The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times to lose weight all year. Luckily, by incorporating a few keto Thanksgiving recipes, you can help maintain your weight while still celebrating the holiday.
You don’t have to miss out on any of your favorite recipes. Whether you enjoy stuffing, casserole, or pumpkin pie, there’s a keto option for you.
What is Keto?
The ketogenic diet, often called “keto,” is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. On a keto diet, your major food groups are fats, proteins, and leafy greens. You essentially cut out all other foods, including bread, pasta, fruits, and starchy vegetables, as these generally contain more carbs than fat or protein.
How it Works
When you go on a keto diet, your body enters a state of ketosis, meaning it starts to burn fat for energy. That’s why the keto diet is also called the low-carb, high-fat diet.
Your body usually burns carbs for energy. But if you don’t have enough carbs in your diet, your body will start to break down fat for energy. This process is called ketosis.
Ketosis can help you lose weight because it causes your body to burn more fat for energy. And when your body burns fatter, you may lose weight.
Who Uses the Diet?
- Athletes
- Diabetics
- Epileptic People
- People looking for weight loss
Keto Benefits
- Physical stamina – The keto diet can be especially beneficial for athletes or those who are looking to improve their physical performance. The diet can help increase energy levels and stamina, which can lead to better athletic performance.
- Combats inflammation – the keto diet can also help prevent injuries by reducing inflammation in the body.
- Weight loss – the keto diet can also be helpful for people who are trying to lose weight. The high-fat content of the diet can help keep people full and satisfied, which can lead to eating less and losing weight. The keto diet can also help boost metabolism, which can burn more calories and promote weight loss.
- Stabilizing – It can also help people with diabetes or epilepsy by managing their blood sugar levels and seizure activity. In addition, the keto diet has been shown to improve heart health and cognitive function.
Foods to Avoid in Keto Thanksgiving Recipes
- Wheat – gravy, stuffing, bread
- Sugary fruits – apples, grapes, peaches, raisins
- Starchy vegetables – corn, carrots, peas, yams, potatoes
- Syrups – honey, agave, maple syrup
- Sugar – white, brown, cane
Popular Dishes for a Keto Thanksgiving
- Turkey – meat is a staple for keto diets. Feel free to cook your favorite turkey dish while not adding any non-keto ingredients.
- Beef Roast – while the turkey is traditional, you may wish to cook a beef tenderloin instead.
- Cauliflower and cheese – substitute your standard macaroni with a cauliflower-based alternative.
- Creamed Spinach – you can use this dish as a dip or sauce.
- Green bean casserole – you can enjoy your green bean casserole as long as you follow a keto recipe.
- Keto Bread – there are even keto bread alternatives for you to enjoy for Thanksgiving.
- Chocolate mousse – there are many no-bake options that will help keep you in a state of ketosis.
- Pie – you can make almost any pie keto, such as pecan pie or pumpkin pie.
Keto Substitutes for Your Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
There are different ways to find substitutes for many of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. All you have to do is remove any non-keto ingredients from your recipes and add substitutes that will still complete the dish.
For green bean casserole, you can use cheese instead of heavy cream. For stuffing, there are keto bread mixes you can use to bake your own bread and turn it into stuffing.
If you and your family can’t have Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce, there’s an alternative for this also. Store-bought cranberry sauces are full of excess sugars that would bring you out of ketosis. Making your own sauce using a sugar replacement is your best option.
While finding keto substitutes for your Thanksgiving dishes adds a little extra time and effort on your part, the results you’ll receive from sticking to your diet will be worthwhile.
40 Best Keto Thanksgiving Recipes
Keto-Friendly Appetizers
1. Cloud Bread
If you can’t imagine Thanksgiving without bread, check out this keto recipe for cloud bread. The keto cloud bread’s main ingredients are eggs, cream of tartar, and cream cheese.
2. Zucchini Fries
Fries are one of the most beloved dishes. While you may not consider fries a Thanksgiving dish, keto fries are great for adding a delicious appetizer to your spread. Check out this recipe for keto zucchini fries from Lemons for Lulu for inspiration.
3. Cheese Ball Bites
Everyone enjoys finger foods, and having a few of these options helps keep the family busy while the main dishes are being prepared. Delish offers us these cheese ball bites for an appetizer no one will be able to turn down.
4. Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers with Bacon
Life Family and Fun shows us how to make this stuffed peppers recipe that can be made with bell peppers or jalapenos. Adding bacon and cheese helps keep you in ketosis while also providing an appetizer that just about anyone will enjoy.
5. Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Looking for an easy-to-make appetizer? Consider trying the cream cheese stuffed mushroom recipe from A Spicy Perspective for a quick recipe for a cheesy snack.
6. Deviled Eggs
Life Made Sweeter gives us this deviled eggs recipe that is quick and easy, helping you cut down on cooking time. Appetizers don’t have to be extravagant; sometimes, simple is better.
7. Creamed Kale
Considering making keto bread? Pair it with a side of creamed kale. Ruled. me offer us this keto creamed kale that is creamy, savory, and filling.
8. Rosemary Crackers
If you’re planning to have a dip or spread, you’re going to need crackers to go along with it. For an appetizer that is simple to make and full of flavor, try these rosemary keto crackers from Delish that pairs with most spreads.
Main Dishes for Keto Thanksgiving
9. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Pot roast is a keto-friendly dish that many already enjoy, keto or not. Lemons for Lulu gives us this recipe for a traditional approach to this Thanksgiving dish.
10. Chicken and Rice
For a savory meal, try this instant pot chicken and rice soup recipe. The recipe is even bold enough to be one of your Thanksgiving centerpieces. Consider baking a loaf of keto bread to go along with this main dish.
11. Thanksgiving Cauliflower
Have you considered having cauliflower be your main dish? Most likely you haven’t. But with this Thanksgiving cauliflower recipe from Delish, you can use this vegetable as the main placeholder for your holiday spread.
12. Slow Cooker Oxtail Stew
Adding stew to your Thanksgiving Menu gives everyone a unique option that many will enjoy. Oxtail is great for making stews or soup, and Lemons for Lulu shows us how to slow cook this oxtail stew that will be tender and hearty.
13. Butternut Squash Risotto
Risotto can technically be both a main dish and a side dish. This keto butternut squash risotto from I Breathe I’m Hungry is so delicious that you’ll want to make it the main dish.
14. Vegetable Beef Soup
Vegetable and beef soup is a warm and filling dish that your family will enjoy this holiday. Soup is easy to make, affordable, and a great way to bring a smile to the table.Lemons for Lulu gives us this fantastic slow cooker vegetable beef soup recipe.
15. Butter Roast Turkey
Turkey is already keto, but certain ingredients used when baking your turkey can make it not suitable for your diet. For a friendly alternative, Life Made Keto offers us this low-carb garlic butter roast turkey.
16. Shredded chicken
If you’re tired of the traditional turkey, chicken may be your next best option. Lemons for Lulu shows us how to make this shredded chicken recipe that can be used as your main dish or added to one of your sides.
Keto Thanksgiving Sides Recipes
17. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Cook Eat Paleo gives us this broccoli salad recipe that allows you to enjoy the traditional dish alongside your meal. Full of bacon, red onion, and walnuts, this isn’t a dish you’ll want to skip.
18. Turkey Gravy
Gravy can be paired with just about any dish on your Thanksgiving plate. While most gravies contain wheat flour, iSave A to Z shows us how to make this keto turkey gravy recipe using glucomannan powder instead.
19. Cauliflower Stuffing
Don’t worry if you have time to bake your keto bread to make stuffing, don’t worry. Whole Yum has a low-carb cauliflower stuffing recipe that makes a great substitution.
20. Coconut Flour Biscuits
If you haven’t baked with coconut flour yet, consider trying this biscuit recipe from The Big Man’s World. Thanks to this wheat substitute, you don’t have to sacrifice your biscuits to avoid ruining your ketosis.
21. Low-Carb Cornbread
Traditional cornbread is full of carbs and not suitable for keto diets. Luckily, Stay Snatched has a low-carb keto cornbread recipe to help make sure you can enjoy a special side dish this holiday.
22. Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash
If you’re looking for a way to incorporate spaghetti squash into your holiday meal, check out this recipe from All Day I Dream About Food for a twice-baked recipe for this hearty vegetable.
23. Keto Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is one of the most famous dishes for a Thanksgiving meal. Low Carb Maven knows just how important this dish is, and their keto version doesn’t hold back on quality or flavor.
24. Keto Rolls
Warm bread rolls help soak up the many sauces on a Thanksgiving plate. Try The Big Man’s World’s keto rolls recipe for your meal this year.
25. Shredded Brussels Sprouts
If you’re looking for a unique side dish while staying within your ketogenic diet, why not choose Brussel sprouts? Skinnytaste offers shredded brussels sprouts with pancetta, chopped into a savory salad dish.
26. Green Beans and Bacon
Life Family and Fun shows us how to make this green beans and bacon recipe for a fresh side idea that will bring a sense of brightness to your Thanksgiving spread.
27. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is usually too sugary for keto to enjoy during the holiday. Savory Tooth created its own version of this side dish, using erythritol instead of sugar to help you stay within your diet plan.
Desserts for Keto Thanksgiving
28. Chocolate Sheet Cake
Cakes aren’t just for birthdays. They’re also for Thanksgiving desserts. Consider trying this keto chocolate sheet cake recipeand end your holiday with a sweet treat.
29. Brownies
Life Family and Fun offers us this keto brownie recipe that is a must-have for your Thanksgiving dinner. These brownies are fudgy, full of chocolate, and just what you need after a savory meal.
30. Dairy Free Chocolate Silk Pie
For a dairy-free chocolate silk pie, try this recipe from Ruled. me that is made with almond butter, erythritol, and low-carb dark chocolate. Add this recipe to your holiday spread for an enjoyable dessert that doesn’t lack flavor or sweetness.
31. Crinkle Cookies
Cookies should be delicious and full of personality. These keto crinkle cookies from Lemons for Lulu are a sophisticated take on the holiday dessert.
32. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a holiday staple and one dessert most people can’t go without on Thanksgiving. The Big Man’s World understands the need for a keto version and created their own delicious pumpkin pie recipe.
33. Pumpkin Muffins
These keto pumpkin muffins from Ruled. me may be geared for breakfast, but their cream cheese filling also makes them a great idea for dessert. They use erythritol as a substitute to ensure these muffins come out sweet and delicious.
34. Apple Pie
You don’t have to cut out apple pie to stay consistent with your keto diet. Gnom-Gnom’s keto apple pie recipe has all of the flavors you enjoy, made with a keto pie crust, grass-fed butter, and erythritol or xylitol sweetener.
Keto-Friendly Drinks
35. Lemonade
Lemonade is a refreshing drink for the entire family to enjoy. Try this three-ingredient sugar-free recipe from Wholesome Yum.
36. Raspberry Mimosa
Skinny Mixes offers us this recipe for raspberry mimosas which is the best drink for the morning or afternoon. If you usually eat your Thanksgiving meal early in the day, consider making a batch of these berry mimosas.
37. Ginger Whiskey Sour
Ginger is great for settling uncomfortable stomachs, which many experiences after their Thanksgiving meal. Jim Beam gives us this ginger whiskey sour recipe that is great for relaxing and helping settle your stomach at the end of your day.
38. Low-carb Red Sangria
Sometimes regular wine is too heavy, especially during the holidays. Making a batch of fresh sangria is the best substitute, like this red sangria recipe from Tasty Lowcarb.
49. Holiday Punch
If you’re looking for a sweet keto punch that everyone in the family can enjoy, check out My Productive Backyard’s fruit punch recipe.
40. Keto Cider
Warm apple cider is a delicious drink many enjoy throughout fall and winter. Consider trying this keto apple cider recipe from Trina Krug and savor each cup of this spicy beverage.
Keto Thanksgiving Recipes FAQ
Who Can’t Do a Keto Diet?
A keto diet can be dangerous for people with type 1 diabetes because it can cause high blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes need to be very careful when they change their diets, and they should talk to their doctor before starting a keto diet.
Individuals with a high risk for heart disease should also avoid this diet, as it can cause complications down the road.
A keto diet can also be hard on the kidneys, so people with kidney disease should avoid it. It’s always best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
Can You Drink Alcohol on a Keto Diet?
Yes, you can drink alcohol on the keto diet, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Alcohol is going to affect your ketosis.
That means that if you’re trying to stay in ketosis, you’ll need to drink less alcohol than you would if you weren’t on a diet. Alcohol is high in carbs, so it’s important to choose drinks that are low in carbs.
Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water in between alcoholic beverages. Consider vodka or gin if you’re looking for a low-carb alcoholic beverage.
These spirits are typically lower in carbs than other liquors like rum and whiskey. If mixed with soda water or diet tonic, they make a refreshing and keto-friendly cocktail.
What Kind of Bread is Keto Friendly?
There are a few types of keto-friendly bread that you can enjoy on your low-carb, high-fat diet. One option is cloud bread, which is made with eggs, cream cheese, and tapioca flour.
This bread is soft and fluffy and can be used for sandwiches or toast. Another option is coconut flour bread, which has a more dense texture and is great for making rolls or buns.
Almond flour bread is a delicious option that is great for making loaves or muffins. All of these keto-friendly breads are grain free and high in healthy fats, making them a great choice for those on the ketogenic diet.
Keto Thanksgiving Recipes Conclusion
If you’re nearing your first Thanksgiving on the keto diet or someone looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, incorporate a few of these keto Thanksgiving recipes into your meal plan this year.
You don’t have to miss out on your favorite dishes; you can cook appetizers, sides, dishes, desserts, and beverages that everyone in your family will enjoy while sticking to your diet plan.
