|November 15, 2021

12 Low-Carb Thanksgiving Sides for Everyone at the Holiday Table

By Stephen Sheehan
Reviewed by Emily Gonzalez, ND for Scientific Accuracy

Concerned about consuming too many carbohydrates during Thanksgiving dinner? For those on a low-carb or keto diet, the holiday season can be a challenge, as many of our favorite side dishes feature less-than-friendly macros. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to say goodbye to comfort food and fill your plate with boring, bland veggies.

These 12 low-carb Thanksgiving sides will allow you to enjoy every bite of your meal with zero guilt. So, if you’re searching for the perfect sides to pair with a beautifully browned, oven-roasted turkey, these Bulletproof-backed recipes will surely leave everyone at your Thanksgiving table more than satisfied.

1. Keto Stuffing

This keto-friendly stuffing recipe keeps the net carbs in check (just 7g per serving!) without sacrificing anything in terms of texture or flavor. A low-carb bread made of almond flour provides that signature dressing mouthfeel, along with collagen protein and quality fats from Bulletproof Unflavored Collagen Protein and Bulletproof Grass-Fed Ghee. Plus, a delicious Italian sausage-based mixture complete with fresh herbs and spices makes this low-carb Thanksgiving side dish incredibly tasty.

2. Southern-Style Collard Greens

Break out your slow cooker or Instant pot and get ready to serve up some southern-style collard greens at home! Tender greens topped with crispy bits of bacon, Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce will take your Thanksgiving meal to another level.

On the plus side, this signature side takes only 25 minutes to create! It’s one of those easy recipes that will fool everyone into thinking you’ve spent all day in the kitchen. Wink, wink.

3. Bacon Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed potatoes may be a comfort food classic, but unfortunately, they don’t fit into a low-carb diet. However, this bacon-containing cauliflower mash keeps things keto-friendly by swapping out spuds for cauliflower.

Once your family and friends dig into this delicious side dish, don’t be surprised if it becomes a weeknight dinner staple, too.

4. Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food for your holiday meal. Obviously, though, the traditional recipe doesn’t fall into the low-carb Thanksgiving sides category.

Luckily for comfort food lovers, our gluten-free and keto-friendly version uses shirataki macaroni (steamed cauliflower florets also work!) to ensure you can enjoy a guiltless helping of a low-carb side dish that pairs perfectly with your main course.

5. Crispy Keto Cauliflower Tots

Looking for low-carb sides for Thanksgiving that can also double as appetizers? These crispy keto cauliflower tots will certainly do the trick. Although the list of ingredients seems simple, this recipe brings complexity from a textural standpoint.

A perfectly crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, smooth interior that proves cauliflower rice isn’t the only way to enjoy this humble veggie.

6. Pumpkin Collagen Bread

Craving cornbread but afraid of the carb count? This quick-and-easy pumpkin bread (with added collagen!) is an ideal replacement to round out your Thanksgiving meal.

Best of all? This keto side dish recipe is incredibly versatile. While this recipe can sway either savory or sweet, for the holiday spread, consider swapping out the sweetener and pumpkin spice for fresh herbs. Either way, expect those slices to get gobbled up in a hurry.

7. Low-Carb Thyme and Zucchini Fritters

Keto Thanksgiving recipes don’t get much easier than this. After taking your first bite of one of these thyme and zucchini fritters, you’ll experience how just a few ingredients can form something delicious and magical.

While you can definitely serve these savory cakes as an appetizer, we think they are great accompaniments to your main course. Either way, these fritters will be well-received.

8. Keto Green Beans With Crispy Bacon and Herbs

Green bean casserole is a true OG Thanksgiving side, but it does bring some unfriendly macros for low-carb dieters. A lighter alternative that still makes veggies the star of the show, these keto green beans with crispy bacon and herbs contain only 3.9g of net carbs per serving.

Plus, you simply can’t go wrong with any recipe that includes crunchy bits of bacony goodness on top!

9. Pumpkin Spice Sweet Potato Fries

Once cold weather arrives, it’s pumpkin pie spice’s time to shine. While this Thanksgiving side dish recipe features this popular fall-time flavor, these pumpkin spice sweet potato fries work well in both savory and sweet situations.

These can be higher in carbs, but work well as a special Thanksgiving side dish!

10. Gluten-Free Vegetable Latkes

A holiday recipe that essentially calls for you to clear out your veggie drawer sounds almost too good to be true. However, that’s really all it takes to create these gorgeous gluten-free vegetable latkes.

While the list of ingredients includes red peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes and carrots, feel free to use other produce hanging around your fridge.

Bulletproof tip: Shallots and roasted cauliflower work wonderfully if you’re sensitive to peppers and onions.

11. Keto Bacon & Zucchini Muffins

Searching for the ultimate savory keto Thanksgiving side? These paleo-friendly bacon and zucchini muffins are surprisingly light, but they still pack a powerful punch of flavor from chunks of chewy bacon and a blend of spices that includes health-supportive turmeric.

Slice a warm one open and slather with Grass-Fed Ghee for an additional dose of quality fats.

12. Bulletproof Cranberry Sauce

Did you really think you could throw a proper Thanksgiving dinner without cranberry sauce? While it may be last on the list, don’t be surprised if this Bulletproof-approved version becomes the first side dish to get wiped out at the table.

Refined sugar-free thanks to the use of xylitol, it’s a far superior option to the canned stuff in every way!

Now that you’re ready to finalize your Thanksgiving dinner menu, it’s on to planning dessert! Download our FREE keto dessert eCookbook for 15 delectable treats so you can close out your holiday meal on a sweet note.

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About Stephen Sheehan

Stephen Sheehan is an experienced writer, editor and former captain of the University of Florida rugby team who has an avid interest in sports (particularly the NFL), health and nutrition. Sheehan was a 2008 Culpepper Journalism Foundation Fellowship winner and he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a Master’s in Sports Management from the University of Florida. He is also an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer who writes for sport and nutrition publications across the web. A true foodie at heart, Sheehan loves traveling, cooking and experiencing new adventures.