15 Keto Thanksgiving Appetizers to Kick Off the Feast
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to derail your keto lifestyle! These 15 delicious low-carb appetizers will have your guests coming back for seconds without the carb crash. From elegant bacon-wrapped scallops to crowd-pleasing spinach artichoke dip, each recipe delivers bold flavors while keeping you in ketosis.
Whether you’re hosting a full keto Thanksgiving or just want healthier options alongside traditional dishes, these appetizers prove that eating low-carb never means sacrificing taste or satisfaction during the holidays.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
These elegant little bites are pure indulgence wrapped in crispy bacon. The sweet, tender scallops pair beautifully with the salty, smoky bacon for a restaurant-quality appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to make. Just wrap, secure with toothpicks, and pop in the oven for about 15 minutes.
They’re naturally keto-friendly and always impress guests. The key is not overcooking the scallops – they should be just opaque and tender. These disappear fast at parties, so consider making extra! Check the recipe here.
Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese and Herbs
Meaty mushroom caps become the perfect vessel for rich, herby cream cheese filling in this classic appetizer. The earthiness of mushrooms complements the tangy cream cheese beautifully, while fresh herbs add brightness. They’re incredibly easy to prep ahead – just stuff and refrigerate until ready to bake.
The filling possibilities are endless too; try adding sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheese varieties. These are always a hit with both keto and non-keto guests, making them perfect for mixed crowds. Check the recipe here.
Deviled Eggs with Bacon Bits
A timeless party favorite gets a keto-friendly upgrade with crispy bacon bits mixed into the creamy yolk filling. The smokiness of bacon elevates the classic deviled egg to new heights while adding satisfying crunch.
They’re incredibly budget-friendly and can be made a day ahead, making party prep a breeze. The rich, protein-packed eggs keep you satisfied longer than typical appetizers. Try experimenting with different toppings like chives, paprika, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for variety. Check the recipe here.
Keto Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This crowd-pleasing dip delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave without the carbs. Made with cream cheese, spinach, and tender artichokes, it’s rich and satisfying served warm. The best part? You can serve it with keto-friendly dippers like pork rinds, cheese crisps, or cucumber slices.
It’s perfect for making ahead and reheating when guests arrive. The combination of spinach and artichokes provides great texture while three different cheeses create that irresistible stretchy, gooey consistency everyone loves. Check the recipe here.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Building a beautiful charcuterie board is more art than cooking, and it’s naturally keto-perfect. Combine various aged cheeses, cured meats, olives, nuts, and low-carb vegetables for a stunning spread. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone, and the different textures and flavors keep things interesting.
It requires minimal prep but looks incredibly impressive. Include some keto crackers or cheese crisps for crunch. The best part is guests can graze at their own pace, making it perfect for mingling and conversation. Check the recipe here.
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Even Brussels sprouts haters will love these bacon-wrapped beauties. The bacon fat renders down and caramelizes the sprouts while keeping them tender inside. They strike the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy, making them great for guilt-free snacking.
The combination of textures – crispy bacon exterior and tender sprout interior – is absolutely addictive. They’re easy to prep ahead and roast when guests arrive. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving adds an elegant finishing touch. Check the recipe here.
Cauliflower Buffalo Bites
These spicy bites deliver all the buffalo flavor you crave with a fraction of the carbs. Cauliflower florets get coated in buffalo sauce and baked until tender with crispy edges. They’re surprisingly satisfying and addictive, especially when served with cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
The preparation is simple – just toss, coat, and bake. They’re also naturally vegetarian, making them inclusive for different dietary preferences. The heat level is easily adjustable, so you can make them mild or fiery hot. Check the recipe here.
Keto Pigs in a Blanket (Fathead Dough)
Using fathead dough instead of traditional pastry keeps these party favorites keto-compliant without sacrificing taste. The cheesy, slightly nutty dough wraps around mini sausages for that nostalgic comfort food experience. They’re a bit more involved to make but absolutely worth the effort for special occasions.
Kids and adults alike love them, making them perfect family-friendly appetizers. The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then wrapped and baked when ready. Serve with sugar-free ketchup and mustard for dipping. Check the recipe here.
Cranberry Brie Bites (Almond Flour Crackers)
These sophisticated bites combine creamy brie with tart cranberries on crispy almond flour crackers. The contrast of textures and flavors – rich cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and nutty crackers – creates an elegant appetizer perfect for holiday entertaining. The almond flour crackers are surprisingly easy to make and much more flavorful than store-bought options.
They look incredibly fancy but are quite simple to assemble. Make sure to use sugar-free cranberry sauce to keep them truly keto-friendly while maintaining that classic Thanksgiving flavor combination. Check the recipe here.
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rolls
Light, refreshing, and elegant, these rolls are perfect for guests who want something lighter before the big meal. Thin cucumber slices wrap around creamy filling and smoky salmon for a bite that’s both sophisticated and satisfying.
They’re naturally gluten-free and low-carb, plus they add beautiful color to your appetizer spread. The prep work can be done hours ahead, making them convenient for busy hosts. A touch of fresh dill and lemon zest brightens the entire bite, while capers add a nice briny pop. Check the recipe here.
Turkey and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Simple yet satisfying, these roll-ups combine sliced turkey with herbed cream cheese for an easy make-ahead appetizer. They’re incredibly versatile – add pickles for crunch, different herbs for variety, or various cheeses for different flavor profiles. The combination is protein-rich and filling, helping guests pace themselves before the main meal.
They slice beautifully for presentation and can be made the morning of your event. Kids love them too, making them perfect for family gatherings where you need options everyone will enjoy. Check the recipe here.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Spices
Don’t toss those pumpkin seeds! Roasted with keto-friendly spices, they become an addictive, crunchy snack that’s perfect for fall entertaining. The roasting process brings out their natural nuttiness while spices add warmth and depth. They’re incredibly economical since you’re using something that would otherwise be discarded.
The spice combinations are endless – try everything from simple salt and pepper to complex curry blends. They store well too, so you can make them days ahead. Just make sure to save some for yourself because guests will devour them quickly. Check the recipe here.
1. Keto Sausage Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese
These poppers pack serious heat and flavor in every bite. The creamy cream cheese perfectly balances the spicy jalapeños, while the savory sausage adds a hearty protein punch. They’re surprisingly easy to prep ahead – just stuff and refrigerate until party time. Pop them in the oven and watch them disappear within minutes.
The combination of melted cheese, crispy bacon wrap, and tender pepper creates an irresistible texture contrast that’ll have everyone reaching for more. Check the recipe here.
2. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears
Elegant and effortless, these sophisticated bites look like they came from a fancy restaurant but take just minutes to prepare. The salty prosciutto becomes beautifully crispy while keeping the asparagus tender and bright green. They’re naturally keto and naturally impressive – perfect for when you want to look like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat.
Serve them warm or at room temperature, and watch your guests marvel at how something so simple can taste so refined. Check the recipe here
3. Mini Keto Meatballs with Sugar-Free Cranberry Glaze
These bite-sized beauties capture all the cozy flavors of Thanksgiving in one perfect morsel. The meatballs stay incredibly moist and flavorful, while the tangy cranberry glaze adds that festive touch everyone expects. You can make both components ahead of time and just toss them together before serving.
The sweet-tart glaze perfectly complements the savory meat, creating a balanced flavor profile that screams holiday comfort food – minus all the carbs your traditional cranberry sauce would pack. Check the recipe here.
