Thanksgiving is a time for feasting and enjoying delicious food with loved ones. However, if you’re following a keto diet, you might be concerned about how to navigate the holiday while sticking to your dietary goals. Fret not! We’ve compiled a list of 9 mouthwatering keto-friendly Thanksgiving recipes that will keep both your taste buds and your health in check.
1. Roasted Herb Turkey
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix the softened butter, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Gently loosen the turkey skin and rub the herb butter mixture underneath.
- Roast the turkey for about 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
2. Cauliflower Mash
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender.
- Drain well and transfer to a food processor.
- Add garlic, cream cheese, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Ingredients:
- 24 asparagus spears
- 12 slices bacon
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Divide the asparagus into bundles of 2-3 spears.
- Wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon and secure with toothpicks.
- Place the bundles on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
4. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together spinach, artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Lemon-Herb Grilled Salmon
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
6. Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or boil the green beans until tender-crisp.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced almonds and sauté until golden.
- Stir in the lemon juice and cooked green beans.
- Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
7. Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until very tender.
- Drain well and transfer to a food processor.
- Add garlic, heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning and serve.
8. Herb-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy and browned.
9. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup powdered erythritol
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree, erythritol, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze until firm, then enjoy!
Conclusion
With these 9 delectable keto-friendly Thanksgiving recipes, you can indulge in the holiday spirit while staying true to your dietary choices. From succulent turkey to creamy cauliflower mash and delightful pumpkin cheesecake bites, your Thanksgiving feast is bound to be both satisfying and keto-approved. So gather your loved ones, savor these delicious dishes, and give thanks for a healthy and flavorful celebration.
