12 Delicious Keto-Friendly Barbecue Side Dishes for Your Next Cookout

12 Delicious Keto-Friendly Barbecue Side Dishes for Your Next Cookout

When warmer weather hits, backyard barbecues are a cherished tradition. But sticking to your keto diet at a cookout can be tricky with all those classic carb-heavy sides. Fortunately, you can enjoy delicious barbecue cuisine and stay in ketosis with the right recipes.

By swapping out starchy ingredients for low-carb vegetables, healthy fats, and smart cooking methods, you can create keto-approved side dishes the whole family will love. Read on for 12 of our favorite ketogenic barbecue side dish ideas to brighten up your next gathering.

1. Loaded Cauliflower Salad

This loaded cauliflower salad checks all the boxes. Fresh cauliflower florets roasted until lightly charred are combined with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, green onions, and a tangy mayo-based dressing. It's crunchy, savory, and perfect for piling onto your plate.

2. Caprese Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats provide the perfect low-carb vessel for all your favorite caprese ingredients. Scoop out and stuff zucchini halves with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. So simple yet elegant.

3. Jalapeo Popper Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs get a fun, spicy twist with creamy filling flavored like popular jalapeo poppers. Just add some diced jalapeos, cheddar, bacon, and seasonings into the egg yolk mixture. Garnish with crispy bacon bits for extra richness.

4. Bacon & Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Give your coleslaw a delicious keto makeover by ditching the sugar-laden dressing. Instead, toss crisp cabbage and carrots in a tangy blue cheese dressing mixed with crumbled bacon. You'll never miss the classic version again.

5. Roasted Radishes with Herbs

Roasting radishes coaxes out their natural sweetness for a simple, savory side. Toss halved radishes and shallots with olive oil and roast until caramelized. Sprinkle with your choice of herbs like rosemary or dill for extra flavor.

6. Cheesy Cauliflower Tots

Enjoy all the crispy, creamy goodness of tater tots without the carbs. These cauliflower tots are made with riced cauliflower, egg, cheese, and seasonings. Just shape into bites and bake or fry until golden brown outside and tender inside.

7. Zoodles Caprese Salad

Fresh zucchini noodles stand in for pasta in this classic salad. Toss zoodles with chunks of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes add extra flavor.

8. Broccoli Bacon Salad

Crisp raw broccoli florets, savory bacon pieces, shredded cheddar, red onion, and sunflower seeds are coated in a creamy, tangy mayo dressing. With its festive green and red color combo, it's ideal for summer gatherings.

9. Loaded Baked Avocado Boats

Stuffed avocados make the perfect fun and portable side for your plate. Halved avocados are loaded up with taco-seasoned ground beef, cheese, salsa, and anything else that fits. Grill briefly just until the cheese melts.

10. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Game day favorite buffalo chicken dip can easily be made keto by swapping chips for crudit. Mix shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch, and cheese. Serve with raw vegetables like celery, carrots, jicama, or cucumber.

11. Fried Green Tomatoes

Breaded and pan-fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern delicacy. Keep them low-carb by coating sliced tomatoes in an egg wash and Parmesan or almond flour breading. Fry in olive oil until crispy and top with ranch dressing.

12. Bacon & Bleu Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

These stuffed mushrooms are loaded with so much savory, creamy flavor. Mix crumbled bacon, blue cheese, garlic, and cream cheese. Stuff into large mushroom caps and bake until hot and bubbly. They make great appetizers too.

Tips for Keto-Friendly Barbecues

In addition to side dishes, there are other ways to keep your barbecue keto-approved so you can enjoy without worry:

Choose Lean Protein Cuts

Opt for leaner cuts of meat like chicken breasts, pork loin, or sirloin steak. Avoid breaded or sugary marinades. Dry rubs, herbs, spices, and oil or mustard-based marinades make great low-carb alternatives.

Load up on Low-Carb Vegetables

Veggies naturally rock on keto! Grill up favorites like zucchini, peppers, onions, mushrooms, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus. Toss in olive oil and seasonings or use veggie kabobs for easy grilling.

Offer Keto-Friendly Condiments

Condiments like ketchup, BBQ sauce, and marinades often contain added sugars. Make your own or find low-carb brands made with artificial sweeteners instead. Supply tasty keto condiments so guests have options too.

Skip the Buns and Starch Sides

Buns, potato salad, macaroni, baked beans...the carbs can add up fast! Try lettuce wraps, zucchini boats, or mushrooms caps for bunless burgers and dogs. Focus on low-carb veggie sides, salads, dips, and desserts.

Supply Keto-Approved Drinks

Water, unsweetened iced tea, seltzer, wine, light beer, and low-carb cocktails are all good drink choices. Skip soda, juice, sweet tea, and the frozen margarita machine to steer clear of added sugars.

Offer Keto-Friendly Desserts

You don't have to miss out on summer desserts either. DIY popsicles, puddings, mousses, chia puddings, cloud breads, and more can satisfy your sweet tooth. Berries with whipped cream make a simple crowd-pleaser too.

Essential Tools for Low-Carb Grilling

Having the right tools on hand makes keto grilling a breeze. Here are some must-haves:

• High-Quality Grill - Invest in a good gas or charcoal grill that allows temperature control.
• Grill Basket - Allowing grilling delicate foods like vegetables easily.
• Meat Thermometer - Ensures meats are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Silicone Mat - Creates a non-stick prep surface and heat-safe barrier.
• Stainless Steel Skewers - Non-stick skewers make veggies kabobs a cinch.
• Tongs & Spatulas - Essential for easily handling and flipping foods.
• Cutting Boards - Separate boards for raw meats and produce help avoid cross-contamination.

Having the proper tools takes the hassle out of keto barbecue cooking. Invest in quality grill accessories so you can focus on fun and flavors.

Get Excited for Keto Cookout Season!

Barbecues and ketogenic eating can happily coexist with a little planning and creativity. Fulfill your cookout cravings with all the savory, fresh flavors of summer without knocking your body out of ketosis. Just stick to low-carb meats, veggies, dips, salads, and desserts.

With this guide and recipes, you can look forward to backyard gatherings with no fear. Fire up that grill and whip up some delicious high-fat, low-carb sides to enjoy. Your friends and family may not even realize their new favorite dishes are keto!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.