The holidays are a time to celebrate. But dietary restrictions during party season can be a challenge – especially if you’re trying to avoid heavy carbs. If you’re hosting or attending a holiday gathering and want to enjoy delicious bites without overloading on carbs, you’re in luck!
Low-carb appetizers can be just as festive, flavorful, and satisfying as traditional options. We’ve put together a list of low-carb holiday appetizers that are perfect for any celebration, letting you indulge while staying on track. From pizza bites to quesadillas and more, these recipes will make your holiday spread unforgettable – without the carb crash.
Almost Crustless Pizza Bites
Ingredients
Crust:
8 oz Italian Sausage (Sweet or hot) – if using links, remove from casing
Toppings:
Bell pepper (green, red, yellow or mixed colors) cut in 1/2” pieces
Onion cut in 1/2” pieces
Pizza Sauce or 1 large plum tomato sliced
Mozzarella Cheese (sliced and shredded)
Seasoning: (to taste)
Oregano, basil, fennel seed, garlic powder, black pepper
Instructions
- Form sausage into 1 inch balls – place in pan and smash flat with a spatula into 1.5 inch patties. Sauté.
- Remove from pan (do not clean) and place on parchment covered baking sheet
- Lightly saute seasoned onions, peppers, tomatoes and other toppings in pan drippings. Don’t overcook
- Cover crust with sliced mozzarella and bake at 350 for 3 minutes until cheese softens
- Add pizza sauce or tomato slices, toppings and sprinkle with shredded cheese
- Sprinkle lightly with seasonings to taste
- Bake at 350 for 3 minutes or until cheese fully melted.
Serve hot.
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Zuchizza
Ingredients:
2 medium zuchini (6-7”)
4 slices mozzarella cheese
2 oz parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp tomato paste
Oregano, basil, fennel, black pepper,
1-2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Olive Oil
Toppings:
Onion, bell pepper, sausage, pepperoni, etc.
Instructions:
- Cut Zucchini lengthwise and then cut each half into thirds.
- With a spoon or melon baller, scoop out a trench in each section. Leave a ¼” at each end.
- Brush with olive oil and bake for 2 minutes at 325.
- Remove from oven and let rest.
- Mix tomato paste, garlic and spices to create a tasty pizza sauce.
- Fill zucchini boats with sauce, mozzarella, and toppings you desire
- Top with Parmesan
- Bake another 4 -6 minutes at 325 degrees
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Lox spread on cucumber rounds
Ingredients:
16 oz – Cream Cheese (softened)
8 oz – Lox (Nova cut into 2’ pieces)
3 Tbsp – Capers
¼ Tsp – White Pepper
½ Tsp – Smoked Paprika
¼ Tsp – Garlic Powder
1 – English Cucumber
Additional capers
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth and completely blended.
- Place in piping bag with large open star tip.
- Slice cucumber into ¼ inch thick rounds or ovals.
- Pipe lox spread onto cucumber rounds and top with whole caper.
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Quesadillas
Ingredients:
Low-Carb Tortillas https://amzn.to/40xqfDK
Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican Blend https://amzn.to/3NTQuNj
1 cup – chicken breast or thighs or a blend (chopped into ½ cubes)
1 small white or yellow Onion diced
Cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper
Olive or avocado oil for sauteing
Toppings:
Sour Cream, Guacamole, Salsa
Instructions:
- Season Chicken and onion to taste and sauté.
- Cover Tortilla lightly with cheese blend, sauteed chicken/onion mix, top with more cheese and another tortilla. Sauté in pan (or bake in over at 325 until cheese melted.) Depending on size of tortilla cut into 4, 6 or 8 wedges.
- Top with a dollop of Sour Cream or Guacamole and a bit of Salsa.
Or if setting out on buffet you can put out toppings in bowls and let the guest do their own.
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Shrimp Cocktail – low carb cocktail sauce
Jumbo Shrimp (21-25 per pound)
Cocktail Sauce
½ cup No Sugar Added ketchup
1 to 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Few drops of Tabasco, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and Tabasco. Taste and add additional horseradish and/or hot sauce, if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
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Caprese Skewers
Ingredients:
Fresh Mozzarella (cut into bite-sized chunks)
Cherry Tomatoes or Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh Basil Leaves
Balsamic Glaze
4” Bamboo Skewers / Toothpicks https://amzn.to/4hEIYDN
Instructions:
- Place Mozzarella, Basil leaf and tomato on skewer
- If doing in advance hold in refrigerator up to a hour
- Drizzle with glaze and serve.
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You can also check out these favorites:
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe
Deviled Eggs Recipe
Fried Veggies with Parmesan Recipe
Keto Granola Snack
Italian Frico Chips Recipe
These low-carb holiday appetizers prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to keep things light. With options that range from rich and savory to crisp and refreshing, you can satisfy every guest while keeping carbs to a minimum. So, pick and choose to create a menu for your holiday party with these guilt-free bites.
Then focus on what really matters: the laughter, joy, and memories made around the table. Here’s to a holiday season filled with good company, great food, and healthy choices that last well into the New Year!
