Go ahead and indulge with these low-carb Thanksgiving recipes that have less than 8 carbs per serving. Now that's something to be thankful for!
44 Low-Carb Thanksgiving Recipes
Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
1/44
Roasted Sage Turkey with Vegetable Gravy
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
16 servings (3-1/2 cups gravy)
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s no prep like home-style when roasting the big bird. Instead of sage stuffing with turkey, fill this bird with fresh sage and thyme sprigs for the same delicious flavors. —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
9 ounces cooked turkey with about 1/4 cup gravy: 514 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 215mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 64g protein.
2/44
Make-Ahead Maple & Sage Gravy
Total Time
3 hours 45 min
Servings
3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Save those turkey wings! Then use this richly flavored stock in my pour-it-on-everything herbed gravy. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 89 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
3/44
Secret-Ingredient Stuffed Eggs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My take on deviled eggs is full of surprises. The down-home appetizer Mom used to make gets an upscale touch from mango, goat cheese and pecans. People love these tempting treats. —Beth Satterfield, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 94 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
4/44
Cheese & Garlic Biscuits
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My biscuits won the prize for best quick bread at my county fair. One of the judges liked them so much, she asked for the recipe! These buttery, savory biscuits go with just about anything. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 81 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/44
Tangy Bacon Green Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother’s Pennsylvania Dutch-style recipe turns plain old green beans into a tangy cross between three-bean and German potato salads. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 173 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
6/44
Pumpkin Pie Shots
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 shot: 39 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
7/44
Make-Ahead Turkey and Gravy
Total Time
5 hours 5 min
Servings
16 servings (2-1/2 cups gravy)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ease the holiday time crunch with a make-ahead turkey recipe that's ready to serve when you are. It's a great choice for potlucks, too. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
8 ounces cooked turkey with about 2-1/2 tablespoons gravy: 480 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 218mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 64g protein.
8/44
Fresh Green Bean Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a green bean salad at a local deli and enjoyed it so much that I tried to re-create it at home. The result was yummy! It lasts for several days in the fridge, and the taste keeps getting better. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 106 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
9/44
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
After making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
10/44
Spinach-Parm Casserole
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 239 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
11/44
How to Grill a Turkey
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys this Thanksgiving turkey because it cooks up tender, tasty and golden brown. Build up flavor by marinating the meat, then grill it to add a tempting barbecued flavor. —Ken Churches, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
9 ounces cooked turkey (calculated without gravy): 407 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 67g protein.
12/44
Cherry Tomato Bites
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cherry tomatoes may be small, but these are full of amazing flavor. Plus, they add color to any table. —Rev. David Bostedt, Zephyrhills, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 each: 72 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/44
Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandkids were never huge fans of cauliflower, but the bacon makes a big difference in this dish. They like it even more with golden cauliflower instead of white. — Patricia Hudson, Riverview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 137 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
14/44
Cheesy Zucchini Saute
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Although I no longer have a garden of my own, friends and neighbors keep me amply supplied with squash. As a thank-you, I tell them how to make this refreshing zucchini saute. It's quick, easy and oh, so tasty! —Doris Biggs, Felton, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 157 calories, 13g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
15/44
Cranberry Brie Bites
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family hosts a holiday drop-in each year, and that's where these cranberry Brie bites made their first appearance. They're easy to make, but look like a gourmet treat. —Cindy Davis, Bonita Springs, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 66 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
16/44
Turkey Brine
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For an impressive main course, look here. The moist, flavorful bird will have guests counting the minutes until carving time. — Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
10 ounces cooked turkey: 837 calories, 59g fat (25g saturated fat), 315mg cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 73g protein.
17/44
Garlic Broccoli
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love broccoli, especially with lots of garlic. This recipe is wonderful for a special occasion, but it’s so quick that I usually fix it once a week in our home. Everyone gobbles it up. —Caramia Sommers, Oswego, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 53 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
18/44
Roasted Root Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pleasantly seasoned with rosemary and garlic, this appealing side dish showcases good-for-you roasted turnips, carrots and potatoes. It's a nice homey addition to our family's holiday meal. —Kerry Sullivan, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 55 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
19/44
Garlic Rosemary Turkey
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The house smells so good while this turkey is cooking that my family can hardly wait to eat! The garlic, herbs and lemon are so simple, but they're all you really need for this turkey to shine. —Cathy Dobbins, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
9 ounces cooked turkey (calculated without gravy): 414 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 66g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 very lean meat.
20/44
Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season. It's so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 95 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
21/44
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
22/44
Lemon-Pepper Broccoli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh green broccoli turns tangy and tasty when roasted with lemon juice and pepper. A sprinkle of almonds adds crunch. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 84 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
23/44
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These yummy deviled eggs went over so well at our summer cookouts, I started making them for holiday dinners, too. Everyone likes the flavorful addition of crumbled bacon. —Barbara Reid, Mounds, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 67 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
24/44
Blue Cheese-Mushroom Stuffed Tenderloin
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s my go-to entree for just about any special occasion. Filled with a savory stuffing, the sliced tenderloin looks and tastes like a specialty from an upscale restaurant. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 499 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 52g protein.
25/44
Mushroom Sour Cream Gravy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma made this gravy every Thanksgiving to drizzle over sliced turkey and stuffing. When I have leftover turkey and mushroom gravy, I chop the turkey into small pieces and add it to the gravy. I serve it over a piece of bread, open-face style. —Joy Mellwig, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 66 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
26/44
Zucchini Patties with Dill Dip
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen (3/4 cup dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
These crisp-tender patties are a nice alternative to crab cakes and taste very similar, thanks to the seafood seasoning. They always get gobbled up! —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty with 1-1/2 teaspoons dip: 93 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
27/44
Asparagus and Green Beans with Tarragon Lemon Dip
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tarragon balances the tangy flavor from lemon in the creamy sauce covering vibrant asparagus and green beans. I serve this as a side dish as well as an appetizer. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 183 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
28/44
Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Try this flavorful, easy-fix, tender slow-cooker entree when you're craving turkey. —Maria Juco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked turkey: 173 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
29/44
Gravy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Make your Thanksgiving or other special-occasion dinner easy with this can't-miss homemade gravy recipe. Use the drippings from your roasted turkey, and the gravy is done in just 20 minutes. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 165 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
30/44
Sweet Potato Tartlets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
15 tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
My family can't resist sweet potatoes when they're mashed, placed in crunchy phyllo shells and topped with marshmallows. The bite-size tarts are fun to eat, too! —Marla Clark, Moriarty, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 41 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 16mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
31/44
Maple-Sage Brined Turkey
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When the leaves start turning, it’s turkey time at our house. We use maple-sage brine to help brown the bird and make the meat incredibly juicy. —Kimberly Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked turkey with skin: 384 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 51g protein.
32/44
Mushroom & Leek Strudel
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 strudels (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This elegant hors d'oeuvre is almost effortless. Use fresh herbs if possible, and feel free to sub in whole wheat phyllo. —Lisa Diehl, Edina, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 100 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
33/44
Broccoli Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
34/44
Green Bean Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve up those green beans in a whole new way–with a green bean salad recipe! The tangy flavors and crunch of these balsamic green beans complement any special meal or holiday potluck. —Megan Spencer, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 77 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
35/44
Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 24 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
36/44
Hot & Spicy Roasted Turkey Legs
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn’t love turkey legs at a street fair? Why wait for the next fair when you can make incredible turkey legs at home? Grab the seasonings and begin! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 turkey drumstick: 937 calories, 50g fat (13g saturated fat), 343mg cholesterol, 587mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 113g protein.
37/44
Spice-Rubbed Ham
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This low carb ham recipe is perfect—sweet and smoky, with just enough clove and ginger flavor to let you know you're in for a holiday treat. —Sharon Tipton, Winter Garden, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked ham: 139 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 858mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
38/44
Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At party time, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 79 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
39/44
Spinach Souffle
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You just can't make an easier, more delicious side dish than this. It's great with beef, pork and lamb, and I especially like serving it for a festive occasion like New Year's Eve. —Bette Duffy, Kenmore, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 375 calories, 33g fat (20g saturated fat), 228mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
40/44
Rainbow Veggie Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every salad should be colorful and crunchy like this one with its bright tomatoes, carrots, peppers and sassy spring mix. Toss with your best dressing. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 64 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
41/44
Holiday Crown Pork Roast
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crown roast makes a regal Christmas dinner. Flavored with rosemary, sage and thyme, it’s elegant and simple, a real blessing during the hectic holidays. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 rib: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein.
42/44
Truffle Cherries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate is popular at our house, especially during the holidays, so these double chocolate gems never last long! —Anne Drouin, Dunnville, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 57 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
43/44
Brussels Sprouts with Garlic & Goat Cheese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings (2/3 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to up my veggie game, so I smothered Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese. It's really a side dish, but I love to eat it for lunch! —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 81 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
44/44
Roasted Herb & Lemon Cauliflower
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 161 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
