Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to gather with loved ones and share delicious food, but it can also be a challenge for those following specific diets—like keto! That’s why I’m super excited to share my favorite *keto thanksgiving sides* that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their dietary needs. These dishes are not only flavorful and satisfying, but they also help keep those carb counts low while still bringing that festive spirit to your table. Trust me, these sides will have everyone coming back for seconds, and you won’t even miss the traditional options!
Ingredients for Keto Thanksgiving Sides
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful keto sides that everyone will love:
- 1 lb cauliflower, riced – I like to use fresh cauliflower for the best texture, but frozen works too!
- 2 cups broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re nice and vibrant!
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – This adds a luscious creaminess that makes it feel indulgent.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – My go-to for that gooey, cheesy goodness!
- 3 tbsp butter – Use unsalted for better control over the seasoning.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – For that subtle garlic flavor that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skimp on seasoning; it really brings everything together!
How to Prepare Keto Thanksgiving Sides
Let’s get cooking! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when we need it. While that’s warming up, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Bring it to a boil and toss in your riced cauliflower and broccoli florets. Boil them for about 10 minutes until they’re tender and ready to be mashed.
Once they’re nice and soft, drain the veggies well and return them to the pot. Now, it’s time to add that delicious heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to mash everything together until it’s smooth and creamy, ensuring all those flavors meld beautifully. Transfer your mixture into a baking dish and pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Why You’ll Love These Keto Thanksgiving Sides
- They’re quick to prepare, making your holiday cooking stress-free!
- Super easy to make, even if you’re new to keto cooking.
- Packed with flavor, everyone will be raving about these sides!
- Low-carb and keto-friendly, perfect for those watching their intake.
- Vegetable-based, so they add a healthy touch to your feast.
Tips for Success with Keto Thanksgiving Sides
To make sure your keto thanksgiving sides turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always taste as you go; adjusting the seasoning is key to elevating flavors! If you want to amp up the richness, don’t hesitate to add more cream or cheese—go big or go home, right? Also, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun twist. And if you’re short on time, using pre-riced cauliflower can save you a step in prep. Lastly, be sure to let the dish cool slightly before digging in; that way, the flavors really settle in!
Nutritional Information for Keto Thanksgiving Sides
When it comes to enjoying these delicious keto thanksgiving sides, it’s great to know what you’re eating! Each serving is estimated to have about 250 calories, with 22g of fat, 7g of protein, and only 8g of carbohydrates. Plus, you’ll be keeping those sugar levels low at just 3g per serving. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands or quantities you use. So, feel free to adjust as needed and enjoy your guilt-free feast!
FAQ About Keto Thanksgiving Sides
Got questions about these keto thanksgiving sides? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen veggies can be just as delicious and convenient, plus they save you some prep time.
Are these sides suitable for meal prep?
Yes! They store well in the fridge for a few days, making them perfect for meal prepping your keto meals.
How can I make these sides spicier?
If you love a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix!
What other keto-friendly sides can I serve?
Consider pairing these with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a full spread of low-carb options!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When it comes to making these keto thanksgiving sides, there are a few ingredient notes and substitutions that can really help you customize your dish! For the cauliflower, if you can’t find riced cauliflower, you can easily make your own by pulsing florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. If you want to switch things up, try using broccoli rabe or even zucchini ribbons instead of broccoli for a different veggie twist.
As for the cheese, feel free to experiment with other varieties like gouda or feta for unique flavors. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream or cashew cream can be great alternatives to heavy cream! And if you’re looking to add some protein, crispy bacon bits are a delicious addition!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Keto Thanksgiving Sides
Got leftovers? No problem! Just transfer your keto thanksgiving sides to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just make sure to cover them to keep moisture in. Enjoy those tasty bites all over again!
Serving Suggestions for Keto Thanksgiving Sides
When it comes to serving these scrumptious keto thanksgiving sides, think about pairing them with a perfectly roasted turkey or ham for that classic holiday feel. I love to add a fresh green salad on the side, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the cheese. You could also serve some garlic butter shrimp or grilled chicken for extra protein. And don’t forget a zesty cranberry sauce—just make sure it’s low sugar to keep it keto-friendly! Enjoy the feast!
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Keto Thanksgiving Sides: 5 Delicious Low-Carb Options
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A collection of delicious keto-friendly side dishes for your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cauliflower, riced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, boil cauliflower and broccoli until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain and return to the pot.
- Add heavy cream, cheddar cheese, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mash until smooth.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Can substitute cheddar with your preferred cheese.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: keto thanksgiving sides, low carb sides, keto recipes
