17 Keto Thanksgiving Recipes That Won't Ruin Your Diet

Cook Up a Low-Carb Feast

Written by
Laurel Randolph
A fervid lover of the culinary arts and all things Instant Pot, Laurel has been writing about food for 10 years. One of her cookbooks was the #2 cookbook of 2017.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Laurel Randolph
Updated 11/10/20
Spatchcock turkey recipe

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

The keto diet is designed to encourage the body to enter ketosis, a fat-burning phase brought on by a lack of starch and carbs. This means grains, bread, potatoes are off-limits, while high-protein foods like meat and dairy are allowed. The holidays are often a time for abandoning diets, but there's no need to throw away the rule book.

If you're on a keto diet or just trying to eat low carb over the holidays, there are plenty of flavorful dishes that feel indulgent and nothing like diet food. From turkey to dressing to dessert, you won't miss a thing this Thanksgiving.

  • 01 of 17

    Cream of Pumpkin Soup

    Cream of Pumpkin Soup

     Renee Comet / Getty Images

    Homemade cream of pumpkin soup is an ideal first course for your keto-friendly Thanksgiving meal. This recipe calls for canned pumpkin, making this dish fast and easy. If you'd like, you can use homemade pumpkin purée or replace with butternut or acorn squash purée.

  • 02 of 17

    Spatchcock Turkey

    Spatchcock turkey recipe

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    Spatchcocking is a technique for cooking poultry where the backbone is removed so that the bird lays flat. This allows it to cook quicker, more evenly, and with more crispy skin. It's a win-win-win. Swap this recipe's gravy for a keto version.

  • 03 of 17

    Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

    Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

    The Spruce / Laurel Randolph 

    For all of the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese without the mac, swap the pasta for cauliflower. The low-carb version uses roasted cauliflower and is just as satisfying. The sauce is grain and starch-free, too, using cream cheese to flavor and thicken up.

  • 04 of 17

    Keto Cornbread

    Keto Cornbread

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney 

    Good grain-free cornbread seems impossible, but this version is downright delicious. Made with coconut and almond flour, keto cornbread can be easily customized to your tastes. Add a little cheese or jalapeño for extra flavor, or cube it and use for keto stuffing.

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  • 05 of 17

    Keto Stuffing

    Keto Stuffing

     The Spruce / Leah Maroney 

    With all of the classic stuffing flavors including fresh herbs, stock, and sautéed onion and celery, keto stuffing will even fool carb-lovers. Made with keto cornbread, it cooks up just like regular stuffing. You can add cooked, crumbled sausage or dried fruit if you like.

  • 06 of 17

    Quick Shredded Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

    Quick Shredded Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    For a quick take on Brussels sprouts that won't take up space in your oven, shred them and sauté with crispy bacon. A little onion and garlic add even more flavor. This dish takes only minutes to prepare, making it an easy addition to a Thanksgiving menu.

  • 07 of 17

    Cauliflower Stuffing

    Cauliflower Stuffing

    The Spruce Eats / Anita Schecter

    Add sausage to this cauliflower stuffing and you have the perfect fit for the keto diet. The recipe includes all the favorite seasonings, including parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, and it cooks up just like a classic bread dressing. You won't miss a thing when it comes to taste with this hassle-free dish.

  • 08 of 17

    Air Fryer Turkey

    air fryer turkey

    The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

    For a turkey with crispy skin without the hassle and calories of deep frying, cook your bird in an air fryer. This recipe includes a brine, which gives the meat lots of flavor and keeps it moist and tender. Air fryer turkey is great for a smaller meal since it feeds four and frees up your oven for other dishes.

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  • 09 of 17

    Festive Cheese Ball With Pecans

    Festive Cheese Ball With Pecans

    Lauri Patterson / Getty Images 

    With big holiday meals, it's important to set out a snack to give guests something to snack on while you add the finishing touches. A creamy cheese ball coated in chopped pecans is the perfect keto-friendly appetizer. It can be prepared ahead of time and simply arranged on a plate when guests arrive. Serve with seed crackers or veggie sticks.

  • 10 of 17

    Warm Roasted Pumpkin Salad With Maple Tahini Dressing

    Warm Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

    The Spruce / Anita Schecter 

    Roasted pumpkin is tossed with a nutty tahini dressing for this autumnal salad. It's an excellent first course or side dish and adds freshness to what can otherwise be a heavy meal.

  • 11 of 17

    Keto Gravy

    Keto Gravy

     The Spruce / Leah Maroney

    Use pan drippings, chicken stock, or a combination to make a low-carb keto gravy. Egg yolks and a little powdered gelatin thicken up this quick and easy savory sauce. Make it ahead of time, store in the refrigerator, and reheat just before the meal.

  • 12 of 17

    Cloud Bread

    Cloud Bread

     The Spruce / Laurel Randolph

    Made with just a few simple ingredients, cloud bread is gluten-free, grain-free, and keto-friendly. Rather than going totally bread-free for your Thanksgiving feast, serve these light-as-air rounds. They can be flavored with black pepper, chives, fresh herbs, and more.

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  • 13 of 17

    Pumpkin Creme Brulee

    Pumpkin Creme Brulee

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    Gluten-free and not too sugary, pumpkin creme brulee is an ideal way to end your meal. Make them the day before and let them chill in the fridge. When ready to serve, just sprinkle with sugar and torch or broil until browned and crunchy.

  • 14 of 17

    Roasted Turkey

    Roasted Turkey

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    For a centerpiece that is sure to wow your guests, cook up a classic whole roasted turkey. Flavored with butter, fresh herbs, and garlic, you'll end up with a moist bird that's nicely browned. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to avoid over or under-cooking.

  • 15 of 17

    Creamy Mashed Cauliflower and Leeks

    Creamy Mashed Cauliflower and Leeks

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but they are not exactly keto-friendly. Swap the potatoes for cauliflower for a tasty alternative. Tender, sweet leeks, butter, and garlic add flavor. Finished in a food processor with heavy cream, this cauliflower mash doesn't get gluey.

  • 16 of 17

    Easy Skillet Green Beans and Bacon

    Easy Skillet Green Beans and Bacon

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Swap the classic casserole for this easy green bean sauté with crispy bacon. Free of processed food, it adds a nice dose of green to your Thanksgiving spread. Add crispy shallots or onions on top if desired.

    Continue to 17 of 17 below.
  • 17 of 17

    Easy Creamy Pecan Pralines

    Easy Creamy Pecan Pralines

     The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Swap the pecan pie for low-carb pecan pralines. The protein-rich candy is on the sweeter side, making one or two plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whip these up to a week ahead of time, making your day-of prep less stressful.