Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family and, of course, feasting! If you’re following a keto lifestyle, there’s no need to skip out on your holiday favorites. With a little creativity, you can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal without breaking your carb budget. Here are the keto-friendly sides and desserts to make your celebration both delicious and guilt-free.
8 Keto-Friendly Sides and Desserts
KETO THANKSGIVING SIDES
1. Mashed Cauliflowers
Swap out traditional potatoes for cauliflower in this creamy, buttery mash. Add a touch of garlic, cream cheese, and shredded parmesan for a rich, low-carb side dish that rivals the classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
7" Round HandiStax Take-out Container
Instructions:
- Steam or boil cauliflower florets until fork-tender. Drain and pat dry.
- Blend cauliflower with butter, cream cheese, parmesan, and garlic in a food processor until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
2. Green Bean Almondine
This simple yet elegant side dish is low in carbs and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
1½ lb. Colored Foil Carryout Pan w/ Plastic Lid
Instructions:
- Steam green beans until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add almonds and toast until golden.
- Toss green beans with toasted almonds and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Keto Stuffing
Replace traditional bread with a keto-friendly alternative like almond flour bread or pork rinds.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf almond flour bread, cubed
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp rosemary
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast bread cubes until golden and crisp.
- Sauté celery and onion in olive oil until soft. Add herbs and mix well.
- Combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and chicken broth in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
4. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
The caramelized edges and smoky bacon make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
2-1/4 lb. Oblong Take-out Foil Pan
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, bacon, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
5. Zucchini Au Gratin
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
4 ½ lb. Colored Disposable Food Pan
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Layer zucchini slices in a baking dish.
- Mix heavy cream, cheddar, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over zucchini.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
KETO THANKSGIVING DESSERTS
6. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp. powdered erythritol
Filling:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup powdered erythritol
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix crust ingredients and press into a lined baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Beat filling ingredients until smooth. Pour over crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Cool and refrigerate before cutting into bars.
7. Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp powdered erythritol
Filling:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/3 cup keto maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix crust ingredients and press into a baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Whisk filling ingredients, then fold in pecans. Pour over crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until filling is set. Cool before slicing.
8. Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup powdered erythritol
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
5¾" Disposable Aluminum Pot Pie Pan - Extra Deep
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Divide into cups and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve chilled with whipped cream.
Keto Thanksgiving Tips
- Plan Ahead: Knowing your menu ensures you have all the ingredients and can stay on track.
- Use Keto-Friendly Sweeteners: Monk fruit, erythritol, and stevia are great substitutes for traditional sugar.
- Opt for Healthy Fats: Incorporate butter, olive oil, heavy cream, and cheese for flavor and satiety.
Conclusion
Sticking to your keto lifestyle during Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the festivities—or the delicious food! These keto Thanksgiving recipes for sides and desserts ensure you can enjoy the flavors of the holiday while keeping your carb count low. Whether it’s creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes, savory Brussels sprouts with bacon, or indulgent pumpkin cheesecake bars, these dishes are sure to please both you and your guests.
This holiday season, focus on creating memories with your loved ones and savoring a meal that aligns with your health goals. With a little planning and these easy recipes, you can celebrate Thanksgiving without compromising your keto commitment.