The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that causes the body to go into a metabolic state called ketosis. The eating plan has become quite popular in the past several years. Fans of the diet say it's fantastic for losing weight and for other health benefits, like lowering blood sugar and helping with epilepsy. But while it's effective, keto can also be hard to stick to, especially during the holidays. Even one or two carb-heavy meals could be enough to end the ketosis and slow weight loss.
Trying to stick to a healthy eating plan at Thanksgiving is always a challenge. Trying to stay true to a keto lifestyle while enjoying a holiday where comfort food is the star may seem impossible (unless a plate full of roast turkey sounds like the perfect meal). But it turns out having an amazing Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings while sticking to a keto diet is totally possible.
Bread or potatoes may not be staples of the keto diet, but seeing as how butter, cheese, and bacon are totally allowed, those carbs won't even be missed on Thanksgiving. Instead, that juicy turkey can share a plate with delicious sides like bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts, cheesy-melty mashed cauliflower, and keto-friendly stuffing (yes, stuffing!). There are plenty of keto-friendly dessert options too, like pumpkin cupcakes or keto-friendly pies.
Because Thanksgiving is one of the few times a year when most, if not all, appetizers, side dishes, and desserts are made from scratch, it's the perfect excuse to make sure that whatever ends up on the table is mouth-watering, while still sticking to the rules of keto. Here are 23 recipes to get started on planning the perfect Thanksgiving feast that won't total blow a keto diet. We promise, these dishes are so yummy, even guests who don't follow keto won't notice a difference.
Salt-and-Pepper Turkey
The most daunting piece of the meal can be the turkey. Thankfully, turkeys are keto-friendly as long as you use the right ingredients. This recipe for salt-and-pepper turkey is super simple and will make your holiday less stressful, so you can get to work on all these great keto side dishes!
Keto Cornbread Stuffing
Homemade keto cornbread is the secret behind this keto cornbread stuffing. Stuffing is a Thanksgiving essential for most, and this recipe will fill your craving for stuffing without having to up your carb intake. It starts with a homemade paleo cornbread, then takes it from there.
Four-Ingredient Keto Cranberry Sauce
Traditional cranberry sauce is delicious, but loaded with carb-heavy sugar. This four-ingredient keto cranberry sauce is just as sweet but uses natural sweetener to lower carbs. Plus, you won't have to get it out of a can!
Easy Keto Gravy
Traditional gravy typically contains flour, making it a keto no-no. This easy keto gravy uses pureed veggies as a thickener, making it both healthier and keto compliant. Plus, you'll need something to go on your cauliflower mashed potatoes!
Keto Mashed Cauliflower
This recipe makes some delicious mashed cauliflower that will pair perfectly with your keto-friendly gravy. Garlic, coconut milk and cream cheese are the secret ingredients than make these keto mashed "potatoes" extra smooth and yummy. You won't even miss the lumpy mashed potatoes that you may be used to.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms
Keto diet or carb monster, everyone will want seconds of these amazing creamy garlic Parmesan mushrooms. The sauce makes these super delicious and this recipe will make for a great side or appetizer.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin
For anyone looking for a low-carb alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving but looking to avoid the sugar glazes that usually come with a ham, this prosciutto-wrapped beef tenderloin is easy to make and keto-friendly. It is also delectable and delicious.
Keto Creamed Spinach
Following a keto diet doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. This easy keto creamed spinach is smooth and satisfying — and totally on plan. It also helps to add some much-needed greens to your Thanksgiving feast.
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Mayo
Serve these crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside bacon-wrapped Brussel sprouts with balsamic mayo dip as a tasty side dish, or swap them in for the traditional cheese and crackers appetizer. Adding bacon to anything is pretty much a guaranteed hit.
Sugar-Free Low-Carb Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but their high starch content makes them keto diet kryptonite. This sugar-free low-carb "sweet potato" casserole uses butternut squash and cauliflower as clever stand-ins. See if the family can taste the difference.
Grain-Free Herbed Biscuits
Thanksgiving isn't the same without a warm biscuit to sop up the gravy. These grain-free herbed biscuits use coconut flour to help keep a holiday tradition alive without throwing keto diets off-track. These will leave you feeling satisfied. They are a great bread alternative.
Keto Sausage Balls
For some families, it's not a holiday without sausage balls. This recipe replaces breadcrumbs with almond flour, so those eating keto can enjoy them guilt-free. These make for a great appetizer as your guests await the main course.
Low-Carb Cheddar & Sausage Stuffing
With spicy Italian sausage and heavy cream, this low-carb cheddar and sausage stuffing will likely be gone long before any other side dish. This recipe is a great alternative to traditional stuffing and packs a flavor punch.
Bacon & Parmesan Green Beans
Bacon and Parmesan cheese make everything better, and these low-carb green beans are no exception. These are a great way to ditch the mushroom soup and fried onions combo that is so popular for Thanksgiving feasts.
Sweet & Spicy Brussels Sprouts
A hint of sriracha helps these low-carb sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts bring some heat to the Thanksgiving dinner table. This recipe is a great alternative for people who want some spice.
Roasted Broccoli With Cheese & Almonds
Roasted broccoli with cheese and almonds makes an irresistible low-carb side dish. It's technically a veggie, but people will enjoy it almost as much as they do the pumpkin pie. The recipe really makes this vegetable extra yummy.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Keto recipes don't have to be complicated to taste great. These bacon-wrapped asparagus spears come together quickly, making them a great pick when planning a big Thanksgiving menu. Again, bacon just makes so many things better.
Low-Carb Pumpkin Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin cupcakes and cream cheese frosting are both low-carb, so go ahead and indulge in dessert knowing the keto diet is still on track. This one is a great alternative to pumpkin pie that the kids may even like!
Keto Pecan Pie
It's hard to believe this is even possible, but it is! Browned butter is the secret behind this amazing pecan pie recipe that no one will suspect is keto-friendly. Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without pie!
Keto Pumpkin Pie
Just one pie on Thanksgiving will never do! Pumpkin pie is a staple of the holiday, but it tends to have a lot of flour and sugar, which are problems if you're following a keto lifestyle. This recipe calls for coconut flour and keto maple syrup, which will keep you in line with your dietary goals!
Keto Apple Pie
You may be wondering how on you could ever have an apple pie for Thanksgiving if you're following keto. Well, here's the secret, it tastes like apple pie, but it's really made with zucchini! I know. It sounds totally crazy, but not if you follow this recipe. By adding the proper spices, you will be able to mimic the taste of apple pie in a healthier package.
Dairy-Free Keto Chocolate Silk Pie
We didn't forget about the chocolate lovers out there! Yes, you can totally have some French silk pie on Thanksgiving. This recipe is even dairy-free in addition to being keto-friendly. It uses coconut milk, dark chocolate, and erythritol to get the right combination for this yummy dessert.
Cranberry Champagne Sparklers
Carbs and sugar can add up quickly when you add alcoholic beverages to your holiday meal. This low-carb recipe features Swerve sweetener, vodka, and wine. It has just 5 net carbs to keep you on track while you enjoy a delicious holiday beverage with your meal.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
