15 Low Carb Appetizer Ideas

Who doesn’t love a nice buffet spread full of dips, hors d'oeuvres, and other delicious snacks? Sometimes we fill up more before the meal, rather than at our feast itself. Unfortunately, many of the appetizers we eat are high in calories and carbohydrates and often may lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugars) and contribute to those unwanted pounds.

Low carb appetizers for those with type 2 diabetes

Below are some ideas for low-carb appetizer or snack options that you can enjoy without wreaking havoc on your blood sugars!

1. Deviled eggs

Try traditional deviled eggs or fill hard-boiled eggs with hummus.

2. Cheese and meat platter

You can try a variety of sliced cheeses and assorted meats.
Tip: skip the crackers to save on carbohydrates and try a roll-up instead! You can also try this Havarti cheese appetizer!

3. Cucumber and lox

Top sliced cucumber, with smoked salmon and 1 tbsp. of cream cheese. You can also sprinkle some dill for additional flavor.

4. Nuts

Try chestnuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, or pistachios to add some protein, fiber, and healthy fats into the mix!

5. Ants on a log

Minus the raisins! Try topping celery with a tbsp. of peanut butter, cashew butter, or almond butter.

6. Mediterranean platter

Make a platter with sliced vegetables, hummus, olives, and feta.

7. Shrimp cocktail

Not only are shrimp low carb, but they also are a good protein source. Be mindful of the serving size of cocktail sauce since they tend to average about 7g/carbohydrates per 1 ounce serving.

8. Stuffed mushrooms

Try filling with various vegetarian or protein options to keep the carbohydrate down. Try these stuffed mushrooms.

9. Mini egg muffins

Eggs may not be a traditional appetizer, but can certainly be a healthier swap for a crusted quiche! You can adjust according to your liking and can fill with bacon, sausage, cheese, and vegetables such as spinach, tomato, mushroom, broccoli, and peppers. Try this yummy egg muffin!

10. Veggies and dip

Prepare a platter with your favorite vegetables and pair it with a dip.
Tip: Try using plain Greek yogurt to replace sour cream in dips to decrease fat consumption.

11. Skewers

A quick and easy option and you can be made using different types of protein and vegetables such as; chicken, shrimp, beef, peppers, onions, or tomatoes.

12. Caprese

Top 1 ounce of fresh mozzarella with a slice of tomato or roasted red pepper and basal. You can also try drizzling balsamic or extra virgin olive oil for additional flavor.

13. Mini hot dogs

These often come wrapped in a croissant for the traditional pigs in a blanket. But you can do a mini hot dog, without that right? Try dipping in some ketchup or mustard.

14. Seeds

Try roasting your own pumpkin seeds!

15. Kale chips

Try making your own homemade vegetable chips by drizzling some olive oil and lemon onto the kale and baking it in the oven at 350 for 10-15 min.

Although these foods may not directly cause your blood sugar to spike up, they still contain calories, sodium and fat, so it is important to still be mindful with your portion sizes!