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Thanksgiving is one holiday that is celebrated in many countries around the world. While originally being a carb heavy dinner, these keto Thanksgiving recipes will help you plan and create the perfect low carb Thanksgiving dinner!
How to Stay Keto on Thanksgiving
Be Prepared
I think this is definitely the most important part of Thanksgiving. Whether you're on a keto diet or not, Thanksgiving is a huge all you can eat buffet where macros don't really come to mind. If you decided to stay keto on Thanksgiving, be mentally prepared for what will be there.
If you're going to a Thanksgiving dinner where the family isn't necessarily keto, be prepared that there will be non-keto food. It will take all of your self control to not indulge. Also be prepared at the amount of food there will be regardless if it's keto or not.
If you're following your macros closely, know that the carbs will add up pretty quickly so make sure to plan carefully what you want to eat. Preparing is definitely key to a low carb Thanksgiving dinner.
Know what Food there will be
If you're going to a relative's house during Thanksgiving, ask beforehand what kind of food they will be making. With that information, you can know what food you'll be able to eat or not.
If it's options that you can't eat, then make sure to bring your own food so that at least you know what goes in your mouth and how many carbs you've eaten for the day. Offer to give them a hand with the cooking and bring in keto friendly ingredients as substitutes.
For example, if you're going to help them make the cranberry sauce, bring your own keto sweeteners, like erythritol or stevia, and make it without actual sugar. Making low carb Thanskgiving sides or low carb Thanksgiving appetizers isn't too hard and your relatives will surely appreciate you bringing food!
Bring your Own Food
If the relative's house isn't going to be making any keto friendly dishes, then you'll have no choice but to bring your own food. If you do so, then you can control how many carbs the dishes will have and what ingredients will be used.
Avoid Temptations
This is probably the hardest part about Thanksgiving. There are so many yummy looking dishes, keto or not, that you'll have lots of temptations. Stay focus, remember your goals and try to only eat food that's keto friendly.
I recommend bringing ketofied recipes that you know you love so that the temptations aren't that high. Anyway, ketofied recipes taste so much better than the originals! I especially recommend making some homemade low carb Thanksgiving desserts because I personally know that desserts are where I have the most temptations!
Celebrate it in your Own Home
The easiest way to celebrate a keto Thanksgiving is by celebrating it in your own home. You can control what the menu is and what will be served. Create an entire keto Thanskgiving menu that way you and your guest will enjoy a healthier Thanksgiving!
Fast All Day
If you practice intermittent fasting, then you'll definitely want to fast all day. Don't eat breakfast or lunch that way your body is burning fat all day and then when dinner is finally ready, you're ready to feast!
What happens if I eat a big carb Thanksgiving dinner?
If you've been following a low carb or keto diet for a while, you're probably familiar with cheat days. As you know it takes a lot of self-control and dedication to start a keto diet. You're so used to eating carbs all the time that suddenly cutting them out can make you have carb withdrawal symptoms and go through the keto flu.
If you eat a big carb Thanksgiving dinner, you'll get kicked out of ketosis, become extremely sleepy and bloated, and it will be extremely hard to start the ketogenic diet one more time. I personally know that if I cheat once, then I'll be on a cheating wagon for the next 6 months. So I have to ask myself what's more important, following my keto diet, or enjoying a high-carb dinner once?
Just remember that if you tell yourself that you can cheat once, you'll most likely tell yourself that over several occasions, not just Thanksgiving.
If you're willing to go through all that again, then by no means, cheat on Thanksgiving. It is, after all, a really important family event. However, if you're willing to think about your health and goals first, then definitely make sure to have keto-friendly foods available at Thanksgiving.
How to do Keto during Thanksgiving at Relatives
If you're not celebrating Thanksgiving in your own house, then you'll definitely need to know what kind of food will be served at your relatives. Check ahead and see if there's anything you can eat. Depending on what will be served, definitely bring some of your own homemade dishes. That way you'll definitely know how many carbs you'll be eating and you can track everything.
What foods are safe to eat?
Stick to meat and veggies. You can have lots of turkey, roasted vegetables and some gravy. My family always makes tourtiere, a French Canadian meat pie, for Thanksgiving and I usually just eat the filling and not touch the crust! Work around what's served and try to stick to ingredients that are gluten free and grain free so that the carbs don't add up.
What Can You Eat for Thanksgiving when on Keto?
I'm glad you asked! You might be worried about what type of dishes you can eat on Thanksgiving when on keto, but have no worries because myself and other low carb bloggers have your back.
I have prepared a list of delicious keto Thanksgiving recipes that you must try this Thanksgiving. Whether you're looking for the basic recipes such as how to roast a turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy or stuffing, I got you covered. But apart from the basic recipes, I give you 55 different keto recipes you can make this Thanksgiving.
Your non-low carb family won’t even know these low carb recipes are gluten-free and sugar-free as they taste just like the real deal! Follow any of these recipes and you’ll stay within your carb limit without worrying! Also, these recipes aren’t just for Thanksgiving! You can use these in your every day life and also for Christmas!
Keto Thanksgiving Recipes
Here you'll find the BEST keto thanksgiving recipes to make this season. Whether you're looking for mains, sides or desserts, I got you covered. These low carb thanksgiving dishes are all gluten free and sugar free so you can have yourself a super healthy Thanksgiving!
Keto Thanksgiving Dinner Main Dishes
Having a thanksgiving dinner with family can be daunting if your family isn't on a keto low carb diet, but with these keto thanksgiving dinner main dishes, your non keto family won't even know the difference! These keto main dishes are so delicious, easy to make and full of flavour, you'll want to make them all year long.
Keto Thanksgiving Turkey
Roasted to perfection, this keto turkey recipe has the most juicy turkey breasts and thighs.
Grilled Turkey
Photo Credit:Beauty and the Foodie
Follow this guide to learn how to grill a whole turkey!
Low Carb Keto Gravy with Turkey Giblets
Forget making gravy with a traditional roux or corn starch, make this super creamy keto thanksgiving gravy recipe with keto friendly ingredients.
Paleo Turkey Gravy with Turkey Giblets
For a dairy free option, you'll definitely want to make this amazing paleo gravy. Filled with turkey giblets, it's incredibly creamy, smooth and delicious.
Keto Roast Chicken in a Dutch Oven
If you're not a turkey type of family, or you don't have access to turkeys, make this easy rosemary roasted chicken in a dutch oven. It comes out incredibly juicy and tender and makes the best roast chicken ever. Use the leftover stock to make bone broth or chicken gravy.
Turnip Gratin Dauphinoise
Photo Credit:Divalicious Recipes
Make this healthier version of a gratin by using turnips instead of potatoes. This makes a wonderful keto thanksgiving side that everyone will love!
Keto Cauliflower Mashed Cauliflower
Photo Credit:Low Carb Yum
This easy mashed cauliflower recipe is filled with spinach and loaded with cheese. It's a great alternative to mashed potatoes and creamed spinach!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Photo Credit:Wholesome Yum
If you're on a low carb diet or paleo diet, you'll love making this sweet potato casserole. Topped with sweetened nuts, it's so easy and delicious to make.
Low Carb Cauliflower Cheese
Forget macaroni and cheese, this cauliflower mac and cheese is the real deal. Topped with three different types of cheese, it's the creamiest and cheesiest dish you'll ever make.
Low Carb Green Bean Casserole
Photo Credit:Wholesome Yum
These green beans are baked in a homemade cream of mushroom soup and topped with some almond flour. It's a great casserole that everyone will love.
Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Stuffing Recipe
You always see stuffing made with bread, but have you ever tried making stuffing with cauliflower? It's the BEST alternative and it tastes so much better!
Low Carb Sweet Potato Casserole with Cauliflower
Photo Credit:Low Carb Yum
This sweet potato casserole is the perfect keto alternative to the original. Instead of using sweet potatoes, it uses cauliflower! You'll fool all of your guests with this casserole.
Paleo Tourtiere (Low Carb French Canadian Meat Pie)
If you're a French Canadian like me, then this recipe is one you absolutely must make! You can't have Thanksgiving or Christmas without a traditional Canadian tourtiere, or meat pie in English.
Keto Thanksgiving Sides
Having keto Thanksgiving sides is a must for any households. These delicious recipes are easy to make, super tasty and the guests will be begging for more!
Mashed Cauliflower with Mushroom Gravy
Photo Credit:Simply So Healthy
This delicious mashed cauliflower, aka mashed potatoes, is coated with the most delicious mushroom gravy you could ever make!
Low Carb Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Making sugar free cranberry sauce is actually the easiest thing ever! With this simple recipe, you'll have low carb cranberry sauce ready in less than 15 minutes!
Roasted to perfection, these mushrooms are then fried in butter and bacon to make the perfect keto thanksgiving appetizer.
Green Bean Fries
Photo Credit:Tasteaholics
Coated with parmesan, these green beans are perfectly roasted in the oven until golden crispy.
Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Cranberries
Photo Credit:Low Carb Yum
These Brussels sprouts and so tender, juicy and full of flavour from the bacon and cranberries!
Creamy Keto Mashed Cauliflower
Forget mashed potatoes, this buttery mashed cauliflower recipe is the ultimate recipe. So creamy, garlicy and buttery, you'll never want to eat potatos again once you eat this keto mashed cauliflower recipe.
Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Shrimp
A great salad to make on any occasion, but this easy broccoli and cauliflower salad is one that everyone in the family will love!
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
These Brussels sprouts are cooked to perfection with some pearl onions and lots of bacon! The kids will love these.
Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower Gratin
Photo Credit:Divalicious Recipes
This delicious gratin is filled with cheese, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower! This is one gratin you don't want to miss making.
The traditional stuffing recipe made low carb! This stuffing has homemade sausage, homemade low carb bread with delicious spices. Bake in the turkey cavity or as a side dish.
This is the perfect dish for the morning after Thanksgiving. This low carb sausage gravy is topped with some keto biscuits and baked in the oven for the perfect skillet breakfast.
Roasted Jicama and Green Beans
Photo Credit:Low Carb Yum
Jicama is the perfect sub for potatoes when you're on a low carb diet. Try making this super easy casserole with green beans!
Low Carb Pecan Stuffing
Photo Credit:Simply So Healthy
Another take on low carb stuffing, this healthy stuffing recipe is made entirely with nuts so you can enjoy healthy fats as a keto thanksgiving side.
Thanksgiving Platter
Photo Credit:Step Away from the Carbs
For the perfect keto thanksgiving side dish, you'll want to make this easy cheese and meat platter.
Keto Thanksgiving Bread & Buns
You definitely need keto bread recipes to spread butter on and make stuffing with. Use these delicious low carb bread recipes to keep you Thanskgiving keto friendly.
Low Carb Biscuits with Cheddar and Jalapeno
Add a little spicy kick to your usual biscuits, with this delicious jalapeno cheese biscuits recipe!
Cheesy Keto Biscuits
These keto biscuits are the perfect alternative to Red Lobter's cheddar biscuits. Soft, cheesy and crumbly, no one will know these biscuits are gluten free.
Low Carb Paleo Almond Flour Biscuits
These almond flour biscuits are perfect for those on a dairy free keto diet. They go really well with keto Thanksgiving dishes and are the perfect bread to have on any occasion.
Coconut Flour Biscuits
Photo Credit:Low Carb Yum
Perfect for those with a nut allergy, these biscuits are super soft and crumbly!
Low Carb Paleo Bread
This healthy bread recipe is perfect for stuffing, sandwiches, toasts and more! You can use this low carb paleo bread recipe for any occasion all year long.
Grain Free Butter Rolls
Photo Credit:Beauty and the Foodie
These butter rolls are the perfect low carb buns to have during Thanksgiving. Dip them in butter and gravy for the ultimate treat.
Keto Low Carb Buns with Psyllium Husk
The most popular recipe on the blog and there's a reason for that! They're the fluffiest and softest low carb buns you'll ever make!
Keto Thanksgiving Desserts
Making keto Thanksgiving dishes can be challenging for some, but the real struggle comes with making low carb Thanksgiving desserts that everyone will love. With these keto Thanksgiving dessert recipes, you'll stay under your carb amount, have great tasting recipes and keep it healthy.
Almond Flour Pie Crust
If you're looking to make any type of pie like a pumpkin pie, then you'll definitely need this almond flour pie crust recipe. It can be made for sweet or savory pies.
Low Carb Pumpkin Mousse Pie
Photo Credit:Simply So Healthy
Similar to a cheesecake, this pumpkin mousse pie is so soft and fluffy!
Keto Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a must have! They're great soft and chewy cookies filled with pumpkin puree and chocolate chips.
Low Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Photo Credit:Tasteaholics
Pumpkin cheesecake bars topped with a simple frosting is one of the easiest keto dessert you could ever make!
Keto Paleo Pumpkin Bundt Cake Recipe
This is the must have dessert of the season. This pumpkin bundt cake is completely dairy free, topped with a coconut butter icing. It's the perfect dessert for a dairy free keto Thanksgiving.
Pressure Cookie Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Photo Credit:Two Sleevers
It's time to put that pressure cooker to good use with this easy pumpkin pie pudding recipe!
Keto Low Carb Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes Recipe
These cupcakes are SO moist and crumbly, they're amazing topped with my cream cheese frosting recipe.
Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Photo Credit:Divalicious Recipes
What more can you ask for? This cake has a pumpkin cake layer, cheesecake layer and a crumble layer. Drooling already as I type this.
Dairy Free Keto Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe
If you want to go all out, then you'll definitely need to make this keto pumpkin ice cream recipe. Made in an ice cream maker, you'll have the softest and creamiest homemade ice cream recipe ready in no time.
Candied Pecan Pumpkin Ice Cream
Photo Credit:Simply So Healthy
Another ice cream recipe for you to try! This pumpkin ice cream is made with dairy and filled with sugar free candied pecans!
Sugar Free Low Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake
You can't have Thanksgiving without a proper Thanksgiving cheesecake. When you don't have time to wait for a baked cheesecake to cool down, then you'll definitely want to make this no bake pumpkin cheesecake!
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Custard
Photo Credit:Simply So Healthy
A delicious pumpkin custard, similar to pumpkin pie, cooked in a slow cooker!
Low Carb Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin bars are filled with nuts and seeds and topped with the most amazing cream cheese frosting.
Low Carb Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Forget oats and grains for the topping, make this low carb strawberry crisp using nuts and seeds!
Low Carb Kabocha Cheesecake
Thanksgiving just got more interesting with this kabocha cheesecake recipe. Unfamiliar with kabocha? It's a Japanese squash that tastes quite similar to pumpkin!
Sugar Free Cheesecake with Caramel
This low carb cheesecake is absolute perfection. Completely crack free and made with the best keto caramel sauce, you may not want to share a single slice of this amazing keto cheesecake!
Perfect Cream Cheese Keto Pie Crust
If you need a double pie crust recipe to make any of your keto dishes, you'll definitely want to try this amazing keto pie crust recipe. It can be made into pretty designs or small hand pies!
Low Carb Keto Apple Pie with Chayote Squash
Apple pie is a stable in our house. We always make one every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Being on keto is no different as this low carb apple pie uses chayote squash instead of apples to keep it super low in carbs!
Paleo Low Carb Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie
Who can have a Thanksgiving dinner without a proper pumpkin pie? Use this dairy free keto pumpkin pie recipe and bring it over to have the best keto Thanksgiving dessert ever!
Keto Thanksgiving Leftover Dishes
I know I'm not the only one with so many leftovers after Thanksgiving. Use this keto-friendly recipes to make super easy and flavorful Thanksgiving leftover recipes.
Low Carb Keto Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe
Combine your leftover turkey, or chicken, in this creamy casserole filled with healthy low carb veggies and topped with lots of cheese!
Paleo Turkey Taco Spaghetti Squash
Use that leftover turkey meat to make stuffed spaghetti squash boats filled with taco ingredients!
