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There are some days when we just feel so down that the only thing that can make us feel better is a slice of pizza, a juicy and meaty burger, or any other dish that brings us joy. Comfort food, no matter what yours may be, has a knack for turning bad days upside down.
However, when observing a dietary regime, your options for comfort food may be limited. The good news is that’s not true when it comes to the ketogenic diet. There are plenty of keto alternatives to your feel-good dishes. From crunchy pork rinds to all-meat pizza, here are the best keto comfort food recipes for days when things just aren’t going your way.
The number one rule in the ketogenic diet is reducing carb intake and increasing the consumption of protein and healthy fats. Specifically, keto has a daily macronutrient breakdown of 70-80% total fat, 10-20% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates.
To satisfy the required macros, keto dieters often turn to low-carb alternatives to their favorite meals, which substitute carbohydrates like bread, pasta, rice, and dough for keto-friendly ingredients like cauliflower, sweet potato, zucchini, and more.
When prepared correctly, these low-carb comfort food recipes taste just as good as their high-carb versions and can give you that warm and fuzzy feeling — exactly what you need to conquer a bad day.
Here are some popular types of keto comfort foods:
You’re probably already craving something to eat right about now. On that note, here are the best keto comfort food recipes you can make at home.
Looking for a quick fix? Grab a bag of pork rinds, a keto-friendly and healthier alternative to your regular potato chips. Pork rinds are low in carbs and contain good fats, making them the perfect on-the-go snack that will satisfy you with every crunch.
This dish uses chicken and broccoli as the base, covered with crispy and creamy cheese that will have you craving more. You won’t even taste the broccoli, making this a well-rounded recipe that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the cream cheese and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir until well combined. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a baking dish, combine the diced chicken and steamed broccoli. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious keto-friendly Chicken & Broccoli Casserole!
Potatoes are among the goodies that the keto diet limits. If that’s what you’re craving, you can substitute them with cauliflower instead. This mashed cauliflower recipe is a buttery spin on the classic mashed potatoes that will taste just as good — if not better.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender, for about 10-15 minutes. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add the steamed cauliflower to the saucepan and mash it with a potato masher or use a food processor for a smoother texture. Stir in the heavy cream and mash until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve your Keto Mashed Cauliflower as a delicious low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
Fuel the rest of your day with this hearty soup, made better with the savory flavor of smoked sausage. Packed with healthy ingredients, this dish can be a staple in your high-nutrient and low-carb keto diet.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
In a large pot, brown the sliced smoked sausage over medium heat until it's cooked and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the cauliflower florets and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, around 15 to 20 minutes. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Stir in the cooked smoked sausage slices and let them heat through. Garnish with chopped fresh chives, and serve your soup.
French fries are everyone’s comfort food. Substitute potatoes with rutabaga – it contains only 6 grams of net carbs per serving and tastes just like traditional potato fries. Elevate the flavor with a low-carb sauce like keto ketchup or barbeque dip.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel the rutabagas and cut them into thin, fry-like strips. Place the rutabaga fries on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Spread the rutabaga fries out in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve your Keto French Fries with keto-friendly ketchup or barbecue sauce, and enjoy this low-carb alternative to traditional french fries.
Enjoy tacos without the high-carb tortillas with this keto taco casserole recipe. Using cabbage as its primary ingredient and adding in all your favorite toppings, this hot dish is a super comfort food that will be your new favorite.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced onions, and diced bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender. In a large casserole dish, layer half of the shredded cabbage. Top the cabbage with the cooked beef mixture. Add a layer of diced tomatoes on top of the beef & add the remaining shredded cabbage as the final layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with sour cream and sliced jalapeños.
Craving authentic Indian food? Try this low-carb butter chicken recipe and indulge in its rich, creamy goodness. The garam masala gives this dish a subtle spice that will give you that kick you need to boost your mood.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. Stir in the tomato puree, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve your Keto Butter Chicken hot with cauliflower rice.
Looking for something spicy yet refreshing? This Thai chicken and vegetable soup will leave you feeling more than ready to conquer your day head-on. It’s a simplified version of traditional Thai soup, using red curry paste as the base for a healthier and low-carb dish.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and coconut milk. Heat over medium-high heat until it starts to simmer. Stir in the red curry paste and fish sauce (if using). Add the sliced chicken and simmer for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Add the sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your Thai Chicken and Vegetable Soup!
You don’t need pasta to savor the cheesy, creamy goodness of lasagna. Try this eggplant-based recipe — a healthier spin that retains all the flavors of traditional lasagna and is filled with layers upon layers of saucy beef and gooey cheese!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 15 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat and drain any excess fat. Add the diced onions and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. In a greased baking dish, start by layering a portion of the eggplant slices, followed by a layer of the beef-tomato sauce, then a layer of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of sauce on top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your Keto Eggplant Lasagna!
Make a warm and comforting meal with the help of your Instant Pot. This broccoli cheese soup recipe is the epitome of creaminess while being low-carb, nut-free, egg-free, and vegetarian- and keto-friendly.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper. Stir well. Close the Instant Pot lid, set to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, do a quick pressure release. Open the Instant Pot, and using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon bits and extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Try this keto-friendly take on chicken alfredo, complete with mushrooms and spinach, for a full flavor profile. Top all the ingredients with gooey and creamy cheese, creating a feel-good dish that will satisfy your palate.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Add the diced chicken and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is golden brown. Serve your Keto Chicken Alfredo Casserole hot.
Didn’t think you could enjoy the good ‘ol cheeseburger on a keto diet? Think again! This casserole version tastes just like the classic bacon cheeseburger without the carbs. Only containing less than 3.6 net carbs per serving, it’s the perfect addition to your keto diet.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the diced onions and cook until they are soft and translucent. In a bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, diced pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
A hearty dish is what you need to turn a bad day around, and this keto ground beef casserole will do just the trick. With savory ground beef and vegetables covered in creamy cheese, it’s a guilt-free recipe that’s easy to make and enjoy.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender. In a separate saucepan, melt the cream cheese and heavy cream over low heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a greased casserole dish, layer the cooked ground beef and sautéed vegetables. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes and serve your Keto Ground Beef Casserole hot.
Beef stew is a favorite during gloomy days. This keto-friendly beef stew recipe is as hearty as it can be and takes just 10 minutes to prep. With a couple of ingredients, you have yourself a rich beef-based dish that will make you feel warm and fuzzy from the inside out.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
In a large pot or your Instant Pot set to sauté mode, heat the olive oil. Brown the chunks of stewing beef on all sides. Remove them from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper. If using an Instant Pot, set it to manual high pressure and cook for 25 minutes. If using a stovetop pot, cover and simmer for about 1.5-2 hours or until the beef is tender. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
There’s nothing more savory than a freshly cooked bowl of chili cheese dog casserole. This keto-friendly recipe is made with no-bean chili, hot dogs, and cheddar cheese, all whipped together for a healthy take on good ‘ol chili.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and translucent. Stir in the no-bean chili and sliced hot dogs. Cook for a few minutes until everything is heated through. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle chili powder on top for extra flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with sliced jalapeños and chopped fresh cilantro if you like it spicy.
Italian flavors never fail to hit the spot. This eggplant parmesan recipe is a keto-friendly take on a classic Italian dish, with just the right amount of saltiness and tanginess to make your mouth water.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Dredge the eggplant slices in pork panko until they are well-coated. Place the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden and crispy. In a greased casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place a layer of the baked eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning over the eggplant. Repeat the layers until you've used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and serve your dish hot.
Indulge in a scrumptious meal filled with breaded chicken nuggets, gooey mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. This low-carb casserole is a delectable dish that is as healthy as it is tasty.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a shallow bowl, combine almond flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs and then into the almond flour mixture to coat. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a greased casserole and place the browned chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve it hot.
Italian lasagna is heaven-sent, but if you want something with a more tangy flavor, you can substitute the sauce with salsa. This Mexican-inspired lasagna can be customized according to your preferences — make it as spicy as you like by adding hot sauce!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a skillet and drain any excess fat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until they are soft. Stir in the salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. In a greased casserole dish, start by layering low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves. Add a layer of the beef and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Repeat the layers until you've used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Shepherd’s pie is a staple comfort food. Make it low-carb by substituting mashed potatoes with riced cauliflower, and you have yourself a keto-friendly dish that you can customize with your preferred protein.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they start to soften. Add the ground lamb or beef and minced garlic. Brown the meat and drain any excess fat. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the riced cauliflower and beef broth. Simmer for a few minutes until the cauliflower is tender, and the mixture thickens. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve your Keto Shepherd’s Pie hot.
Who doesn’t love pizza? Make the classic meat lovers pizza keto-friendly by turning it into a casserole. Topped with Italian sausage, ground beef, and pepperoni, it’s the perfect meal to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat and drain excess fat. Stir in the keto-friendly pizza sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. In a greased casserole dish, spread the meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Arrange the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.
There are plenty of ways you can enjoy your favorite comfort foods while minimizing your carb intake and staying true to your keto diet. It’s easy to find alternatives to high-carb ingredients — use one or all of our recipes above and whip up a delicious meal for both bad days and good.