I love appetizers! What's not to love about a food that generally requires nothing more than a small plate and a napkin at most? Appetizers are everyones favorite at any party and tend to be EXTRA amazing. And by extra I mean, EXTRA creamy, EXTRA spicy, EXTRA rich, EXTRA juicy, and EXTRA loved!  After all, they are called "appetizers". Those tempting little tidbits sure can throw you off track in a heartbeat when you are trying to be mindful your dietary choices though. Just one seems reasonable...... But WOW that was extra delicious...... I think I'll have just one more......oooh, mmmm,  and before you know it, you've lost track of how many of those heavenly little morsels of goodness you've consumed. 

Luckily when it comes to temptation, there are plenty of salmon in the sea. We have searched the internet for the most carb friendly options we could find. Whether it is a dish to pass or you are getting ready for a gathering of your own, we have you covered with a list of 10 cocktail crudities that will keep your guests happy without blowing up anyone's carb count. Let's dig in, shall we?

1. Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Description: A classic Italian appetizer, simplified and made keto-friendly with a sugar-free balsamic reduction. Yields: 12-15 skewers Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained

• 1 large bunch fresh basil leaves

• Balsamic Vinaigrette

•  Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2-15 small wooden skewers or toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Prepare the balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and erythritol (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a syrup consistency. Let cool. It will thicken further as it cools.

2. Assemble skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat with another basil leaf and tomato if desired.

3. Season and serve: Arrange the skewers on a platter. Drizzle generously with the cooled balsamic glaze. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Description: Tender-crisp asparagus wrapped in savory prosciutto and baked until golden. Yields: 12 bundles Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb thin asparagus spears, tough ends trimmed

• 6 slices thin prosciutto, cut lengthwise in half

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare asparagus: In a bowl, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Wrap asparagus: Take 2-3 asparagus spears and tightly wrap a half-slice of prosciutto around their centers. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining asparagus and prosciutto.

4. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until asparagus is tender-crisp and prosciutto is slightly crispy. Serve warm.

3. Loaded Cauliflower Bites

Description: Roasted cauliflower florets transformed into "loaded potato" bites with cheese, bacon, and chives. Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

• 2 tbsp sour cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roast cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned, flipping halfway through.

3. Load the bites: Remove cauliflower from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the hot cauliflower. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chives. Serve immediately, with a dollop of sour cream on the side if desired.

4. Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream Cheese

This reminds me of sushi and I could see a great variation of this one.

Description: Refreshing cucumber slices topped with a creamy smoked salmon mixture. Yields: 15-20 bites Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled (or partially peeled for stripes) and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 oz smoked salmon, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional Garnish: extra dill sprigs, capers

Instructions:

1. Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped smoked salmon, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Assemble bites: Arrange cucumber slices on a serving platter.

3. Top cucumbers: Spoon or pipe (using a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) a dollop of the smoked salmon cream cheese mixture onto each cucumber slice.

4. Garnish and serve: Garnish with extra dill sprigs or capers if desired. Serve immediately.

5. Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Mushrooms

Description: Mushroom caps filled with a savory cream cheese and herb mixture, then wrapped in bacon and baked. Yields: 12-15 mushrooms Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12-15 medium-sized mushrooms (cremini or white button), stems removed

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 6-8 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half lengthwise

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

2. Prepare filling: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Stuff mushrooms: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each mushroom cap.

4. Wrap with bacon: Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around the stuffed mushroom, securing with a toothpick if needed. Place seam-side down on the wire rack. Repeat with remaining mushrooms.

5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and mushrooms are tender. Drain on paper towels before serving.

6. Mini Bell Pepper Nachos

Description: Colorful mini bell peppers used as "chips," topped with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and classic nacho toppings. Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6-8 mini bell peppers (various colors), halved lengthwise and seeds removed

• 1/2 lb ground beef

• 1/2 packet (approx. 1 tbsp) low-carb taco seasoning (check ingredients for no added sugar/starch)

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• Optional Toppings: diced avocado, salsa (sugar-free), sour cream, chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cook beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

3. Season beef: Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the beef is well-coated.

4. Assemble nachos: Arrange the mini bell pepper halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. Spoon the seasoned ground beef into each pepper half.

5. Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef-filled peppers. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until peppers are slightly softened and cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven. Top with desired optional toppings like diced avocado, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

7. Antipasto Skewers

Description: A vibrant assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and olives threaded onto skewers for an easy, no-cook appetizer. Yields: 12-15 skewers Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Genoa salami or pepperoni, folded or rolled

• 4 oz provolone or mozzarella cheese, cubed

• 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green), pitted

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

• Optional: small fresh basil leaves

• 12-15 small wooden skewers or toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Assemble skewers: On each skewer, alternately thread a piece of salami/pepperoni, a cheese cube, an olive, a cherry tomato, and an artichoke heart. Add a basil leaf if using.

2. Arrange and serve: Arrange the finished skewers on a platter. No cooking required!

8. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks (Keto-Friendly)

Description: Savory, cheesy "breadsticks" made from mozzarella dough, perfect for dipping. Yields: 12-16 sticks Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture, part-skim)

• 2 tbsp cream cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup almond flour

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Melt cheeses: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes total).

3. Form dough: Add the melted cheese mixture to a large bowl. Quickly add the egg, almond flour, garlic powder, and oregano (if using). Mix vigorously with a spoon or your hands until a cohesive dough forms. It will be sticky at first.

4. Shape breadsticks: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness, forming a rectangle. Cut into 12-16 strips (breadstick size).

5. Bake: Carefully transfer the strips to the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

9. Shrimp Cocktail with Low-Carb Cocktail Sauce

Description: Classic chilled shrimp served with a zesty, sugar-free cocktail sauce. Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes (optional)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on (fresh or thawed frozen)

• For Cocktail Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup sugar-free ketchup (check label for no added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup)

  • 2 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to desired spice level)

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (check for low-carb, optional)

  • Dash of hot sauce (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare cocktail sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sugar-free ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and hot sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust horseradish and lemon juice to your preference.

2. Chill shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry. Arrange shrimp around the rim of a serving bowl. If desired, chill the shrimp and sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.

3. Serve: Place the cocktail sauce in a small dish in the center of the shrimp platter. Serve immediately.

10. Avocado Feta Dip with Vegetable Dippers

Description: A creamy, tangy dip perfect for scooping with crisp low-carb vegetables. Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, pitted and scooped

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• For Dippers: Cucumber slices, celery sticks, bell pepper strips (various colors), radishes, endive leaves, broccoli florets

Instructions:

1. Prepare dip: In a medium bowl, mash the avocados until mostly smooth (some chunks are fine if preferred).

2. Combine ingredients: Add the crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, cilantro/parsley, and minced garlic (if using) to the mashed avocado. Mix until well combined.

3. Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Arrange a variety of low-carb vegetables around the dip for dipping. Serve immediately.

Did we give you an idea? Let us know what you think of our recipes in the comments or on Facebook. Enjoy those appetizers!