With the holidays upon us and parties in full swing, it’s time to consider low-carb appetizer recipes for celebrations. Celebrate and stay on your low-carb, keto, Atkins, gluten-free, or Banting diet with these delicious recipes.

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So many people feel the need to cheat on their diet this time of year. With parties and gatherings and sugary foods and carb-laden treats everywhere, sometimes it’s hard to resist. 

But let’s face it, sometimes the pressure to cheat isn’t even about the food. It’s the social pressure to “fit in” with the crowd. It can be about not hurting someone’s feelings because you don’t eat the food they brought. It can even be about party jitters driving you to try to soothe your nerves with eating.

I have issues with all of these things, but over the years, I’ve developed ways to try to deal with these pressures. I’m not saying I never cheat. I’m human. I’ve just learned that going off my keto diet isn’t worth the week or so of inflammation that follows. 

To help keep myself on track, I usually take two or three appetizers (or dishes to pass, depending on the type of party). This way, I know for sure that I have food that I can eat safely. At the party, I put my “safe food” on my plate, but I might also eat anything else that I feel fairly certain is low-carb. Good options might be slices of cheese, olives, salad, meat (watch any sauces, though) or simple veggies. This way, I feel like I have a plate full of goodies, just like everyone else at the party. 

If I’m nervous, and I usually am due to my complete introvert personality, I can nibble away the tension with foods that aren’t a problem for me.

I also don’t mention to people that I eat low-carb. I find that when I don’t tell people I eat low-carb, people don’t pay attention to what’s on my plate. If people know, then they start checking out what I’m eating and commenting.

The most difficult issue I find, is the person who is personally offended if you don’t eat the food he or she brought. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings! I still haven’t found a great way to handle this. Sometimes I just tell them that their food looks delicious, but I’m absolutely stuffed. If I encounter them at the beginning of the party and I have a plate full of food, I just tell them I’ll check it out later. 

While I’m one to always be focused on food (I do have a food blog, after all). I remind myself that the real point of a party is socializing. I embrace the moment and engage in conversation and fun.

Of course, for these strategies to work, great low-carb recipes are a must! I have scoured the web to put together this recipe round-up. I hope these low-carb appetizer recipes from my blog as well as many other blogs help make your holiday season deliciously low-carb.

To access any of the low-carb appetizer recipes, simply click on the title above the photo.  Enjoy!

-Annissa

PS: If you have ideas and strategies about how to avoid cheating during the holidays, be sure to share them in the comments below.

The Best Low-Carb Tortilla Chips from Simply So Healthy

Scoop up your favorite dip with our low-carb tortilla chips! They’re simple to make and taste great.

Baked Sea Scallops from Low Carb Yum

Delicious baked sea scallops topped with a crisp low carb and gluten free topping.

Keto Cheese Meatballs from Fat for Weight Loss

Keto Cheese Meatballs are a little bit cheesy and a little bit ballsy. These little tasty treats are super delicious, and even easier to make.

Low-Carb Candied Pecans from Simply So Healthy

These low-Carb Candied Pecans add warm winter spices and a touch of sweetness to an appetizer platter. These are one of my favorite low-carb appetizer recipes.

Feta Spinach Artichoke Dip from Low Carb Maven

The BEST cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip! This low carb dip comes together in minutes in a pan. It’s perfect for your low carb, ketogenic gatherings and is gluten-free.

Easy Cheeseball with Cream Cheese Bacon and Green Onion from Wholesome Yum

A cream cheese ball makes an easy and delicious party appetizer. Perfect with low carb crackers!

Mini Chicken Pizza Bites from Divalicious Recipes

 These mini chicken pizza bites are baked in a muffin tin and are easy to make. Even easier to make too!

Low-Carb Bacon Bombs from Step Away from the Carbs

These bacon bombs are stuffed with cauliflower mash! Low carb, gluten free, and keto recipe.

Deviled Eggs from Beyond the Chicken Coop

Deviled eggs are always a classic at anytime of year.

Low-Carb Chèvre Mini-Flatbreads from Simply So Healthy

These Low-Carb Chèvre Mini-Flatbreads add some tang to an evening of socializing.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers from Savory Tooth

Delicious bacon wrapped jalapeño peppers stuffed with cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Similar to jalapeño poppers except that these are low-carb and baked in the oven.

Low-Carb Taco Bites from Homemade Interest

These Low Carb Taco Cups are an easy low carb recipe that make a great low carb appetizer for Christmas or New Year’s!

Baked Turmeric Chicken Wings from Fearless Dining

Add some spice to the party with these baked turmeric chicken wings.

Low-Carb Mini Bacon Chive Cheeseballs from Simply So Healthy

No crackers needed for these Mini Cheeseballs! They make a simple, but delicious appetizer.

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