Turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes and stuffing, pumpkin pie and other delectable, carb-filled treats have many counting down to Thanksgiving Day. If you’re new to the ketogenic (keto) lifestyle though, the thought may give you the carb sweats.
But here’s some good news for all you keto dieters out there: You can have your Thanksgiving meal and eat it too! There are so many smart keto Thanksgiving recipes you can make—you just have to know where to look. Even if you’re headed to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving dinner, you can bring some carb-free, keto-friendly side dishes that’ll surely be a hit with (and may pleasantly surprise) your family and friends.
Keto-friendly Thanksgiving dinner
The gist of maintaining your keto diet and lifestyle is getting more of your calories from fat than from carbs. Carbs and keto don’t go well together, so you’ll have to say bye-bye to some classic carb recipes to successfully stay keto. But you can still have plenty of low-carb, cheesy, creamy and sweet treats.
Here, we’re sharing our favorite Thanksgiving holiday recipes that are delicious and low carb to get your creative juices flowing.
It’s all about those apps
Here are some keto-friendly appetizers that are sure to be crowd pleasers.
- Meat and cheese platter: Who doesn’t love a charcuterie board? Grab a board, mix in some cheese, nuts, salami and prosciutto and voila! Get the recipe.
- Deviled eggs: This egg dish is sinfully delicious and packed with both fat and protein. Get the recipe.
- Veggies and low-carb dip: Cut your favorite veggies into sticks and enjoy with a satisfying dip, like crab and cream cheese dip, queso, fruit dip or salsa. Get these recipes.
- Bacon-wrapped cheese or vegetable: Bacon wrapped around anything is delicious and definitely enhances any appetizer or dish. Get the recipe for bacon zucchini fries for a real treat!
Bring on the side dishes
Turkey is most often in the clear, so here are some alternatives to some of the most popular side dish recipes.
- Keto gravy: Get ready to drizzle this no-flour gravy all over your food on Thanksgiving. Get the recipe.
- Low-carb keto stuffing: Spice up your stuffing with some savory sausage, rosemary and sage. Get the recipe. Or try this low-carb stuffing with almond flour and rosemary. Get the recipe.
- Faux mashed potatoes: Who needs those carb-heavy potatoes when you can enjoy some cheesy mashed cauliflower? Get the recipe.
- Garlic and bacon Brussels sprouts: This blend of Brussels sprouts, bacon and onions will be a totally keto-compliant side dish. If sprouts aren’t your thing, swap them out for green beans. Get the recipe.
Keto cranberry sauce recipe
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without cranberry sauce, but traditional recipes often contain a lot of sugar. Instead, try this easy sugar-free version: combine fresh cranberries, water and a keto-friendly sweetener of your choice in a saucepan. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. This low-carb cranberry sauce is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your meal.
Time for keto-friendly dessert
- Sugar-free, gluten-free pumpkin pie: This almond flour pumpkin pie is perfect with a dollop of whipped cream. Get the recipe.
- Keto chocolate fat bombs: You deserve something sweet, and these fat bomb recipes are, a real treat! Get the recipe.
- Keto chocolate chip cookies: These cookies are easy to make and great for anyone with a dietary restriction, as they are grain-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and soy-free! Get the recipe.
- Keto ice cream: If you’re crunched for time, you can grab a keto-friendly ice cream like KETO, Halo Top or Enlightened, or make your own. Get the recipe.
Staying on track during holiday gatherings
The holidays can be challenging when you're following a ketogenic diet, especially with tempting high-carb dishes all around. However, with a little preparation, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving feast without feeling deprived. One effective strategy is to fill up on keto-friendly appetizers before the main meal. Savoring a delicious meat and cheese platter or deviled eggs can help curb your appetite and prevent you from reaching for carb-heavy options.
Mindful eating is also key. Take your time with each bite and truly enjoy the flavors of your meal. This approach can help you feel satisfied without overeating. If you're feeling uncertain about how to navigate the dinner table, consider politely declining dishes that don't fit your dietary needs. Your family will appreciate your dedication to a healthy lifestyle, and you might even inspire them to try some keto recipes themselves!
Post-meal strategies
After the meal, manage cravings by staying hydrated and enjoying sugar-free mints or a keto-friendly dessert. Light physical activity, such as a family walk, can aid digestion and keep you in the keto mindset.
It’s possible to have a keto-friendly Thanksgiving without breaking a sweat. However you choose to celebrate, whether alone or with others, remember to be thankful for your overall health and learning how to stay healthy through the holiday season.
For more healthy Thanksgiving tips, check out these related articles:
- The Great Thanksgiving Feast: Myths, Facts and a Dash of Nutrition
- 13 Tips for Surviving the Stress of Get-Togethers with Your Family
- 10 Tips to Have a Safe Thanksgiving Meal
Content in this article was updated on October 7, 2024.
