Twelve home cooks cut carbs—not flavor—in these filling, feel-good recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert.
Presenting the Winners from Our Low-Carb & Lovin’ It Contest
Updated Jan. 13, 2023
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Grand Prize: Five-Spice Chicken Lettuce Wraps
With this lettuce wrap, I get all the satisfaction without all the carbs. The pickled carrots really make it feel special. Use them on other sandwiches and wraps for an extra pop of flavor, crunch and color. —Stacy Schneidmiller, Beaumont, AlbertaCheck out our contest page to learn more about our contests and submit your own recipes for consideration.
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1st Place: Tuna Cheese-Waffle Sandwiches
I love cheddar waffles (or chaffles) as well as tuna salad sandwiches. Combining the two makes for an incredible lunchtime stack. The dill pickles in both the waffles and salad add extra crunch and flavor. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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2nd Place: Zucchini Fries
These aren’t anything like potato fries—in the best way imaginable! They’re air-fried to crisp and oh, so flavorful perfection. Don’t have an air fryer? Try baking in a convectional oven using the convection setting for about the same amount of time. —Jen Pahl, West Allis, Wisconsin
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3rd Place: Zucchini-Wrapped Chicken Enchiladas
Thin planks of zucchini are the perfect low-carb substitute for tortillas when making enchiladas. —Donna Kelly, Lehi, Utah
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Most Innovative: Low-Carb Lasagna
I love this recipe because you don’t miss the pasta in the lasagna. It looks, smells and tastes like the real deal! You can add ricotta cheese or any other kind of cheese you like for variation. —Tammy Kirk, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Runner-Up: Three-Cheese Keto Cauliflower Casserole
My three-cheese cauliflower casserole sacrifices carbs but not taste. If you’re missing mac and cheese in your effort to eat healthier, this will hit the spot! —Adrianna Cauthen, Decatur, Georgia
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Runner-Up: Low-Carb Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars have four delectable layers: a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, chocolaty morsels and a crumbly topping. It’s sugar free—and guilt free. You’ll get nothing but compliments on this dessert. —Rachel Sanders, Salem, Ohio
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Runner-Up: Chorizo Burgers with Green Chile Aioli
Chorizo does all the work seasoning these burgers, and the aioli comes together in minutes. Wrap the juicy patties in lettuce for a keto version. Don’t worry—the carb lovers in your home can still enjoy them on buns. —Becky Woollands, North Ridgeville, Ohio
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Runner-Up: Green Shakshuka
Green veggies bring the nutrition, and eggs and feta pile on the protein. My secret is to stir up this breakfast recipe with lemon-infused olive oil. If you can find it, I highly recommend! —Carrie Dault, Baxter, Tennessee
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Runner-Up: Muffuletta Frittata
I’m a sucker for Italian sub sandwiches and olives. I wanted those flavors but in a low-carb dish, so I created this frittata. Use fresh spinach in place of the arugula if you don’t love arugula’s peppery flavor as I do. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
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Runner-Up: Ketolicious Cheesy Biscuits with Turkey Sausage
If you are craving serious comfort food, this hearty sandwich is for you. The keto-friendly breakfast of homemade biscuits and turkey sausage checks all the boxes. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Runner-Up: Low-Carb Shrimp Sushi Bowl
Sushi is a special treat for my family. This easy-prep recipe is on the table in less than 30 minutes. If you don’t like shrimp, sub in shredded cooked chicken or firm tofu. And don’t be shy with the spice! —Kristyne McDougle Walter, Lorain, OhioOriginally Published: January 13, 2023
