20+ Easy Keto Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Keto Thanksgiving Side Dishes for a Low Carb Holiday Feast
20+ Easy Keto Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
As we settle into the fall season, our thoughts start to wander to delicious homemade dishes and sharing time with family and friends. These keto Thanksgiving side dishes give you a fun, unique twist on classic, nostalgic recipes without having to deviate from your low-carb or keto lifestyle.
Quick note from Stacy: I’ve been eating low-carb and keto since 2017, and the holidays never throw me off — mostly because there are so many delicious, satisfying options that don’t feel like deprivation. A few smart choices keep me feeling great instead of sluggish and guilty, and these are the recipes I reach for year after year.
Whether you’re hosting a fully keto Thanksgiving or just want a few lighter options on the table, this list has you covered with low carb options: veggie sides, hearty casseroles, dips, and even stuffing-style recipes. If you’re newer to keto or low-carb eating, you can also read this overview of the ketogenic diet from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for a quick refresh before planning your menu.
Here are 20+ low-carb and keto Thanksgiving side dishes you will love this year.
Keto Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas
1. Keto Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These air fryer zucchini fries are super easy to make and will be such a fun and delicious side to your Thanksgiving dinner. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfect for dipping.
2. Low Carb Raspberry Chia Jam Recipe
You can make this raspberry chia jam to spread onto Thanksgiving rolls in just 10 minutes. Plus, you’ll love that it is low-carb and low-sugar – perfect for a keto diet.
3. Keto Raspberry Brie Bites Recipe
Use your homemade raspberry chia jam in this awesome appetizer. These raspberry brie bites are not only cute and fun, but they also taste so good and feel fancy enough for a holiday spread.
4. Easy Oven Roasted Asparagus
Simple and easy but oh-so-flavorful, these oven roasted asparagus spears are sure to make your holiday meal complete. Feel free to add some garlic to top it off for a nice garlicky touch.
5. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Maple Syrup
You can make these delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts covered with bacon and maple syrup in just under 30 minutes. Your family will love this one as a side dish this Thanksgiving.
6. Easy Cheesy Bacon Dip Recipe
This easy and cheesy bacon dip is a perfect keto side dish or appetizer for Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, you only need five ingredients!
7. Oven Roasted Ranch Baby Carrots
Ready in 30 minutes, these ranch style carrots are kid-friendly and roasted to perfection. Adjust the portion if you’re watching carbs closely, but they’re a great real-food upgrade from sugary glazed carrots.
8. Keto Mashed Cauliflower
If you’re craving traditional mashed potatoes, give this creamy low-carb mashed cauliflower recipe a try. It’s rich, buttery, and perfect with gravy.
9. Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad “Gurkensalat” (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo)
Light and bursting with flavorful dill, these thinly sliced cucumbers are an excellent addition for those who desire a side dish that is fresh, tangy, and allergen-friendly.
10. Bacon Green Beans Almondine
This green bean recipe is so comforting and nourishing, you’ll want it in your regular rotation all fall and winter long.
11. Keto Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
This gluten-free recipe for low-carb Hawaiian rolls is a major crowd pleaser. You won’t even miss the regular rolls.
12. Sugar Free/Low-Carb Cranberry Sauce
This sugar-free holiday go-to cranberry sauce recipe features antioxidant-rich cranberries and fresh lemon for a citrusy zing.
13. Brussels Sprouts
Holiday meals aren’t complete without the Brussels sprouts! Using only a few simple ingredients, this recipe keeps things flavorful and low-carb.
14. Bacon Cheeseburger Dip
This absolutely mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger dip can be served with keto-friendly veggies or low-carb crackers. It’s rich, cheesy, and perfect for pre-dinner snacking.
15. Chinese Style Vegan Tofu Mince
This protein-packed vegan tofu mince dish is a great savory addition to your holiday recipe lineup, especially if you’re feeding both keto and plant-based guests.
16. Vegan Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad
Oh my goodness, this roasted beetroot and onion salad recipe is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the tummy! It’s bright, tangy, and beautiful on a Thanksgiving table.
17. Roasted Green Beans With Garlic
Fresh, simple, and clean, these crispy green beans are topped with crushed garlic cloves for a light and nutrient-dense side dish.
18. Keto Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Topped with ooey-gooey cheese, these Brussels sprouts are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and feel extra cozy for a holiday meal.
19. Keto Roasted Radishes
Plump little roasted radishes get a total makeover in this holiday recipe thanks to minced garlic, fragrant rosemary, and oregano.
20. Sausage and Mushroom Cauliflower Stuffing
Hearty and comforting, this savory sausage and mushroom cauliflower stuffing is a fun and delectable twist on traditional stuffing without the bread.
21. How to Make Cauliflower Rice
If you love rice but not the carbs, this tutorial for cauliflower rice shows you how to make a versatile side dish that can be dressed up with any spices or add-ins you love.
22. Keto Green Bean Casserole
Traditional green bean casserole gets a healthy keto upgrade in this recipe. It keeps all the creamy, crunchy comfort you love with a lower-carb base.
Tips for Keeping Your Thanksgiving Keto-Friendly
- Focus on protein + veggies first. Build your plate around turkey, ham, or another main protein, then fill in with low-carb veggie sides like the green beans, Brussels sprouts, and salads from this list.
- Swap starches for cauliflower. Use mashed cauliflower, cauliflower rice, or cauliflower “stuffing” wherever you’d normally lean on potatoes, bread, or rice.
- Watch sneaky sugars. Gravies, sauces, glazes, and store-bought cranberry sauce can hide a lot of sugar. Go for homemade low-carb versions whenever you can.
- Bring at least one keto appetizer. Dips, brie bites, and veggie-based snacks help you stay satisfied while everyone else grazes on crackers and rolls.
- Have a small snack before. Having something (like protein) in your stomach allows you to wait on the main meal and make smart choices about any appetizers offered.
Final Thoughts on Keto Side Dishes
We hope that your holidays are filled with festive parties, cozy moments with loved ones, and gourmet keto recipes from this list. Thanksgiving will never be the same again, thanks to these nutritious, low-carb, mouthwatering dishes. You’ll be making many of these keto Thanksgiving side dishes for years to come!
Tell us in the comments which recipe you are most excited to try – or share your favorite keto Thanksgiving side dish idea so we can add even more options to this list.
























