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Celebrate the Season Without the Carb Crash
Thanksgiving is a time for comfort, gratitude, and sharing delicious food. But if you’re trying to stay on track with a low-carb lifestyle, it can be tough to navigate a table full of carb-heavy classics like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and rolls. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice flavor or tradition to enjoy a satisfying and guilt-free holiday.
These low-carb Thanksgiving dinner ideas are full of hearty flavor and holiday comfort — minus the sugar and starch. From herb-roasted turkey and creamy cauliflower mash to keto-friendly casseroles and low-carb pumpkin desserts, these recipes prove you can have a festive, flavorful meal that supports your wellness goals.
This low-carb Thanksgiving menu includes:
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Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
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Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Mash
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Low-Carb Green Bean Casserole
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Keto-Friendly Stuffing with Almond Flour Bread
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic
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Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
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Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bake
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Low-Carb Pumpkin Mousse
Each dish is made with real, wholesome ingredients, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber — without the processed carbs. Perfect for keto, paleo, or anyone simply looking for a lighter way to celebrate.
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, this roasted turkey breast is the perfect low-carb centerpiece for your holiday table. Using a simple herb butter ensures a golden, crispy skin and moist interior.
Ingredients
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2–3 lb bone-in turkey breast
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee), softened
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper
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1 lemon, halved
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½ onion, sliced
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Fresh herbs for roasting pan (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub herb butter under and over the skin.
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Place lemon halves, onion slices, and extra herbs in the bottom of a roasting dish. Set turkey on top.
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Roast for 60–75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Tip
Use a meat thermometer for perfect results every time. This also works well with boneless turkey breast.
Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Mash
A smooth, fluffy alternative to mashed potatoes, this garlic cauliflower mash delivers all the comfort with a fraction of the carbs.
Ingredients
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1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup unsweetened almond milk or broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Steam or boil cauliflower until very soft, about 10–12 minutes. Drain well.
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In a small pan, sauté garlic in olive oil or butter until fragrant.
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Add cauliflower, garlic, and milk to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper, and top with fresh herbs.
Make Ahead
Cauliflower mash can be made a day in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Low-Carb Green Bean Casserole
A keto twist on the classic, this version skips the canned soup and fried onions in favor of a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy almond topping.
Ingredients
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1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream (dairy optional)
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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¼ cup almond flour
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2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated parmesan (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for topping)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic in olive oil until browned.
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Stir in coconut milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
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Add green beans to the sauce and mix well. Pour into a baking dish.
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Mix almond flour, nutritional yeast, and olive oil to form a crumbly topping. Sprinkle over casserole.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Keto-Friendly Stuffing with Almond Flour Bread
This low-carb stuffing is everything you want from a traditional version — herby, savory, and full of texture — without the bread bloat.
Ingredients
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4 cups cubed almond flour bread or low-carb bread of choice
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley
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1 egg, beaten
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¾ cup vegetable or chicken broth (gluten-free, no sugar)
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Salt and pepper
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast cubed bread until slightly crisp.
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Sauté onion and celery in olive oil until soft. Add herbs, salt, and pepper.
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In a bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed veggies, egg, and broth. Stir gently to coat.
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Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden.
Tip
Make the bread cubes a day or two in advance to save time.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic
Crispy, caramelized, and bursting with fresh flavor, these Brussels sprouts are anything but boring.
Ingredients
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1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest and juice of ½ lemon
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Salt and pepper
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
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Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.
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Drizzle with lemon juice and zest before serving.
Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
This tangy-sweet cranberry sauce is made without refined sugar, keeping it low in carbs but high in holiday flavor.
Ingredients
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2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
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½ cup water
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¼ cup granulated monk fruit sweetener (or erythritol)
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Zest of one orange
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1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional for flavor, not keto-critical)
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Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
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Let cool and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bake
This spaghetti squash casserole is creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying — perfect as a low-carb substitute for macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
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1 medium spaghetti squash
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ cup unsweetened almond milk
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½ cup shredded mozzarella or dairy-free cheese
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¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast halved spaghetti squash (cut-side down) for 35–40 minutes.
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Scrape out squash strands and place in a large bowl.
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In a saucepan, heat almond milk and garlic. Stir in cheese until melted.
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Mix cheese sauce with spaghetti squash. Transfer to baking dish and top with extra cheese if desired.
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Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Low-Carb Pumpkin Mousse
End your meal on a sweet note with this creamy, spiced pumpkin mousse — completely sugar-free and keto-friendly.
Ingredients
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¾ cup canned pumpkin puree
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½ cup full-fat coconut cream or heavy cream
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1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
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¼ teaspoon cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
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Chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients until light and fluffy.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
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Serve in small dessert cups topped with nuts or seeds.
Common Questions About Low-Carb Thanksgiving Meals
Can I still enjoy traditional Thanksgiving flavors on a low-carb diet?
Absolutely! By using substitutions like cauliflower mash and keto-friendly flours, you can enjoy all the classic tastes without the excess carbs.
Are all vegetables low-carb?
Most non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are low in carbs. Avoid or limit potatoes, corn, and peas for a low-carb meal.
Is it okay to use dairy during Thanksgiving?
Yes, unless you are also dairy-free. Butter, heavy cream, and cheese are low in carbs and add richness to many dishes.
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Yes. Many sides, including the cauliflower mash, pumpkin mousse, and roasted vegetables, can be prepped or fully made a day before.
How can I keep the turkey moist without carbs?
Use plenty of fresh herbs, lemon zest, and olive oil or butter rubbed under the skin. Basting during roasting also helps.
