My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

November 15, 2023 by Kalyn Denny29 comments »

This round-up has My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes, and I’m also including ten more honorable mentions! These are the Thanksgiving recipes I make over and over!

Click here to PIN My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes!

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (4)

Thanksgiving is coming right up, and I’m noticing people are checking out the Thanksgiving ideas in the Holiday Recipes! So before you get your menu completely set, I want to make sure you see this collection of My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes.

These are my personal favorites, and some of these are recipes I make every single year for Thanksgiving. And there are also some very delicious honorable mention Thanksgiving Recipes listed after the top ten picks; be sure to check those out as well.

There are some carb splurges among my Thanksgiving favorites!

Since this is mostly once-a-year holiday food for me, not every recipe here is low-carb or gluten-free, although quite a few of them are. I promise you’ll find some very tasty options here, whether you’re keeping it strictly low-carb for Thanksgiving or indulging a bit more for the holiday meal.

Want strictly low-carb and gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes?

If strictly low-carb and gluten-free is what you’re looking for, check these recipes in these round-ups:

  • 24 Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
  • Keto Salad Recipes for Holiday Dinners
  • 25 Keto Thanksgiving Vegetable Recipes
  • Keto Broccoli Recipes for Thanksgiving
  • Keto Brussels Sprouts Recipes

How do you get the complete recipe?

Just click the recipe title to see any recipe; then you can use the diet-type icons to see which diet types that recipe is suitable for. And if you’ve tried one of these favorites in years gone by, recipe ratings are always appreciated or leave a comment letting me know how you liked it!

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (5)

Let’s start with Stuffing Muffins with Sausage and Parmesan. I’ve made these the last few years, and this is something everyone in my family asks for. (EDIT 2021: My niece Kara tested this recipe with Franz Bakery Seven Grain Gluten-Free bread and they worked perfectly so they can be great for a gluten-free option if you use gluten-free bread!)

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (6)

Sweet Potato Gratin was something we couldn’t stop eating when we tested the recipe, and when I made it for some food blogging friends they loved it too. And when I go to my sister Pam’s house for Thanksgiving, her kids always request that I bring this!

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (7)

Sugar-Free Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake is a pumpkin treat that I’ve been making for Thanksgiving for years, and I was happy when I got a better photo to show how good this is!

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (8)

Another recipe I’ve swooned over for a few years is this amazing Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon, Almonds, and Parmesan. If you’ve never tried raw Brussels Sprouts, they’re really delicious; toss in some dried cranberries if you don’t mind a few more carbs.

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (9)

I can tell when it’s getting close to Thanksgiving by the visits to this recipe for Roasted Green Beans with Mushrooms, Balsamic, and Parmesan; this recipe has been Pinned and viewed on the blog millions and millions of times!

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (10)

For years I made Low-Sugar Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie in a graham cracker crust, and you can still find that recipe if you’re a fan. But in 2021 I had the brainstorm to skip the crust and bake it in a springform pan, and I loved this new idea for Sugar-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie.

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (11)

I could never skip this Broccoli Gratinwithout protests from some of my family members, who think this is a must-have vegetable dish for Thanksgiving.

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (12)

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Pine Nuts is the first Brussels Sprouts recipe I made for the blog and I still love this recipe. Many people have raved about this one through the years!

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (13)

Another recipe that quickly became a Thanksgiving favorite was these absolutely amazing Sweet Potato Bites with Feta.

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (14)

And finally, this Easy Brussels Sprouts Gratin is so good it just might win over some Brussels Sprouts avoiders!

More Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes from Kalyn:

  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Feta
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Avocado and Pecans
  • Trina’s Cranberry Salsa
  • Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese
  • Roasted Butternut Squash with Rosemary, Pecans, and Gorgonzola
  • CrockPot or Instant Pot Turkey Breast
  • Roasted Butternut Squash with Lemon, Thyme, and Parmesan
  • Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Pecorino-Romano Cheese
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans and Gorgonzola
  • Onion Gratin

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (15)

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Categories: Holiday Recipes, Recipe Round-Ups, Recipes, Side Dishes, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, South Beach Diet

published on Nov 15, 2023 by Kalyn Denny

29 commentsLeave a comment »

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Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

  1. Hazel AveryReply

    This is my favorite time of the year! I can’t wait for my family to be around. I love these recipes! It's always a challenge to eat healthy around Thanksgiving and not compromise taste! I think this will be perfect. Thank you.

  2. Suzanne PierceReply

    Kalyn, thanks for your great recipes. I see several I would like to make for Thanksgiving, and since we’re having a BIG potluck (30 people) my problem is deciding which ones to make. I often use your recipes and they are my favorites.

    Thanks again for the wonderful service you provide. I sincerely appreciate it.

    Suzanne

    • Kalyn DennyReply

      Suzanne, so kind of you to leave that nice feedback! I am so glad you have been enjoying the recipes!

  3. KirstenReply

    Kalyn,
    Thanks for allowing me to share your round up in my Best Thanksgiving Round Ups post! I appreciate your contribution to the cornucopia of recipes. With your help, we’ve got hundreds of recipes for all sorts of Thanksgiving needs, from setting the table, to making ahead, to vegetarian dishes, to more desserts than my brain can comprehend.
    Happy Thanksgiving!

    • Kalyn DennyReply

      Kirsten, my pleasure and I think doing a round-up of all the round-ups is a brilliant idea. Off to find your post so I can share it!

  4. CiaoFlorentinaReply

    P.S. CONGRATS on 11 Years ! 11 on the 11 that's my favorite number. Auguri !!

  5. CiaoFlorentinaReply

    I am so ready for the holidays this year. I am ready for rusty leaves and lots of sweet potatoes, soups and stews.. fabulous delicious list 🙂

  6. Kalyn DennyReply

    Bambi, I know just what you mean. In my family everyone still wants the same dishes we had 20 years ago! Good for you for trying some new things; hope you enjoy!

  7. bambiReply

    I have so many coming from the little gran kids to the 80 year olds and heavens change traditions. Although this I'm adding your Roasted Green Bean & Mushroom dish plus the Green Bean blue cheese salad. Roasted Brussel Sprouts and as a kicker your Cranberry Salsa with Jalapeno's next along with my traditional but certainly labeled.

  8. Kalyn DennyReply

    Katerina, come on over! So glad you like the recipes.

  9. Diethood.comReply

    You know, Kalyn, I've always wanted to visit Utah… what was your address again? And will you be serving all of the above next week?! 😉

    Everything sounds wonderful! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving Day!! xo

  10. Kalyn DennyReply

    Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. I don't make or eat desserts all that often either, but there is just something about that pumpkin cheesecake that keeps me interested!

  11. bewitchingkitchen.comReply

    Kalyn, I absolutely loved this whole post, but my two favorites are the stuffing in the muffin tin format, and the low sugar pumpkin cheesecake.

    I rarely make desserts, and my husband doesn't care for cheesecake, BUT something tells me I should not care about either of these "issues' and try that recipe.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your loved ones!

  12. Kalyn DennyReply

    Becky I am making those stuffing muffins again this year. I was noticing all the good food on the Utah blogs; we should have our own Thanksgiving after party sometime and try each other's food!

  13. Becky at VintageMixerReply

    I love the stuffing muffin cup ideas and all of your side dishes sounds amazing. Between you, Dara and I's blogs today we have a very delicious spread for a Thanksgiving table!

  14. Kalyn DennyReply

    Thanks Pam!

    Barbara, hope you enjoy the stuffing "muffins." Not many people here (at least where I live) have a big Christmas feast, more likely a nice brunch of just a lunch buffet in the afternoon so it's not so bad.

  15. BarbaraReply

    We don't do Thanksgiving here. Thankfully. I cannot imagine cooking and eating a Thanksgiving and a Christmas Feast so close together. I love the green bean recipe.And I'm going to try the stuffing in muffin pans. Great idea Kalyn.

  16. PamReply

    Drool, drool!! All looks yummy!

  17. Kalyn DennyReply

    Shirley, I love the idea of having a bloggers' Thanksgiving get together! What a job organizing it, but it would sure be fun.

  18. gfe--gluten free easilyReply

    Amazing round-up as usual, Kalyn! So many of those appeal to me! As much as I already have on my menu, I wish I could have more. Just have a bite of each thing, you know? One year we need to have a bloggers' Thanksgiving gathering. We could do it several days before or after Thanksiving or maybe mid-way between Thankgiving and Christmas. 😉 That might seem like too much, but we had our Thanksgiving luncheon at work this past week and I don't think anyone will mind having the real Thanksgiving meal–with many of the same dishes–on Thursday.

    Shirley

  19. Kalyn DennyReply

    Hi Dave. Glad you like the round-up. I usually don't have time to go back and find photos to submit to eRecipecards, but since I just saved this photo for this the post, just submitted it!

  20. Just a Fan of the ShowReply

    I am in love with…

    Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Cups with Sour Cream, Chipotle, and Lime

    They look beautiful, perfect size for a big dinner and just sound delicious! Hint: Would love to see that one added to your recipe file on eRecipecards!

    What a wonderful roundup!

    Dave

  21. Kalyn DennyReply

    Katie, I do agree completely that the side dishes are the best part. Happy Thanksgiving even if you're not officially celebrating.

  22. KatieReply

    They all look wonderful – makes me want to do Thanksgiving. Maybe I will, not the turkey, can't get those until Christmas, just the sides. They're the best part anyway. LOL

  23. Kalyn DennyReply

    Thanks Pam. I hate winter but I love winter squash!

    Lydia, you must make the cranberry salsa!

    Jeanette, would love to have you come; any time. (As if your family would let you leave at Thanksgiving, ha!)

  24. JeanetteReply

    I would love to be invited to your house for Thanksgiving! Everything looks fabulous, such a nice spread.

  25. Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)Reply

    Great selection of recipes — I'm reconsidering my menu now and might have to make a swap or two with something from this list.

  26. PamReply

    They all look good, especially the squash.

My Top Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest food for Thanksgiving? ›

Go for small amounts of cooked squash, sweet potato, white potato, beans and carrots. Try to use whole-grain breads and cereals whenever possible; they are rich in fiber and the B vitamins that are not so abundant in simple carbohydrates (white and refined grains, cereals, flours and starches).

How to have a healthy Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Lighten Your Recipes
  1. Skip the cream. Use Greek yogurt or whole milk instead in mashed potatoes, creamy soups, and creamed onion or spinach recipes.
  2. Reduce the sugar. Cut it back by 10 to 25 percent in baking recipes. ...
  3. Add some fiber. ...
  4. Upgrade the stuffing. ...
  5. Be sodium savvy. ...
  6. Boost nutrition.
Nov 22, 2021

What is the unhealthiest food on Thanksgiving? ›

14 Unhealthiest Thanksgiving Sides To Avoid This Year
  • Sweet potato casserole. Foodio/Shutterstock. ...
  • Green bean casserole. from my point of view/Shutterstock. ...
  • Ambrosia salad. Alleko/Getty Images. ...
  • Jell-O salad. Islandleigh/Getty Images. ...
  • Dinner rolls. Say-cheese/Getty Images. ...
  • Mashed potatoes. ...
  • Potatoes au gratin. ...
  • Macaroni and cheese.
Nov 6, 2023

What is the healthiest meat for Thanksgiving? ›

Both chicken and turkey are lean proteins, especially if you avoid dark meat. Turkey breast and chicken breast both have about 26 g of protein in each 3 oz serving, according to USDA data, making them an excellent source of protein. Chicken breast has only slightly more fat, with 3 g to turkey's 2 g per serving.

What should I eat on Thanksgiving to not gain weight? ›

5 Healthy Food Swaps to Avoid Weight Gain This Thanksgiving
  • Eat Pumpkin Pie Instead of Pecan Pie. ...
  • Grill Instead of Frying. ...
  • Swap Mashed Potatoes for Mashed Cauliflower. ...
  • Serve Brussels Sprouts Instead of Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Use Wild Rice Instead of Pilaf.

What are the top 3 Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Top 10 Thanksgiving Dishes
  1. Turkey.
  2. Stuffing/Dressing.
  3. Pumpkin Pie.
  4. Sweet Potato Casserole.
  5. Mashed Potatoes.
  6. Ham.
  7. Green Bean Casserole.
  8. Cranberry Jelly.
Nov 22, 2023

What is an ideal Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Traditional Thanksgiving dinner includes Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing (or “dressing”), and some kind of pie for dessert, typically pumpkin, apple, or pecan. Common sides are green bean casserole, scalloped corn, and roasted sweet potatoes.

What is the healthiest way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey? ›

Rustveld suggests air frying your turkey as a healthier alternative to deep frying. It takes less time at 400 degrees, and the end product contains less fat since you do not need to add oil. “Deep frying is not as healthy as air frying, roasting or grilling,” he said.

What are 3 ways that you can save money on Thanksgiving dinner? ›

But there are several things you can do to save money and still create a traditional Thanksgiving dinner everyone will love.
  • Plan a Budget. ...
  • Scale Back the Menu. ...
  • Start Shopping Early. ...
  • Use Coupons & Savings Apps. ...
  • Buy In-Season Produce. ...
  • Don't Go Overboard on Appetizers. ...
  • Keep Beverages Simple. ...
  • Have a Plan for Leftovers.

What can I eat instead of Thanksgiving food? ›

Alternatives could be:
  • Baked Stuffed Shrimp dinner or any seafood, saffron herbed rice, seasonal vegetables.
  • Beef Crown Rib Roast dinner with Potatoes Gratin Dauphinoise and asparagus.
  • Roast Leg of Lamb with wine, lemon, garlic, and rosemary, Brussel sprouts, wild rice.
Nov 5, 2023

Why shouldn't you eat turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

What's Bugging You? There are all sorts of killer bacteria found in turkey flesh, including salmonella and campylobacter.

What is the most unhealthy dish in the United States? ›

40 of the Unhealthiest Restaurant Meals in America
  • McDonald's Double Bacon Smokehouse Burger. ...
  • El Pollo Loco Chicken Avocado Quesadilla. ...
  • Wendy's Full Size Taco Salad. ...
  • KFC Chicken and Waffles Sandwich. ...
  • KFC Georgia Gold Extra Crispy Chicken. ...
  • Wendy's Dave's Triple Burger. ...
  • IHOP's Big Farmhouse BreakFEAST.
Jul 30, 2018

What is healthier than turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Try it out on Thanksgiving by substituting tofu for your turkey. Tofu can be cooked in a variety of flavorful ways and comes with a ton of nutritional benefits including a lot of calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B, and protein.

What should you eat instead of turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

What is better to eat than turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

So go ahead and shake things up this Thanksgiving with one of these flavorful alternatives to cooking up a whole bird this year, like mushroom, Gruyère, & spinach-stuffed pork tenderloin, vegan mushroom pot pie, or a juicy prime rib. We're not sure how it happened, but Team Delish is all about a Thanksgiving lasagna.

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