Hosting a healthy and delicious Thanksgiving meal for your family or friends can be pretty simple and stress free, though it does require some work. To make things easier, I prepare a Thanksgiving menu plan and print my recipes and a shopping list ahead of time so that I can make most of the dishes in the days before. Then, on Thanksgiving, I just have to cook the turkey, roast some veggies and re-heat the dishes I’ve made.
For convenience, you can download my printable shopping list for all of these recipes here.
The Thanksgiving Menu Plan
Turkey (of course)- I prepare by quartering an onion and a lemon and placing inside the cavity before tying. Then, I rub butter on the outside and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and basil. I brown at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes to seal in the juices. Then, I roast according to the instructions for the size bird.
Bread Free Stuffing– Made with roasted turnips and sweet potatoes and flavored with apples, celery, and onions. A great way to add some extra veggies to the meal and to try some delicious root vegetables. The hints of sage and thyme give it the taste of the stuffing you are used to without the artificial ingredients.
Green Bean Casserole– Green beans topped with a homemade (real) cream sauce and topped with pan fried onions in a coconut flour batter. This recipe has all the flavor (and more) of the traditional version without the mystery-soup-in-a-can.
Sweet Potato Casserole – At our house, we much prefer sweet potatoes baked and topped with real butter and sea salt, but if you like the marshmallow topped version, this is a good alternative. It is topped with a homemade egg and honey based “marshmallow” that is very similar in taste and texture… its just missing that high fructose corn syrup aftertaste…
Mashed “Fauxtatoes”– Instead of all the starch of white potatoes (because, really, you are getting plenty of starch on Thanksgiving!), try this cauliflower version that uses pureed cauliflower and all the seasonings of regular mashed potatoes for a delicious substitute.
Cranberry Sauce – A slightly sweet recipe that leaves out the “equal parts sugar” in traditional recipes. Hints of orange and pineapple sweeten it naturally. Great as a garnish on leftover turkey sandwiches.
Bacon and Sea Salt Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Who says kids (or adults) have to dislike Brussels Sprouts. When roasted and topped with bacon and sea salt, Brussels Sprouts can become a side to fight over!
Butternut Squash Soup – If you want to serve a soup course, I recommend this one. We love this slightly sweet soup that tastes like Fall in a bowl.
Parmesan and Sea Salt Asparagus – A delicious side that is equally delicious when the leftovers are used in omelets the next morning. Even the kids like asparagus this way, and we usually serve it with Hollandaise sauce.
Dessert Options
Pumpkin Pie– The typical Thanksgiving dessert but this version gets a makeover without the added sugar and a almond and pecan based crust. (Also equally good for breakfast the next day)
Pumpkin Cheesecake – If you aren’t much of a pumpkin fan or need to feed a bigger group, this recipe has a subtle pumpkin taste rolled into a cheesecake.
Carrot Cake– A healthy version made with coconut flour, lots of eggs (protein!), and spices. Optional cream cheese frosting.
Pecan Pie– This is one of my favorite grain free dessert recipes. With no refined sugar and lots of eggs for protein, it is a relatively healthy dessert for special occasions.
What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? Will you use my shopping list or recipes? Share below!
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