The holiday season is filled with delicious meals and desserts, making it difficult to avoid carbs. Fortunately, these 12 keto thanksgiving recipes are just as nutritious as others and will help you maintain a healthy weight. Contrary to popular belief, low-carb meals do not lack flavor or appeal.
As a matter of fact, the keto thanksgiving meals in this list are savory, spicy, creamy, and everything you look forward to. You don’t have to miss out on your favorite thanksgiving dishes; whether you prefer cheesy Mac and cheese or savory stuffing, you’ll find it here.
Below are some of my best keto-friendly thanksgiving recipes- main, sides, and desserts;
1. Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
We can all agree that a juicy turkey is the center of attention at Thanksgiving. This classic recipe features a beautiful turkey roasted in a pan with herbs and butter. Even though it’s a simple method, it packs the right amount of flavor.
Melt some butter and add a host of herbs; you need thyme, parsley, sage, and lemon zest for this recipe. Soak a cheesecloth in the mixture and wrap your turkey before putting it in a pan and placing it in the oven. Basting the turkey happens while roasting, giving it more flavor.
The cloth prevents the skin from getting burnt while providing more heat. In the end, you’ll get a pan of juicy, tender, and delicious turkey.
2. Keto Thanksgiving Stuffing
This keto stuffing is one of the best thanksgiving side dishes ever. Made with delicious keto-friendly ingredients, it’s deliciously spicy and features bits of keto bread.
For this effortless recipe, you need keto onion bread (or any you prefer), onions, celery, herbs, and broth. Toast the bread and saute the onions to release its savory flavor; add butter, herbs, and broth. Allow the bread to cook in the broth before placing it in the oven.
Serve once it’s ready, and enjoy! This delicious Thanksgiving dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and it’s worth it!
3. Keto Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
I don’t know about you, but my Thanksgiving meal isn’t complete without a plate of creamy mashed potatoes. And this cauliflower mash provides the appropriate texture and taste for this dish.
You can whip up this delicious bowl of goodness with simple ingredients in less than 15 minutes. You need cauliflower chopped into florets, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, softened butter, garlic, and others for this keto dish. The cheese keeps the mash soft and creamy while pepper, salt, and garlic delivers the perfect flavor.
Trust me, you won’t believe this isn’t mashed potatoes; it’s that good! You can make this scrumptious meal a day before your dinner.
4. Keto Green Bean Casserole
Serve this classic thanksgiving casserole to your guests and watch how their faces light up from joy. This dish is one of my favorite keto thanksgiving side dishes because it’s super easy to make, flavorful, and nutritious.
To get the tastiest green bean casserole, reach for fresh ingredients- fresh green beans and mushrooms is better than pre-made veggies. First, you must saute your onions and mushrooms to soften them and release their flavors. Then, use chicken/vegetable stock for more flavor before adding your boiled green beans, salt, pepper, cream cheese, and grated cheddar.
Pop the mixture in the oven and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can serve it with crispy fried onion slices coated in coconut or almond flour.
5. Keto Mac and Cheese
A list of Thanksgiving healthy recipes isn’t complete without Mac and cheese. My kids love this keto Mac and cheese and if they are picky, so rest assured you will be too.
This low-carb Mac and cheese are just as delicious as the standard option. Made with seven different kinds of cheese, a spicy cheese sauce, and keto-friendly elbow noodles! For the cheeses, use a blend of mild and sharp flavors for an excellent balance. Also, you’ll need to get the Cajun seasoning blend for the perfect taste.
No one on your table can resist this indulgent Mac and cheese. It’s a side dish that will be the rave at your Thanksgiving party.
6. Keto Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is one of my favorite thanksgiving desserts, and this keto variation is out of this world! Moist, fluffy, and delicious, it’s simple to make and, most importantly, healthy!
This extra-rich pie is gluten-free and follows the standard recipe, except for a few changes. It has a tasty almond flour crust, and erythritol and monk fruit are great alternatives to brown sugar. Of course, you can remember the spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Heavy cream gives it a silky texture that melts in your mouth instantly.
Don’t be surprised by how quickly your keto pumpkin pie finishes; it’s impressively delicious!
7. Garlic Butter Keto Bread
Forget banana bread or cinnamon rolls this Thanksgiving; keto bread is here! Soft, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful, you won’t miss the others.
Crisp on the outside and moist on the inside, this garlic butter keto bread is nothing short of delicious. Aside from how appealing it is, it’s so easy to make. The dough is made with mozzarella, cream cheese, and bacon bits, which keeps it fluffy. As for the outside, you have a vibrant herb crust lightly brushed with a garlic butter sauce.
The outside turns golden brown while in the oven for a crispy finish. This is a versatile side for soaking up sauces or eating alone.
8. Keto Apple Pie
Nothing is as comforting as a slice of apple pie, and this keto-friendly method is worth it. Gluten and sugar-free, this low-carb apple pie tastes precisely the same as the regular ones. Hence, it’s a delicious dessert your non-vegan friends will enjoy.
You need tasty yellow squash or zucchini for this tasty dessert because they have fewer carbs. But, not to worry, they have the same texture as apples. Your diced squash will be flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla extract, monk fruit, maple extract, lemon juice, and others. As a result, you get a balanced sweetness, tang, and warmth flavor.
Serve with a scoop of keto ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!
9. Low-carb Pecan Pie
Will all the lovers of pecan pie gather around! Here’s a keto pecan pie with the best texture and taste (trust me, I’ve tried several, and none comes close to this!). Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare.
Featuring a flaky, grain-free crust with the gooiest pecan filling, you’re in for a treat. Switch brown sugar for monk fruit or erythritol, and you’re on the right track. Unsalted butter gives the mixture a soft, buttery irresistible texture and taste. In the end, you’ll get a moist and soft scrumptious pie.
Depending on your preference, you can serve a slice of your pie with a drizzle of keto caramel sauce or a dollop of keto whipped cream and ice cream.
10. Keto Zucchini Fries
Ditch the french fries for healthier Zucchini fries; they are the definition of crispy goodness. They are an excellent Thanksgiving side dish that is easy to make and perfect for different types of sauces.
Made with breaded zucchini slices, they are quick and easy to prepare. All you need to do is place the zucchini slices in a seasoned egg wash, then a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, before popping them in an air fryer. Alternatively, you can bake your zucchini fries, and you’ll still have a satisfying crisp.
A helpful tip is to set your air fryer temperature high to prevent soggy fries. Also, almond flour works in place of breadcrumbs. Serve with a dip of your choice.
11. Keto Roasted Butternut Squash
Here’s another gluten-free option that should be part of your keto thanksgiving dinner. Butternut squash has a naturally sweet taste, making it excellent with creamy, cheesy stuffing.
The butternut squash is first roasted to release its delicious flavors while you prepare the creamy stuffing. You need spinach, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and bacon bits for the stuffing. Once the squash is done roasting, add the stuffing, and pop it in the oven for a while.
You’ll love the final texture and savory taste of this dish.
12. Keto Vanilla Cupcakes
Vanilla cupcakes are always an excellent addition to every meal. Plus, everyone likes vanilla, so it’s a safe keto thanksgiving dessert. These cupcakes are creamy and delicious; trust me, you won’t be able to tell the difference.
Topped with a velvety buttercream frosting, the cupcakes have an irresistible light, soft, and spongy texture. Made with coconut flour, these cupcakes are easy and delicious. Keep an eye on these cupcakes because coconut flour browns faster than others.
12 keto thanksgiving recipes
Enjoy one of these 12 keto Thanksgiving recipes without worrying about weight gain during the holidays!
Ingredients
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Keto Thanksgiving Stuffing
Keto Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Keto Green Bean Casserole
Keto Mac and Cheese
Keto Pumpkin Pie
Garlic Butter Keto Bread
Keto Apple Pie
Low-carb Pecan Pie
Keto Zucchini Fries
Keto Roasted Butternut Squash
Keto Vanilla Cupcakes
Directions
- Choose your preferred recipe
- Organize all the necessary ingredients
- Prepare a keto thanksgiving recipe in less than 40 minutes!