Can I have nachos on keto? Here's how to make a low-carb version

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Traditional tortilla chips are not keto-friendly, with one serving containing up to 18-20 grams of net carbs. However, this doesn't mean nachos are off-limits; it is possible to have nachos on keto by swapping high-carb ingredients for low-carb alternatives.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals several low-carb base options, such as pork rinds, bell peppers, and cheese crisps, that allow for a satisfying nacho experience. It also provides a customizable keto nacho recipe, explores different protein and topping ideas, and compares carb counts to help you stay in ketosis.

Key Points

Ditch the Traditional Chips: Standard tortilla chips are high in carbs and not keto-friendly; use low-carb alternatives as the base.
Choose a Low-Carb Base: Excellent keto nacho base options include pork rinds for an airy crunch, sliced bell peppers for a fresh veggie base, or baked cheese crisps for a savory, crispy texture.
Pile on Keto-Friendly Toppings: Most traditional nacho toppings like ground meat, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños are already keto-approved.
Control Your Salsa: Many store-bought salsas contain added sugar, so opt for a low-carb, sugar-free version or make a homemade pico de gallo.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Avoid bagged, pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents and starches that increase carb counts. Shredding a block yourself ensures lower carbs.
Don't Overload the Base: When using delicate bases like pork rinds or cheese crisps, drain excess liquid from toppings like tomatoes or meat to prevent sogginess and preserve crunch.
Bake and Serve Fresh: For best results, assemble and bake your keto nachos just before serving to ensure a melty, bubbly finish and a crispy base.

Nachos are a common comfort food or snack. However, the high-carb tortilla chips seem to make them off-limits for those on a ketogenic diet. With creativity and the correct ingredients, it is possible to enjoy nachos while staying in ketosis. Focus on low-carb substitutes for the chip base to add keto-approved toppings.

The Ultimate Guide to Keto Nacho Bases

The tortilla chip is the main obstacle for traditional nachos on a keto diet. Corn and flour-based chips are high in carbohydrates. Here are some of the best replacements that provide the essential crunch without the carb overload.

1. Pork Rinds (Chicharrones)

Pros: This is a popular and easy nacho chip replacement. They are a zero-carb, high-fat option that provides an airy, crispy texture that can stand up to toppings. They come pre-seasoned in various flavors or plain, so you can control the flavor profile.
Cons: Can lose their crunch and become slightly soggy if overloaded or baked for too long.

2. Bell Pepper "Chips"

Pros: Sliced bell peppers offer a vibrant, colorful, and refreshing crunch. They are a vegetable-forward, nutrient-dense base that holds up well to toppings. Mini bell peppers or regular bell peppers sliced into triangles work perfectly.
Cons: The flavor profile is different from a traditional nacho chip. Best when baked slightly to soften but not go limp.

3. Baked Cheese Crisps

Pros: It is possible to make crispy, crunchy, salty, and savory chips using just shredded cheese, making them a delicious one-ingredient, zero-carb base. Alternatively, pre-packaged brands like Cello Whisps are available.
Cons: These can be delicate and require a gentler hand when scooping. Homemade versions can sometimes be fragile or inconsistent.

4. Low-Carb Tortilla Chips

Pros: Several brands, such as Quest and Hilo Life, now offer low-carb tortilla-style chips. You can also make your own by cutting low-carb tortillas into triangles, spraying with oil, and baking or air-frying them until crispy.
Cons: Store-bought versions can be pricey, and homemade ones require extra preparation time.

Perfecting Your Keto Nacho Toppings

The toppings are a key part of nachos. The good news is that most traditional nacho toppings are already keto-friendly. You can build on your low-carb base with a variety of flavorful additions.

Meaty Fillings

Ground Beef: Seasoned with keto-friendly spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for a classic taco-meat flavor.
Shredded Chicken or Pork: Great for using up leftovers. Try a slow-cooked shredded chicken or pulled pork seasoned with Mexican spices.
Chorizo: Adds a spicy, rich kick and extra fat to your nacho platter.

Cheesy Goodness

Shredded Cheese: Use high-quality, full-fat cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. Always shred your own from a block to avoid anti-caking starches found in pre-shredded varieties.
Keto Queso: A creamy, smooth cheese sauce can be made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. It provides a luscious, gooey texture that pre-shredded cheese can't match.

Fresh Toppings and Sauces

Fresh Vegetables: Diced tomatoes (in moderation), sliced jalapeños, onions, black olives, and cilantro add freshness and texture.
Avocado and Guacamole: High in healthy fats, these creamy additions are a keto essential for any Mexican-inspired dish.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A cooling dollop of full-fat sour cream or unsweetened Greek yogurt is a perfect finishing touch.
Salsa: Opt for a sugar-free, low-carb salsa or make your own pico de gallo to control the ingredients.

Comparison: Keto Nacho Bases vs. Traditional


Feature	Traditional Nacho Chips	Pork Rind Nachos	Bell Pepper Nachos	Low-Carb Tortilla Chips
Carb Count	High (~18-20g net carbs per serving)	Zero-carb	Very low carb (vegetable carbs)	Low carb (can vary, read label)
Texture	Crunchy, often dense	Light, airy, puffy crunch	Fresh, crisp snap	Crunchy, can be slightly softer than corn
Flavor	Corn or flour, sometimes seasoned	Savory pork flavor	Fresh, slightly sweet	Varies by brand/recipe, often neutral
Nutrients	Few significant nutrients	High in fat and protein	High in Vitamin C and other vitamins	Varies by ingredients (e.g., almond flour)
Preparation	None (buy a bag)	Minimal (buy a bag)	Washing and slicing vegetables	Baking low-carb wraps or store-bought

Conclusion: Satisfy Your Nacho Cravings Guilt-Free

Classic nachos are off-limits because of their high-carb base, embracing a keto lifestyle doesn't mean missing out on this beloved dish. The wide array of creative, low-carb nacho base alternatives—from savory pork rinds and crispy bell peppers to homemade cheese crisps—allows you to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without sacrificing your dietary goals. By building your nachos with these clever substitutes and loading them up with high-fat, keto-friendly toppings like seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, guacamole, and salsa, you can create a perfectly keto-compliant platter that’s even more delicious and wholesome than the original. So, next time a nacho craving strikes, get creative in the kitchen and dig in without the carb guilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most full-fat cheeses are keto-friendly, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blends, as they are low in carbs. However, for best results and to avoid added starches, shred your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded varieties.

Yes, pork rinds are a fantastic zero-carb, high-fat substitute for tortilla chips. They provide a light, crispy texture that can be topped with all your favorite nacho ingredients.

Sliced bell peppers are a great choice for a crunchy, veggie-based nacho. You can use any color and bake them slightly to soften them, or use mini bell peppers as individual nacho boats.

Some store-bought salsas contain added sugar and can be high in carbs. It's important to check the label for low-carb or sugar-free options. Making your own salsa is the best way to ensure it's keto-compliant.

Yes, you can make a keto-friendly cheese sauce using heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, gooey topping. This is an excellent alternative to just melted shredded cheese.

To prevent sogginess, drain excess liquid from toppings like seasoned meat or salsa before adding them. When using a base like pork rinds, assemble and serve immediately after melting the cheese for maximum crispness.

If you are dairy-free, bell peppers are an excellent base. You can also create a dairy-free 'cheese' sauce using ingredients like nutritional yeast and coconut cream or cashew cream.