Keto Christmas Dinner Recipes for a Carb-Conscious Celebration

Initially, a low-carb Christmas dinner might sound like a bummer. But if you're following the ketogenic (or keto) diet, you don't have to feel deprived. After all, the keto diet is all about high-fat and low-carb foods, which actually include a wide array of tasty and satisfying options.

4 Keto Christmas Recipes for the Whole Family

When preparing keto holiday meals, a good rule of thumb is to keep things simple and basic with whole, unprocessed foods. This way, you'll be sticking to your goals while avoiding added sugars and hidden carbs that can sneak into complex recipes.

This means that keto holiday recipes aren't just easy – they're time-saving as well. Instead of slaving away in the kitchen for hours, you'll find yourself spending less time cooking and more time enjoying the holiday festivities. So not only do you cater to your health by keeping carbs in check, but you also make room for more joy, connection, and celebration during the holiday season. What's more, these low-carb Christmas recipes are so tasty that even non-keto family members will find themselves indulging.

1. Smoked Turkey-Wrapped Brussels Sprout Skewers

Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, these keto skewers are sure to be a hit at your keto Christmas dinner. The smoky flavors of the meat make these skewers irresistible, and they're easy to make, too!

• 8 slices Buddig Smoked Turkey Breast and White Turkey
• 2 lbs. Brussels sprouts (about 48)
• Black pepper

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Take a medium wooden skewer and thread four Brussels sprouts onto it. Season the sprouts with freshly ground black pepper.
• Cut each slice of smoked turkey into three long, even strips so you end up with 24 strips.
• Wrap two strips of turkey around each skewer.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and transfer the wrapped Brussels sprouts onto it.
• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the ham is slightly charred.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

2. Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

• 4 slices Buddig Premium Deli Smoked Ham
• 2 heads cauliflower
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp salt more to taste if needed
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wash the cauliflower heads, remove any leaves, then cut them in half from top to stem.
• Chop the cauliflower into ⅓-¼ inch pieces and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Prepare a batch of cheese sauce using the recipe below.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower slices into the baking dish.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender and the cheese sauce has slightly browned on top.
• While the casserole bakes, cook the ham in a separate pan until crispy. Once cooked, crumble or chop it into small pieces.
• Once the cauliflower is done, remove the casserole from the oven.
• Sprinkle the crispy ham over the top.
• Serve as a delicious side dish or as a main course.

• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the flour to the melted butter and cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Pour the milk, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt into the saucepan with the butter and flour mixture.
• Cook the cream sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes creamy, which should take around 5 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

3. Stuffed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Black Forest Ham

Though this dish might look impressive, it actually only needs around 15 minutes of prep time.  Plus, it's bursting with flavors thanks to the combination of goat cheese, spinach, and black forest ham. An elegant addition to any keto Christmas dinner table, this stuffed chicken breast recipe will be an instant hit.

• 6 slices Buddig Premium Deli Black Forest Ham
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup spinach
• ¼ cup goat cheese
• ¼ cup onion or shallot, minced
• ¼ cup roasted red pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• salt and pepper

• Preheat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, shallot, and garlic. Cook for two minutes, then add red pepper and spinach. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the spinach wilts. Allow the filling to cool to room temperature, then mix in the goat cheese.
• Prepare the chicken by cutting off the tender flap from the bottom of each breast. Lay the chicken flat on a cutting board and make an incision in each breast, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Repeat for the second breast.
• Spoon the filling into the chicken breasts, being careful not to overstuff them.
• Lay a 12-inch length of plastic wrap flat on a cutting board and place three slices of ham, overlapping each other, on the plastic. Put one chicken breast, open side down, on the ham and use the plastic wrap to wrap the ham around the chicken. Roll until the chicken breast is fully wrapped. Then repeat the process for the other breast.
• Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add canola oil to the pan. Place the chicken in the pan with the seam of the ham facing down. Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Drain off any excess oil.
• Transfer the chicken to a preheated oven set to 375°F and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

4. Honey Ham Chocolate Truffles

• 2 slices Buddig Original Honey Ham, toasted until crispy and finely chopped
• 1 cup low carb semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 4 tbsp low carb powdered sweetener
• ¾ cup cream
• 3 tbsp butter

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, cream, and low-carb chocolate chips. Stir to coat everything before placing it in the microwave.
• Microwave the mixture for 1 minute, then let the bowl sit in the microwave for 2 minutes without opening the door.
• Using a whisk, stir together the melted chocolate chips, warm cream, and melted butter until smooth. If needed, return the bowl to the microwave in short intervals (10-15 seconds) to fully melt the chocolate, depending on your microwave's power.
• Add the powdered low-carb sweetener and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. Stir until fully combined.
• Place the bowl in the fridge for 1-3 hours to allow the truffle mixture to solidify.
• Once the chocolate truffle mixture is firm, remove it from the fridge. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and prepare a small bowl with the ham bits.
• Using a small scooper or spoon, portion out small balls of the truffle mixture onto the lined parchment paper. You should have about 22 truffles.
• Lightly dampen your hands with water and roll each scoop of chocolate in the palms of your hands to form round balls. Then, roll the truffles in the chopped ham until coated.
• Place the coated truffles back on the parchment paper and return them to the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.
• Once the truffles are solid, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Stick to Your Health Goals (Even During the Holidays) with Buddig

Ready to get started on your delicious, healthy holiday journey? Find your nearest Buddig retailer and stock up on all your favorite options today!