4 Keto Thanksgiving Recipes That You’ll Want to Make Every Year

It’s that time of the year when the leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and the aroma of pumpkin spice fills our homes. All the family members gather around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter over a hearty Thanksgiving meal. With this in mind, if you’re on a keto diet you might be worrying about how to navigate this food-filled holiday, without going off track.

This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the seasonal favorites! In fact, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a sumptuous feast that aligns with your dietary goals. We’ve compiled four fantastic keto Thanksgiving recipes that not only taste incredible, but are also low in carbs. These dishes are so delicious you’ll want to make them part of your holiday tradition every year.

What Do You Eat On Thanksgiving Keto?

There are many keto- friendly options for your Thanksgiving table. Certainly, you could go traditional and stick to turkey, roasted vegetables, and a low-carb gravy.

Or you could switch things up and serve some keto-friendly alternatives for the classic dishes we all know and love. Finding easy keto thanksgiving recipes (like the ones we’ll share later) is the only sure way to stay on track while still enjoying all your holiday favorites.

Is Turkey Ok for Keto?

Yes; there is nothing wrong with indulging in some juicy turkey on Thanksgiving if you’re following a keto diet. Turkey is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great option for those trying to limit their carb intake.

Just be mindful of any marinades or sauces that may have added sugars or other non-keto ingredients. And also, watch out for traditional sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce that are high in carbs.

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The Best Keto Thanksgiving Recipes

You’d be hard-pressed to find an exhaustive list of keto-friendly Thanksgiving recipes; the options are endless! But to make your life easier, we’ve handpicked four recipes that are easy, delicious, and keto-approved:

Crunchy Keto Stuffing Recipe (4)

The right stuffing can make the difference between a good Thanksgiving meal and an unforgettable one. This keto-friendly version is loaded with flavor and texture, thanks to the combination of low-carb bread, celery, onions, and herbs.

So forgiving; this keto thanksgiving stuffing can be made the day before and reheated. Just be sure to keep it covered with foil in a low oven (around 300°F) until ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 4 Slices Keto Bread (or rolls), crumbled

• 3 tablespoon Butter, melted

• 1 egg

• 2 stalks Celery, chopped

• ¼ cup Leeks, chopped

• ½ teaspoon Garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian Blend Seasoning, dried

• ¼ teaspoon Sage

• ½ teaspoon each Salt & Pepper

• Olive Oil

• ½ teaspoon Celery Seasoning , optional

• ½ Cup Chicken broth

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, crumble the keto bread or rolls into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and leeks, and cook until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes aromatic.

4. Pour the cooked vegetables over the crumbled bread in the mixing bowl. Add the Italian Blend Seasoning, sage, salt, pepper, and optional celery seasoning. Mix well to ensure all the bread is coated with the seasonings and veggies.

5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then stir it into the bread mixture. This will act as a binder for your stuffing.

6. Slowly add the chicken broth to the mixture, stirring as you go until the bread is moistened to your liking. If you prefer a drier stuffing, you may not need to use all the broth.

7. Grease a baking dish with olive oil and spoon the stuffing mixture into the dish. Distribute evenly and smooth the top.

8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

9. Remove from the oven and let the stuffing sit for a few minutes before serving.

NUTRITION: Recipe yields 4 servings

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 216 Total Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0g | Carbohydrates: 3g | Net Carbohydrates: 2g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g| Protein: 5g

Read more: 6 Low Carb Thanksgiving Sides That Even Carb-Lovers Will Enjoy

Low Carb Thanksgiving Salad (2)

Having a keto Thanksgiving salad recipe that’s both delicious and filling is a must for any holiday meal. This salad is loaded with seasonal ingredients like blackberries, pecans, and salty bacon, all drizzled with a brown mustard vinaigrette.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 12 cups mixed greens

• 12 bacon slices cooked and chopped

• 1 cup pecans chopped and toasted

• 6 hard-boiled eggs chopped

• 6 oz. goat cheese crumbled

• 1 1/2 cup blackberries or about 5-6 per salad

For the Brown Mustard Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup spicy brown mustard

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

• 4 garlic cloves minced

• 1/4 cup fresh thyme finely chopped

• 1 1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by preparing your salad ingredients. Wash and dry the mixed greens, and set them aside in a large salad bowl.

2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, let it cool, chop it into small pieces, and add it to the salad bowl.

3. Toast the chopped pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Add these to the salad bowl.

4. Boil the eggs. Once cooked, peel, chop them, and add them to the salad bowl.

5. Crumble the goat cheese and add it to the salad, followed by the blackberries.

6. For the brown mustard vinaigrette, combine the spicy brown mustard, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic cloves, and finely chopped fresh thyme in a bowl.

7. Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking the mixture continuously to emulsify the dressing.

8. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

9. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

10. Your salad is ready to serve.

Nutrition:

Recipe yields 8 servings.

Amount per serving: Calories: 743kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 171mg | Sodium: 540mg | Potassium: 364mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1251IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 3mg

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Parmesan Brussel Sprouts (3)

What’s Thanksgiving without some roasted veggies? These parmesan brussels sprouts are the perfect low-carb Thanksgiving side dish to accompany your turkey and stuffing. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor, you’ll love every bite of this savory vegetable dish.

Ingredients

• 4 cups brussels sprouts

• 5 slices bacon

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

• 1 cup gouda

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, clean the brussels sprouts, cut them in half lengthwise and set them aside.

2. Cook the bacon slices in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

3. In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the brussels sprouts and cook them over medium heat until they begin to brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

4. While the brussels sprouts are cooking, chop the crispy bacon into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves.

5. Once the sprouts are browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed among the sprouts. Cook for another 2 minutes until the garlic becomes aromatic.

6. After the garlic is cooked, sprinkle the chopped bacon, parmesan cheese, and gouda evenly over the brussels sprouts.

7. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and Dijon mustard until well combined. Pour this mixture over the brussels sprouts in the skillet.

8. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

9. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the brussels sprouts cool for a few minutes before serving.

NUTRITION

Serving: 0.5cup serving, recipe yields 6 servings | Calories: 346 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 516 mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1313IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 427mg | Iron: 1mg | Net Carbohydrates: 6g

Low Carb Walnut Pumpkin Pie (5)

Top on our list of yummy keto Thanksgiving desserts is this delicious walnut pumpkin pie. With a buttery almond flour crust and a creamy pumpkin filling topped with crunchy walnuts, this dessert will be the star of your holiday spread.

Ingredients

Pie Crust

• 2 cups ground walnuts

• ¼ cup desiccated coconut unsweetened

• 2 tablespoons brown monk fruit

• ¼ cup butter unsalted

Filling

• 2 cups pumpkin puree

• 1 cup coconut milk

• ½ cup brown monk fruit or other low carb sweetener

• 2 large eggs

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon allspice

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Begin by creating the pie crust. Combine the ground walnuts, unsweetened desiccated coconut, brown monk fruit, and unsalted butter in a food processor until a crumb-like consistency is achieved.

2. Press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate, creating a uniform layer. Set this aside.

3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for baking the pie.

4. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the pie filling. Combine the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, Brown monk fruit (or your preferred low-carb sweetener), eggs, salt, and vanilla essence.

5. Add in the spices including the cinnamon, allspice, ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed.

6. Pour the pie filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden.

8. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the pie for a few hours before serving.

9. Finally, slice the pie into individual servings.

NUTRITION

Serving: 1 slice, recipe yields 8 | Calories: 360 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 34g | Fiber: 5g

Read more: The Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes for an All-Inclusive Festive Table

Should I Break Keto for Thanksgiving?

It’s okay to indulge a little during special occasions like Thanksgiving. If you do choose to break keto for one meal, don’t stress out about it too much. Just get back on track with your keto eating habits the next day. Remember, it’s all about balance and making sustainable choices for your overall health and well-being.

What Is a Dirty Keto Meal?

A dirty keto meal is a low-carb meal that follows the principles of the keto diet, but may not be considered as healthy or nutritionally balanced. It typically involves eating high-fat, low-carb foods without paying attention to the quality or source of those foods.

This can include ultra processed and packaged foods that are still technically low-carb but may not provide the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

While it may be an easy approach for some, a dirty keto diet can potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies and health complications in the long run. It’s important to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods in any diet plan (1), including a keto diet.

So, if you do decide to indulge in some not-so-healthy Thanksgiving dishes, make sure to balance it out with plenty of nutritious options as well.

Our blog on “Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Appetizers” shows you how to create healthy yet delicious appetizers for your holiday feast.

How Do You Survive Thanksgiving on Keto?

You survive Thanksgiving on Keto by planning ahead, making smart choices, and staying mindful of what’s on your plate

If you’re worried about sticking to your keto diet during Thanksgiving, here are a few tips to help you avoid temptations:

• Go big on protein – any Thanksgiving spread is bound to have some protein options, so load up your plate with turkey or other meats. This will not only keep you full and satisfied but also help balance out any carb-heavy dishes.

• Choose low-carb sides – opt for non-starchy vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, or salad. Avoid starchy sides like mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole.

• Bring your own dish – if you’re attending a potluck-style Thanksgiving, bring a keto-friendly dish that you can enjoy guilt-free.

• Don’t overdo it on the desserts – if you want to indulge in some dessert, choose smaller portions and opt for options with lower sugar content. Or, try making your own keto-friendly dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.

• Be mindful of sauces and dressings – these can often be hidden sources of added sugars and carbohydrates. Ask for dressings on the side or choose options that are keto-friendly.

• Watch your alcohol intake – while it’s okay to have a drink or two, keep in mind that many alcoholic beverages are high in carbs. Stick to lower-carb options like dry wines or spirits mixed with sugar-free mixers.

• Hydrate – make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help curb cravings.

• Eat before the big meal – if you’re worried about overindulging, consider having a small keto-friendly snack before the main meal. This will help keep your hunger levels in check and prevent you from overeating.

• Stay busy – instead of focusing on food, find other ways to enjoy the holiday. Play a game, catch up with family and friends, or take a walk outside. Keeping busy will help you avoid mindless snacking.

• Remember your goals – remind yourself why you started your keto journey and how far you’ve come. Don’t let one day of indulgence derail your progress. Enjoy the holiday, but also stay focused on your long-term health goals.

• Don’t stress out about it – it’s one day. If you do end up indulging more than planned, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on track the next day and continue making healthy choices.

Check out our Healthy Thanksgiving Tips guide for more tips and recipes to help you stay on track during the holiday season.

The Bottom Line

A Keto-friendly Thanksgiving isn’t as difficult as it may seem. You have plenty of low-carb options to choose from and if you must, you can always indulge a little. It’s all about moderation and finding a balance that works for you.