Perfecting the Keto Burger Bar Experience
Burgers are a backyard barbecue staple that nearly everyone enjoys. However, when you're following the ketogenic diet, the traditional burger and bun combo is off limits due to the carb count. Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious keto side dishes for burgers that allow you to recreate the fun burger bar experience without kicking yourself out of ketosis.
Keto-Friendly Burger Building Blocks
The foundation of a great keto burger bar begins with the star of the show the burger itself. Look for a quality grass-fed beef option to maximize nutrition. If you prefer a plant-based burger, there are several keto-friendly veggie burger options available. Just be sure to vet the ingredients and nutrition label first.
As for buns, the possibilities are endless thanks to low-carb alternatives like portobello mushroom caps, grilled zucchini or eggplant slices, lettuce wrap buns, or cheese crisps made from Parmesan or cheddar cheese. Feel free to mix and match to suit different tastes and textures.
Build a Keto Burger Bar
Once youve selected some keto bunless burger components, its time to dream up the ultimate DIY burger bar spread. The following keto side dishes for burgers check all the boxes:
Crispy, Crunchy Keto Toppings
- Bacon crumbles
- Fried mushrooms
- Sauted onions
- Avocado slices
- Dill pickle chips
- Jalapeos
Savory Keto Sauces and Spreads
- Mayo
- Mustard
- Keto ketchup
- Horseradish sauce
- Guacamole
- Pesto
Ooey, Gooey Keto Cheeses
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Mozzarella
- Swiss
- Pepper jack
- Blue cheese crumbles
With an array of bun alternatives, proteins, crisp vegetables, sauces and cheeses, you can create a truly sensational keto burger bar experience. But the fun doesn't stop there...
10 Tasty Keto Side Dishes for Burgers
Every good burger bar needs some complementary keto friendly sides. These dishes perfectly pair with burgers to create a mouthwatering ketogenic meal.
1. Caprese Salad Skewers
These colorful skewers pack fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil into the perfect handheld keto burger side. A quick drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction ties the whole thing together.
2. Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
All of your favorite loaded baked potato flavors get a low carb makeover in this irresistible casserole side. Crispy cauliflower florets, cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream and green onions will have you forgetting all about Russet potatoes.
3. Charred Broccoli with Lemon
Fresh broccoli charred on the grill gives this vitamin-packed veg an amazing smoky flavor. A squeeze of lemon brightens up the slightly bitter notes perfectly.
4. Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles offer the perfect base for an easy yet impressive summer pasta salad. Toss them with homemade or store-bought pesto, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella pearls and red onion for a winning keto side for burgers.
5. BLT Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon and avocado slices capture all the best flavors of a classic BLT sandwich in salad form. Adding some shredded cheddar kicks this keto burger side dish up another notch.
6. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Cool and creamy buffalo chicken dip is the perfect way to utilize leftover grilled chicken. Pair it with celery and carrots, and nobody at your barbecue will miss starchy chips or crackers.
7. Jalapeo Poppers
These cheesy, spicy stuffed jalapeos are always a crowd favorite. Wrap the peppers in bacon for next-level deliciousness and the perfect keto appetizer to eat with burgers.
8. Greek Salad
Cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, olives and feta cheese give this fresh and lively Greek salad a fabulous mediterranean flavor profile that pairs flawlessly with juicy burgers.
9. Cheesy Cauliflower Tots
Golden and crispy breadcrumb-coated cauliflower tots satisfy any lingering cravings for starchy potato sides. The addition of cheese amps up the flavor even more.
10. Keto Coleslaw
Creamy, Tangy coleslaw brightened up with apple cider vinegar is the quintessential cookout side dish. Using low carb mayo and leaving out carb-heavy ingredients keeps this picnic favorite keto-friendly.
With this list of sensational savory sides, you can host the ultimate keto burger cookout without missing a beat! Simply pair these delicious options with bunless burgers and all of your favorite fixings for a memorable barbecue feast.
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.
Related Coverage
Unusual urine colors like orange, blue, green, dark yellow, or cloudy white may indicate underlying health issues. Learn when urine color changes warrant seeing a doctor....
Learn about cottage cheese nutrition facts including macros, calories, and weight loss benefits. Get ideas for incorporating it into meals and snacks....
Ear issues like Eustachian tube dysfunction don't directly rupture nasal blood vessels but can contribute by propagating congestion and drying nasal passages....
Take advantage of water resistance and reduce joint strain with these highly effective biceps, triceps and shoulder pool workouts perfect for sculpting strong, sexy arms....
Red potatoes are high carb and not keto friendly. But small portions may work for some. Get the facts on carbs, benefits, and the best potato alternatives....
Enjoy tequila on a low-carb or keto diet. Learn how to make delicious skinny cocktails using zero carb mixers like soda water, diet soda, and dry wine....
Rosacea and lupus share facial redness but have key distinctions in rashes, triggers, demographics, causes, and treatments. Proper diagnosis is important....
If you've succeeded in reaching your goal weight on keto, have digestive issues, feel tired or foggy, it may be time to transition off keto. Tips for reintroducing carbs....
Learn how to effectively complete the 3-step Bright On Pro whitening system. Follow proper usage instructions for maximum stain removal and a brighter smile....
Choose the most keto-friendly high fat, low carb cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, blue and mozzarella when limiting carbs, and avoid cottage cheese, ricotta and shredded mixes....