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? ›

White turkey meat, plain vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, defatted gravy, and pumpkin pie tend to be the best bets because they are lower in fat and calories.

What are the top 5 Thanksgiving foods? ›

Your Ranking
  1. Turkey.
  2. Gravy.
  3. Sweet potatoes.
  4. Bread or rolls.
  5. Stuffing or dressing.
  6. Mac and cheese.
  7. Ham.
  8. Green beans.
Nov 17, 2023

What items from Thanksgiving dinners could be used to provide you with a balanced diet? ›

6 Healthy Foods to Add to Your Plate This Thanksgiving
  • Roasted vegetables. It shouldn't come as any surprise that roasted vegetables top the list of healthy Thanksgiving foods. ...
  • A seasonal salad. ...
  • Turkey. ...
  • Brussels sprouts. ...
  • Butternut squash. ...
  • Fresh bread. ...
  • And don't forget...
Nov 1, 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 is the unhealthiest Thanksgiving food? ›

Unhealthy: Stuffing

“Bacon, sausage, mince meat, giblets, and a variety of similar ingredients find their way into many a stuffing, which takes an already unhealthy dish — often topping 500 calories per serving, depending on the recipe — to an entirely new level of unhealthy,” she said.

What are the 10 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

Here are our favorite traditional Thanksgiving dishes that are delicious and easy to make.
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: Up to 4 people. ...
  • Stuffing. ...
  • Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  • Baked Corn. ...
  • Mac and cheese. ...
  • Peas & Water Chestnuts. ...
  • Fresh Rolls.
Oct 28, 2021

What is the most loved Thanksgiving dish? ›

America's different regions can favor different local cuisines, and Thanksgiving dinner provides no exception. While turkey is the top selection in every region, side-dish challenger mashed potatoes are tied for first place in the Midwest (both winning 85% of matchups) and West (both winning 79%).

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 I eat on Thanksgiving to not gain weight? ›

Try these healthy options for Thanksgiving dinner:
  • Beets. These sweet and savory vegetables are an excellent source of essential nutrients, including iron and magnesium.
  • Brussel sprouts. ...
  • Butternut squash soup. ...
  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • White Turkey Meat.

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 the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
  • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
  • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
  • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
  • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
  • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
Oct 26, 2023

What is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table? ›

A Thanksgiving meal is not complete until the turkey is on the table. Turkeys are large, so we get it, but they don't have to be intimidating. The one thing you can do to ensure a bird that stays juicy and doesn't dry out in the oven: Brine it! Get the Dry Brine Turkey recipe.

What are 3 main foods on Thanksgiving? ›

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. But the way these dishes are made or added to is everchanging because of food trends and different dietary requirements.

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

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