Sure, on a keto diet you can bypass the stuffing, cranberry sauce, and whipped-cream-topped sweet treats like pumpkin cheesecake and focus on turkey and whatever carb-free greens are on the table. But why sacrifice when you can indulge in all the traditional Thanksgiving goodness and stay keto?
Here, we share exactly how to have the ultimate keto Thanksgiving, whether you’re hosting the affair or are a guest. If you’re wondering just how great it can be, consider this: even stuffing and pie are back on the menu with our low-carb Thanksgiving recipes.
How to Host a Keto Thanksgiving
If you’re on a ketogenic diet, hosting and cooking keto Thanksgiving recipes for Thanksgiving is the easiest way to ensure you get to fully partake in the feast and stay in ketosis. The best part? The food is so delicious, even non-keto diners will be delighted with your spread.
Following are recommended keto Thanksgiving-feast recipes for everything from keto turkey and gravy to keto stuffing and mashed “fauxtatoes.” Just add friends, and you’re good to go! You can also make some of this menu and embellish with family favorites. That way there’ll be enough at the table to allow you to fast and skip the “carbage” without affecting your family’s food traditions.
Keto Thanksgiving Drink Recipes
- Bubbly and still water
- Dry wines (red and white)
Keto Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes
These low-carb keto recipes for easy finger foods will delight everyone. Serve them as tray-passed hor d’oeuvres or offer them at the buffet. Either way, they’re festive and delicious.
- Keto Pesto Deviled Eggs (the classic with perkier flavor thanks to Parmesan, basil, and more)
- Keto Zucchini Fritters with Curry Sour Cream (an easy make-ahead)
- Keto Moroccan Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt Herb Dip (always a hit!)
- Keto Creamy Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms (light yet decadent)
- Keto Smoked Salmon Dip (creamy and perfect)
- Keto Blini Party Appetizer (fancy finger food)
Keto Thanksgiving Main Course Recipes
Even carb-loading foodies will be delighted with your entree if you serve any of the following keto main courses for your Thanksgiving meal.
- Dry Brined Turkey with Keto Turkey Gravy (Yes, totally keto gravy!)
- Keto Maple-Mustard Glazed Ham (classic with a slightly crispy, sweet crust)
- Keto Lamb Roast with Chimichurri Sauce (easy and elegant)
Keto Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
Paleo, dairy-free, grain-free, keto … with a keto stuffing recipe, a sugar-free cranberry sauce, veggies, and more, this collection of fantastic low-carb keto sides are so good, you won’t even miss the cornbread stuffing or mashed potatoes!
- Keto Maple-Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts (sweet, savory, sautéed, and irresistible)
- Keto Herbed Sausage Stuffing (unlike common cauliflower stuffing; this one features keto bread!)
- Keto Green Bean Casserole (classic, creamy with mushrooms and crispy shallots)
- Keto Cauliflower Gratin with Crunchy Almond Topping (forget cauliflower rice and go with this cauliflower casserole!)
- Mashed Fauxtatoes (think way wonderful cauliflower mash)
- Keto Cranberry-Walnut Sauce (all the flavor and none of the sugar)
- Keto Summer Squash and Zucchini Grati (herb-kissed cream cheese sauce with crunchy topping)
- Keto Cheesy Daikon “Potato Gratin” (you’ll hardly know that they’re not potatoes)
Keto Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
- Keto Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing and Keto-Candied Pecans (sweet-‘n-smoky dressing brings it all together)
- Keto Winter Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette (radicchio, fennel, hazelnuts and goat cheese, wow!)
- Keto Roasted Eggplant, Red Pepper, and Avocado Salad (amazing combo of ingredients makes for a hearty salad)
Keto Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
Whether you crave keto desserts seasoned with pumpkin pie spice, a delicious no-bake cream-cheese based cream pie, or something chocolatey or nutty, we’ve got you covered. If you have almond flour, coconut flour, an alternative sweetener like erythritol (they’re available on Amazon, if you can’t find them locally), you’ve got the foundation ingredients to make epic, gluten-free, low-carb recipes, including the best keto pie crusts to use for other desserts, including keto pumpkin pie (though the mousse tart below is way better). You can even use a little pumpkin puree (a little goes a long way and has carbs, so follow be sure to count net carbs as you decide on your desserts).
- Keto Pumpkin Spice Mousse Tart (better than pumpkin pie!)
- Keto Pecan Pie (just like you remember, minus the sugar; add keto ice cream if you like!)
- Keto Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Keto Glaze (a chocolate lover’s dream cake)
- Keto Coconut Cream Pie (light, creamy, and fluffy)
How to Enjoy a Keto Thanksgiving as a Guest
Obviously, hosting Thanksgiving dinner gives you far greater control over the menu and more knowledge of what’s in each dish so you can monitor your consumption of what’s keto-friendly and what’s not. But you can still feast like a champion if you’re a guest at someone else’s table. Here’s how:
Ask what’s on the menu.
It’s a lot easier to ensure keto success if you know what you’re walking into and can plan accordingly. If you’re comfortable speaking openly with your host, tell him or her that you’re keto and ask what’s on the menu, including ingredients, so you can know what contains sugar, flour, and other unfriendly ingredients.
Offer to bring a dish or two.
If the host is serving turkey, you should be in good shape for the entree, but the side dishes and desserts are another story. Maybe there will be a salad you can enjoy, and if you’re lucky, some green beans or other vegetable dishes. But you can ensure you’re covered if you offer to bring a side dish and a dessert. Choose from any of the above recipes, which easily feed crowds.
If all else fails: strategize.
If you aren’t in a position to work with the host or bring a dish, and you still want to attend the dinner, a little strategy goes a long way. You can eat beforehand to ensure you’re not seriously hungry, then search for keto-friendly foods upon arrival (nuts, deviled eggs, meat and cheese platters, turkey, sugar-free and carb-free vegetable dishes) and tuck away a snack and a small, low-carb dessert for yourself (Hello, Chocolate Peanut Butter Fat Bombs); it’s much easier to stay on track amid the pressures of aromas and mouthwatering food landscapes if you have treats for yourself.
However you spend Thanksgiving, remember that you don’t have to abandon your weight-loss goals and dive into the sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or sugary pumpkin pie to enjoy yourself. A keto meal, complete with gravy, low-carb stuffing, and all the fixings can be yours! Also, alcohol can lower your resolve, so be mindful of how much you drink and focus on the company. The most satisfying meal is one spent with people you love.
