly browned.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Cook time: 30 minutes
4. Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto
Light and refreshing zucchini noodles tossed in a creamy, nutty avocado pesto. Ingredients: Zucchini, avocado, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, fresh basil, parmesan, lemon juice
- Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to cut the zucchini into long, thin noodle strips.
- In a food processor, blend the avocado, olive oil, garlic cloves, pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, grated parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until a creamy pesto forms.
- Gently toss the zucchini noodles with the avocado pesto until fully coated.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves, pine nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Cook time: 10 minutes
5. Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks
Savory, cheesy breadstick-like snacks made from riced cauliflower.
Ingredients: Riced cauliflower, eggs, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the riced cauliflower, beaten eggs, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Transfer the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread/press into a thin, rectangular shape.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from oven and top evenly with remaining shredded mozzarella.
- Return to oven and bake for 5-10 more minutes until the cheese is melty and the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before using a pizza cutter or knife to slice into breadstick shapes.
Cook time: 30 minutes
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
Colorful bell peppers loaded with a hearty ground beef and cauliflower rice filling.
Ingredients: Bell peppers, ground beef, yellow onion, garlic, cauliflower rice, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds/membranes. Place upright in a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cauliflower rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stuff each bell pepper half tightly with the beef and cauliflower rice mixture.
- Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining shredded cheddar.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted. Cook time: 40 minutes
7. Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy spinach and cheese filling.
Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, frozen chopped spinach, cream cheese, parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook frozen spinach according to package instructions. Drain well and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a bowl, mix together the cooked spinach, softened cream cheese, grated parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a deep pocket into the thick side of each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
- Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining.
Cook time: 35 minutes
8. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Creamy, cheesy chicken bake with a nice kick from diced jalapeños.
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, bacon, green onions
- Bake or grill the chicken breasts until cooked through. Let cool slightly then shred or chop.
- Cook the bacon until crispy then crumble into pieces.
- In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, half the shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños (with or without seeds), and half the crumbled bacon.
- Spread the chicken mixture into a baking dish and top with remaining cheddar and bacon.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly throughout.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
Cook time: 30 minutes
9. Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
The classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak stuffed into meaty portobello caps.
Ingredients: Portobello mushroom caps, sirloin steak, green bell pepper, onion, provolone cheese
- Wipe dirt off portobello caps and remove stems. Use a spoon to scoop out some insides to create a bowl shape.
- Slice the sirloin steak, bell pepper and onion into thin strips. Cook in a skillet until steak is browned and veggies are tender.
- Season the steak and veggie mixture with salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Fill each portobello cap generously with the Philly cheesesteak filling.
- Top with slices of provolone cheese.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until mushrooms are tender and cheese is melted. Cook time: 25 minutes
10. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Rich, creamy garlic chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, parmesan, baby spinach
- In a skillet, cook chicken breasts in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Remove cooked chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in grated parmesan and handfuls of fresh baby spinach until spinach is wilted.
- Return chicken to skillet and coat with the creamy garlic sauce.
Cook time: 30 minutes
11. Cheeseburger Salad
All your favorite cheeseburger flavors in healthy salad form.
Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, dill pickles, red onion, ranch dressing
- Cook the ground beef fully and crumble. Cook and crumble the bacon.
- Make a large salad with the chopped romaine lettuce.
- Top with the cooked ground beef, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, dill pickle slices and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top when ready to serve.
Cook time: 15 minutes
12. Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Bites
Creamy avocado wrapped in crispy bacon – a rich, indulgent snack or appetizer.
Ingredients: Avocados, bacon, ranch seasoning
- Cut the avocados in half, remove pits, and cut each half into 4-6 wedges.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap each avocado wedge tightly with a half slice of bacon.
- Arrange the wrapped avocado bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the avocado bites evenly with ranch seasoning.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until bacon is crispy.
Cook time: 20 minutes
13. Caprese Stuffed Avocado Boats
Creamy avocado stuffed with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes.
Ingredients: Avocados, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic glaze
- Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits to create avocado “boats.”
- In a bowl, toss together cubed fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced basil and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper.
- Scoop the caprese salad mixture into the avocado boat cavities.
- Drizzle with more balsamic glaze before serving.
Cook time: 10 minutes
14. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Juicy, protein-packed chicken meatballs coated in a zesty buffalo sauce.
Ingredients: Ground chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, egg, almond flour, buffalo sauce
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix the ground chicken with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, egg and almond flour until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
- While warm, toss the baked meatballs with buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Cook time: 25 minutes
15. Broccoli and Cheese Soup
A comforting, creamy, cheesy bowl of broccoli soup.
Ingredients: Broccoli, butter, heavy cream, cheddar, chicken broth, bacon, garlic, onion, xanthan gum
- In a pot, cook chopped bacon until crispy then set aside. Cook diced onion and garlic in the bacon grease until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and chopped broccoli florets. Simmer until broccoli is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Whisk in heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and xanthan gum to thicken.
- Stir in crumbled bacon pieces, reserving some for garnish.
- Let simmer until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Garnish with extra bacon, cheddar and a swirl of heavy cream.
Cook time: 35 minutes
16. Crack Chicken
Creamy, cheesy, ranch-seasoned chicken – the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, ranch seasoning
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and season generously with ranch seasoning.
- Spread softened cream cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
- Pour chicken broth or water around the chicken (about 1/2 inch up the sides).
- Top chicken with shredded cheddar and crumbled cooked bacon.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving shredded or sliced with cream sauce spooned over.
Cook time: 35 minutes
17. Chili Lime Baked Cod
Tender, flaky cod fillets baked in a zesty chili lime butter sauce.
Ingredients: Cod fillets, butter, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cilantro
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Place cod fillets on prepared baking sheet and pour chili lime butter over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Cook time: 20 minutes
18. Keto Beef Stir-Fry
A quick and easy low-carb spin on a takeout classic stir-fry.
Ingredients: Flank steak, broccoli, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil
- Slice flank steak into thin strips and marinate in soy sauce and sesame oil for 20 mins.
- Stir-fry sliced garlic and ginger in beef marinade over high heat.
- Add beef strips and marinade. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers. Continue stir-frying for 5 more minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.
- Serve over cauliflower rice if desired.
Cook time: 25 minutes
19. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
A surprisingly delicious and crispy pizza crust made entirely from cauliflower.
Ingredients: Riced cauliflower, eggs, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, desired toppings
- Squeeze excess moisture from riced cauliflower using a cheesecloth or towel.
- Mix drained cauliflower with eggs, mozzarella, parmesan and Italian seasoning until it forms a dough.
- Press the dough out onto a parchment-lined pizza pan into a thin round crust.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Top the cauliflower crust with desired toppings like sauce, cheese, veggies, etc.
- Return to oven and bake 10 more minutes until toppings are hot and melty.
Cook time: 35 minutes
20. Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Tender, juicy steak bites smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce. Decadent and satisfying.
Ingredients: Sirloin steak, butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper
- Cut sirloin into 1-inch cubes and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook steak bites in a hot skillet until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and cook minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Return steak bites to skillet and toss in garlic butter. Garnish with parsley.
Cook time: 20 minutes
21. Keto Taco Cups
All the flavors of a taco in a handy, low-carb cheese cup.
Ingredients: Shredded cheddar, ground beef, taco seasoning, lettuce, sour cream, salsa
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with parchment paper cups.
- Spread shredded cheddar in a thin layer in each cup.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are crispy.
- Let cool slightly, then remove and shape into cups.
- Meanwhile, cook ground beef with taco seasoning.
- Fill cheese cups with seasoned beef, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa.
Cook time: 20 minutes
22. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Tender chicken in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. Rich and comforting.
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, garlic, cream, parmesan, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes
- Sauté chicken breasts until browned. Set aside.
- In the same pan, cook garlic then deglaze with cream. Stir in parmesan.
- Add chicken back to pan along with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Simmer until sauce thickens and spinach wilts. Cook time: 30 minutes
23. Zucchini Boats with Spicy Italian Sausage
Zucchini boats loaded with a zesty Italian sausage and cheese filling.
Ingredients: Zucchini, Italian sausage, ricotta, parmesan, marinara, red pepper flakes
- Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
- Cook and crumble the Italian sausage. Mix with ricotta, parmesan, and spices.
- Fill zucchini boats with sausage mixture and top with marinara sauce.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until zucchini is tender. Cook time: 35 minutes
24. Keto Chili Dog Cups
All the chili dog flavors baked into portable, hand-held cups.
Ingredients: Hot dogs, chili, cheddar, green onions, chili seasoning, sour cream
- Cut each hot dog into 4-5 pieces. Place in a muffin tin.
- Top with chili, cheddar, and spices.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
- Top baked cups with green onions and sour cream.
Cook time: 20 minutes
25. Keto Chicken Alfredo Zoodles
Creamy, indulgent Alfredo sauce over zucchini noodles for a low-carb comfort meal.
Ingredients: Zucchini, chicken breast, heavy cream, parmesan, garlic, butter
- Spiralize zucchini into noodles. Set aside.
- Season and cook chicken breast in a skillet until done. Slice and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and parmesan. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Toss zucchini noodles in the hot Alfredo sauce until slightly softened.
- Top with sliced chicken and extra parmesan. Cook time: 25 minutes
Conclusion
Turns out I don’t have much choice but to suck it up and embrace the keto life, even if it means depriving myself of my beloved carbs and sandwiches. Can’t a guy catch a break?