29 Creative Keto Lunch Recipes for Back to Work

​Image from My Keto Kitchen

Lunch is often one of the most difficult meals to plan – especially on a keto diet. Breakfast is easy and many of us just rely on keto coffee. Dinner tends to be more involved, but there are plenty of amazing recipes to choose from.

As for lunch, we often need something that is fast to prepare or that can be easily eaten at the office. That’s where these keto lunch recipes come in. They’re all perfect examples that make the work day a little more interesting. You can also use them as a starting point for recipes of your own.

Bread Alternatives

Sandwiches are one of the most common lunch choices, which doesn’t help on a keto diet. Thankfully, there are plenty of creative recipes to get around the carbs in bread. The recipes in this section approach the problem from various angles. Some are very close to regular bread, while others take a different approach entirely.

Everything Bagels

​Image from Keto Connect

​Bagels are often considered a breakfast food, but why not have them for lunch too? These Everything Bagels are a perfect way to do so. The recipe is particularly interesting because it doesn’t rely on the common fathead dough approach. Instead, the bagels don’t use flour. They don’t heavily rely on cheese either.

The combination of ingredients also helps make the bagels taste interesting. There are no bland bagels here. The recipe is surprisingly easy to make and is even high in protein. All-in-all, the bagels are just perfect for lunch.

Keto Chicken Sandwich Recipe

​Image from The Keto Summit

​This Keto Chicken Sandwich Recipe is another great lunch choice, especially as the recipe is paleo compliant as well. The recipe is for the entire sandwich, not just the bread, which is perfect if you’re running out of lunch ideas. I’m particularly fascinated by the bread, as it is a variation on the idea of a mug cake, that is then finished in the oven. The idea is perfect for making a small amount of bread at a time.

Keto Cheese & Bread Rolls

​Image from My Keto Kitchen

​Don’t these Keto Cheese & Bread Rolls just look so good? The rolls can be used exactly like any other bread roll, except that these ​are entirely keto friendly. They’re best when served warm, but this is easily done in a toaster oven or microwave. With a little experimentation, I’m sure you can find countless different ways to make these bread rolls a part of your lunch routine.

Quick Keto Jalapeno Cheese Bread Recipe

​Image from I Save A to Z

​This Quick Keto Jalapeno Cheese Bread Recipe is another fun keto bread option, even if you’re not a huge fan of jalapenos. One great thing about it is the simplicity. The recipe only uses four ingredients. You could eat it as-is or find some extra toppings. Either way, it’s a great addition to your lunch. You might even use two pieces as the bread for a sandwich.

Homemade Unwich

​Image from Ketogasm

​As the name suggests, this Homemade Unwich recipe was inspired by the Unwich that Jimmy John’s sells. The version from Jimmy John’s is a perfect fast food alternative, but it does quickly get expensive. This recipe offers a way for you to make the same meal for your lunch, without the price tag.

The recipe isn’t just about the ingredients either. Tasha focuses on how to create lettuce wraps that stay together. This is one of those goals that always sounds easy until you try it. Thankfully, Tasha’s directions are clear and you’ll be able to make your own Unwich without too many difficulties.

My Favorite Keto Breakfast Sandwich

​Image from Hey Keto Mama

​My Favorite Keto Breakfast Sandwich is the name of the recipe, although it might just end up being your favorite, who knows? Like the previous recipe, this one uses meat as an alternative to bread. The ingredients make this a particularly filling meal. As some of the commenters highlight, you should also be able to make and freeze these sandwiches, which would be incredibly convenient.

Finger Foods and Appetizers

Most of these recipes weren’t specifically designed for lunches. Instead, many of them are appetizers for parties or something similar. But, they all work great for lunch too. The style means that they’re easy to eat and many can be eaten cold. While most wouldn’t be enough for lunch on their own, you could easily combine them with other lunch options.

Bacon Wrapped Avocado

​Image from A Spicy Perspective

​Don’t let the simple nature of this Bacon Wrapped Avocado fool you. The recipe makes a great snack and the perfect addition to lunch – regardless of where you are. What’s not to love? The crispiness of the bacon and creaminess of the avocado combine so well with one another. The bacon provides some structure too, which stops the avocado from getting messy. You can warm these little beauties up or eat them cold straight from your lunch box.

Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

​Image from The Keto Queens

​These Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are another fun option if you want something to pick up and eat. The recipe is more complex than the previous example but not by much. As Faith highlights in the recipe, the poppers aren’t as spicy as you might expect. The roasting process helps to lower the spiciness, while the cheese acts as a nice contrast.

Easy Steak Roll Ups Recipe with Veggies

​Image from Cooking LSL

​The name Easy Steak Roll Ups Recipe with Veggies really says it all. It’s a simple recipe and can help you get extra veggies in your diet. The roll ups can be eaten warm or cold, depending on your preference. For that matter, Mira provides a range of directions in the recipe, allowing you to personalize your dish. This includes ways to make the vegetables softer and discussions about the steak and types of veggies that you can use.

Primal Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos Poppers

​Image from Our Paleo Life

​These Primal Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos Poppers are similar to an earlier recipe in this list, although there are some key differences. In both cases, the jalapenos aren’t as spicy as you would expect. I recommend trying the recipe at least once, even if you are hesitant. You never know, you might find a new favorite.

Pizza Meat Muffins

​Image from Raia’s Recipes

​With a name like Pizza Meat Muffins, you know that this recipe is going to be a good one.  As Raia points out, the muffins are extremely kid-friendly. They make easy lunch choices too, especially as you can simply grab one and go. A fun thing is that these aren’t just meat muffins (despite the name), they also contain plenty of spinach, so you’re getting extra nutrients.

Southwest Chicken Appetizer Bites

​Image from Joy Filled Eats

​These Southwest Chicken Appetizer Bites are perfect if you want something more unusual. I love the way they look. They’re surprisingly easy to make too. The bites are designed as appetizers, so you’ll probably want multiple if you’re including them in your lunch. Even so, they’re far too good to miss. Try them out. You won’t be disappointed.

Keto Egg Muffins

​Image from Diabetes Strong

​These Keto Egg Muffins would work well in many situations, including breakfast, lunches or snacks. The combination of ingredients makes them low in carbs and high in fat – perfect for keto. Eggs are an especially good choice, as they’re packed with nutrients. There are plenty of vegetables included too.

The muffins might look fairly small but don’t underestimate them. The combination of fat and protein means that they’re very filling. They’re also easy to grab and go. That’s one more reason for trying out the recipe.

Vivica’s Magic Meat Muffins

​Image from The Nourished Caveman

​Vivica’s Magic Meat Muffins is an interesting name for this recipe, especially as the muffins aren’t visually stunning. They might even look a little boring at first glance. However, the combination of ingredients produces something that tastes fantastic. The meat muffins are also a good way to fill you up fast and a perfect addition to your lunches.

Keto Salmon Sushi Rolls

​Image from Ketovale

These Keto Salmon Sushi Rolls involve a little more effort than some of the items on this list, but they’re worth it. As you can probably guess, cauliflower is used as the rice alternative for this keto sushi. That’s not the entire story. There are some extra aspects to ensure the texture is exactly right.

The fun part is your ability to vary. You can choose which fillings you want to use. You might stick to exactly what is presented in the recipe. Or, you could use the basic technique and choose your own fillings.

Spiced Nuts and Seeds

​Image from Low Carb Sisters

​I know that Spiced Nuts and Seeds are more of a snack than a lunch. Still, they’re a great way to round out your lunch. They’re perfect if you need a little more protein too. The recipe here is simple and you’ll love the flavors you end up with.

Cheddar Jalapeno Meatloaf Muffins

​Image from My Montana Kitchen

​Keto meals don’t always need to be meat-heavy, but some of the best ones are. These Cheddar Jalapeno Meatloaf Muffins are a perfect example of that point. They’re promoted as a dinner recipe, but you could easily have one or two for lunch instead. After all, they’re a perfect size and are nicely self-contained.

Keto Scotch Eggs

​Image from Two Sleevers

​Scotch eggs are an interesting concept. They’re not normally keto-friendly but these Keto Scotch Eggs are. The eggs are often served as part of a meal, with various other components on the side. But, they also make a great lunch food. After all, they already in a nice and neat parcel. The key components are meat and eggs, so you know you’re getting a filling meal.

Meals to Reheat

Leftovers are always a great choice for lunch. The food is already made and all you need to do is reheat it at the office. Of course, some recipes are better than others. I always look for meals that are hearty and will hold together well. You want to be sure that your lunch is going to taste great.

The recipes in this section are all examples of this style. You might make them for a meal and then save some for the next day. Alternatively, you could prepare them with lunch in mind – and make enough for multiple days.

Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage and Cheese

​Image from Wholesome Yum

​This Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Sausage and Cheese proves once and for all that the best recipes are keto. The breakfast casserole style is an especially good choice for a keto lunch, as you end up with a nutrient-dense and energy-packed meal that is easy to reheat. You can’t beat the flavors either.

In fact, those breakfast ingredients are a selling point all on their own. Keto dieters and intermittent fasters often miss breakfast entirely (or rely on keto coffee instead). This recipe means you still get all of those fantastic breakfast flavors, just later on in the day.

Keto & Gluten Free Zucchini Fritters

​Image from The Joyce of Cooking

​I love these Keto & Gluten Free Zucchini Fritters, partly because they’re so easy to eat. The recipe is also versatile. As Joyce explains, you’re not limited to zucchini when making the recipe. Any other type of squash will work just as well. The recipe also includes plenty of details, such as information about how to remove excess liquid from the zucchinis before making the fritters.

Keto Breakfast Quiche

​Image from A Zesty Bite of Life

​Quiches are one of my favorite options for a reheated meal, partly because they’re so versatile. This Keto Breakfast Quiche is one great example. The flavors would make it perfect for any time of the day. Like most quiches, the meal is also easy to serve and to eat. Besides, doesn’t it simply look fantastic?

Keto Chicken Enchilada Bowls

​Image from Love Bake Eat

​I love the way that bowl-based meals have become popular – including this Keto Chicken Enchilada Bowl recipe. The style means that you can easily swap ingredients in and out, based on your personal preferences (and what you have in the house). As the image shows, this version takes advantage of cauliflower rice, along with plenty of other yummy ingredients.

It isn’t the easiest meal to throw together for a workday lunch, but it is still entirely achievable. You could also put the ingredients in different containers – some to reheat and some to leave cold. While that approach takes a little extra work, the end result is well and truly worth it.

Pork Lover’s Keto Breakfast Casserole

​Image from Kalyn’s Kitchen

​This Pork Lover’s Keto Breakfast Casserole is another breakfast casserole idea that you can have for lunch. It’s a perfect choice, as the dish is filling and there is plenty to go around. The meal is easy to make too, so you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. Still, I recommend making it the night before.

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

​Image from My Food Story

​Cauliflower rice always sounds like it should be boring. Recipes like this Mexican Cauliflower Rice prove that the rice alternative can be exceptionally tasty. There are many things I love about this dish, but the most significant would have to be the colors. It’s so fantastic how the meal stands out. Honestly, you’ll give people food envy.

Spinach Mozzarella Egg Bake

​Image from Butter is Not a Carb

​This Spinach Mozzarella Egg Bake is too good to pass up. Everything about it is fantastic, including the choice of ingredients, how easy it is to make and the carb content. It also holds together well, so it would be a breeze to reheat at work. You could even eat it cold if you wanted to.

Killer Keto Frittata

​Image from Everyday Keto Gourmet

​This Killer Keto Frittata works well if you want something that’s easy to prepare. The recipe only takes half an hour to make from start to finish, so you could make the whole thing before work if you were particularly enthusiastic. Alternatively, make it the night before, so it’s all chilled and ready to go when you are.

I love frittatas as a choice for lunch, as they reheat well and they’re not too messy to eat. You can also substitute the ingredients. There are plenty of other low carb ingredients that you could include, so focus on your favorites.

Salads

Salads are another meal type to consider. But don’t worry, these aren’t your traditional salads that can sometimes be unsatisfying. Instead, they’re packed full of nutrients and are perfect for keto. These recipes are ideal to prepare and take to work. You don’t need to worry about putting the whole thing together there.

Chopped Radish-Cauliflower Winter Salad

​Image from Power Hungry

​This Chopped Radish-Cauliflower Winter Salad is one fun example of a salad for lunch. As the name suggests, it’s a good salad to make in the winter, when other fresh ingredients are less common. The salad also works well simply because it is different. Conventional salads are all well and good but they can get a little boring after a while. The salad can also be stored for up to four days in the fridge – sounds perfect for a workday lunch.

Keto Pesto Chicken Salad

​Image from It’s Autumn’s Life

​This Keto Pesto Chicken Salad is a more traditional salad choice and uses the mason jar approach. This is a really good way to pack salads for work, as you can have all of your components in one container, without the lettuce getting soggy. The recipe is also incredibly flexible. You can swap various ingredients for your own preferences, just make sure you keep track of the carb content.

Loaded Keto Salad

​Image from The Mexitalian

​It’s hard to go wrong with meals like this Loaded Keto Salad. The recipe follows the popular bowl style of meal, giving you the ability to tweak individual components. Although honestly, why would you want to? There are so many good things in here, including mushrooms, eggs, bacon and avocado. You will need to pack the dressing separately if you plan to eat at work, but everything else can be combined into the same container.

Looking for More?

This list only covers a fraction of all the different lunch ideas out there. Even so, there are more than enough styles to get you started. You’ll probably find your own variations as you go.

If you want more inspiration, check out our list of Sweet and Savory Keto Snacks. Even though the list focuses on snacks, many of the entries would be perfect as part of a lunch. Some are even satisfying enough to be lunch on their own if you increase the serving size slightly.

Please leave a note in the comments section if you think there are any more great recipes that haven’t made it onto the list.

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