Low-Carb Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

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:

• Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

• Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Mash

• Low-Carb Green Bean Casserole

• Keto-Friendly Stuffing with Almond Flour Bread

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic

• Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce

• Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bake

• 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.

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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

• 2–3 lb bone-in turkey breast

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee), softened

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper

• 1 lemon, halved

• ½ onion, sliced

• Fresh herbs for roasting pan (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub herb butter under and over the skin.

4. Place lemon halves, onion slices, and extra herbs in the bottom of a roasting dish. Set turkey on top.

5. 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.

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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

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk or broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Steam or boil cauliflower until very soft, about 10–12 minutes. Drain well.

2. In a small pan, sauté garlic in olive oil or butter until fragrant.

3. Add cauliflower, garlic, and milk to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.

4. 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.

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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

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream (dairy optional)

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ¼ cup almond flour

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated parmesan (optional)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic in olive oil until browned.

3. Stir in coconut milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.

4. Add green beans to the sauce and mix well. Pour into a baking dish.

5. Mix almond flour, nutritional yeast, and olive oil to form a crumbly topping. Sprinkle over casserole.

6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden.

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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

• 4 cups cubed almond flour bread or low-carb bread of choice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

• 1 egg, beaten

• ¾ cup vegetable or chicken broth (gluten-free, no sugar)

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast cubed bread until slightly crisp.

2. Sauté onion and celery in olive oil until soft. Add herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. In a bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed veggies, egg, and broth. Stir gently to coat.

4. 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.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic

Crispy, caramelized, and bursting with fresh flavor, these Brussels sprouts are anything but boring.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest and juice of ½ lemon

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).

2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.

4. Drizzle with lemon juice and zest before serving.

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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

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

• ½ cup water

• ¼ cup granulated monk fruit sweetener (or erythritol)

• Zest of one orange

• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional for flavor, not keto-critical)

• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.

3. Let cool and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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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

• 1 medium spaghetti squash

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or dairy-free cheese

• ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast halved spaghetti squash (cut-side down) for 35–40 minutes.

2. Scrape out squash strands and place in a large bowl.

3. In a saucepan, heat almond milk and garlic. Stir in cheese until melted.

4. Mix cheese sauce with spaghetti squash. Transfer to baking dish and top with extra cheese if desired.

5. Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

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Low-Carb Pumpkin Mousse

End your meal on a sweet note with this creamy, spiced pumpkin mousse — completely sugar-free and keto-friendly.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree

• ½ cup full-fat coconut cream or heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener

• Chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients until light and fluffy.

2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

3. 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.