19 Keto Thanksgiving Sides That Are Better Than the Original

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to derail your keto lifestyle. These 19 low-carb side dishes prove you can enjoy all the traditional flavors without the carb overload. From creamy cauliflower mash that rivals real potatoes to stuffing made with clever substitutions, these recipes deliver on taste while keeping you in ketosis.

Whether you’re hosting a keto-friendly feast or bringing a dish to share, these sides will have everyone asking for seconds – and the recipes too.

Keto Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes”

This creamy, buttery side dish is so convincing, you’ll forget it’s not the real deal. The secret is roasting the cauliflower first to remove excess moisture, then whipping it with cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

The texture is spot-on fluffy, and with garlic and herbs, it tastes even more flavorful than traditional mashed potatoes. Your guests will be shocked when you reveal the healthy swap. Check the recipe here.

Low-Carb Green Bean Casserole

All the nostalgic comfort of the classic, minus the flour and crispy onions. Fresh green beans get smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce made with heavy cream and topped with crispy fried shallots or pork rinds.

The result is actually more flavorful than the original since you’re using real ingredients instead of canned soup. It’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch and tastes so much fresher. This upgraded version will become your new holiday tradition. Check the recipe here.

Keto Stuffing with Cauliflower

Tender cauliflower florets replace bread cubes in this genius stuffing alternative that captures all the herby, savory goodness you crave. Celery, onions, and sage create that familiar stuffing flavor profile, while the cauliflower absorbs all the delicious seasonings beautifully.

It’s remarkably easy to throw together and bakes up golden and satisfying. The texture is pleasantly chunky, and each bite delivers that cozy, holiday taste. Even stuffing purists will be impressed by how well this works. Check the recipe here.

Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce

Tart, sweet, and jewel-toned, this cranberry sauce tastes just like grandma’s recipe but without the sugar crash. Fresh cranberries burst and thicken naturally, while erythritol or monk fruit provides the perfect sweetness balance.

A hint of orange zest brightens the whole dish. It’s incredibly quick to make – just simmer and stir for about 10 minutes. The sauce keeps well in the fridge and actually tastes better after the flavors meld overnight. Check the recipe here.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These caramelized Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and loaded with smoky bacon flavor. High-heat roasting transforms even the most stubborn sprout-hater into a convert.

The bacon fat renders and coats every leaf, creating irresistible crispy edges. It’s a one-pan wonder that requires minimal prep – just halve, toss, and roast. The combination of nutty sprouts and salty bacon is absolutely addictive. This dish disappears faster than any other vegetable side at our table. Check the recipe here.

Keto Sweet Potato Casserole with Cauliflower

Who says you need sweet potatoes for sweet potato casserole? Roasted cauliflower gets mashed with butter, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla to create a surprisingly convincing base. The signature pecan topping made with almond flour and butter provides that essential crunch and sweetness.

It’s comfort food at its finest, delivering all the warm spices and cozy flavors you expect. The prep is straightforward, and it bakes up golden and gorgeous. Even kids love this sneaky veggie swap. Check the recipe here.

Creamed Spinach Gratin

Rich, velvety, and absolutely luxurious, this creamed spinach puts steakhouse versions to shame. Fresh spinach gets wilted and folded into a decadent cream sauce, then topped with melted cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.

The garlic and nutmeg add sophisticated depth, while the cream keeps everything silky smooth. It’s surprisingly easy to make and can be assembled ahead of time. Each spoonful is pure comfort, and the presentation is elegant enough for company. This side dish feels truly indulgent. Check the recipe here.

Keto Cornbread Stuffing

Almond flour “cornbread” provides the perfect base for this clever stuffing that tastes remarkably authentic. The bread substitute has a slightly sweet, cornmeal-like flavor that soaks up all the savory seasonings beautifully.

Celery, onions, and herbs create that classic stuffing taste, while chicken broth keeps everything moist. It’s a bit more involved than some sides but totally worth the effort. The texture is spot-on, and the flavor is so convincing that carb-lovers won’t miss the real thing. Check the recipe here.

Roasted Radishes with Herbs

Don’t knock it till you try it – roasted radishes taste surprisingly similar to roasted potatoes but with fewer carbs. The heat mellows their sharp bite, leaving behind a tender, slightly peppery vegetable that’s incredibly satisfying. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add aromatic flavor, while olive oil creates beautiful caramelization.

They’re ridiculously easy to prepare and cook quickly. The transformation is amazing – they become creamy inside with crispy edges. It’s the perfect low-carb potato substitute that actually tastes great. Check the recipe here.

Low-Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole

All the cheesy, creamy goodness of classic broccoli rice casserole, but made with riced cauliflower instead. The cauliflower rice disappears into the rich cheese sauce, creating a cohesive, comforting dish that’s loaded with tender broccoli florets. It’s incredibly family-friendly and comes together easily with minimal prep work.

The cheese sauce is velvety and indulgent, making this feel like a real treat rather than a healthy substitute. Kids especially love the creamy texture and mild flavors. Check the recipe here.

Keto Gravy with Almond Flour

Silky, rich gravy that coats your spoon perfectly, made without a grain of wheat flour. Almond flour creates the ideal thickening base, while pan drippings and stock provide deep, savory flavor. It whisks together smoothly without any lumps and has that classic gravy consistency everyone expects.

The nutty almond flavor is completely undetectable in the finished sauce. It’s actually easier to make than traditional gravy since almond flour doesn’t clump. This gravy is essential for completing your keto Thanksgiving spread. Check the recipe here.

Cauliflower Au Gratin

Tender cauliflower florets swimming in a rich, cheesy cream sauce that bubbles and browns beautifully on top. The cauliflower becomes incredibly creamy and absorbs all the flavors while maintaining just enough texture to be interesting.

Multiple cheeses create complex, indulgent flavor that rivals any potato gratin. It’s comfort food perfection that happens to be low-carb. The dish can be assembled ahead and baked when needed. Each forkful is pure decadence, and the golden, bubbly top is absolutely gorgeous. Check the recipe here.

Keto Creamed Corn with Cauliflower

This brilliant cauliflower creation captures the sweet, creamy essence of corn without any actual corn. Small cauliflower pieces mimic corn kernels perfectly, while cream and a touch of sweetener create that familiar creamed corn flavor.

A hint of butter and seasoning makes it taste remarkably authentic. It’s surprisingly quick to make and comes together in one pan. The texture is spot-on creamy with little pops of “corn,” and the flavor is nostalgically perfect. Even corn lovers will be fooled by this clever swap. Check the recipe here.

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

Simple elegance at its finest – tender asparagus spears roasted until slightly caramelized and topped with nutty Parmesan cheese. The high heat brings out the asparagus’s natural sweetness while maintaining a perfect tender-crisp texture. Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up, while the cheese adds rich, savory depth.

It’s incredibly quick and easy, requiring just 15 minutes in the oven. The presentation is beautiful and restaurant-worthy. This side dish proves that sometimes the simplest preparations are the most delicious. Check the recipe here.

Low-Carb Turnip Gratin

Thinly sliced turnips layered in cream and cheese create a surprisingly elegant gratin that rivals any potato version. The turnips become tender and mild when cooked, losing any bitter edge and absorbing the rich, cheesy sauce beautifully. The top browns perfectly, creating textural contrast with the creamy layers beneath.

It’s a bit more time-consuming but perfect for special occasions. The presentation is stunning, and the flavor is sophisticated and satisfying. This dish will convert anyone who thinks they don’t like turnips. Check the recipe here.

Keto Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Savory Italian sausage and aromatic herbs create a stuffing that’s so flavorful, you won’t miss the bread at all. Cauliflower rice and chopped vegetables provide the perfect base for all those classic stuffing seasonings. The sausage adds richness and protein, making this side dish incredibly satisfying.

It’s relatively easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time. Each bite is loaded with sage, thyme, and savory goodness. The texture is pleasantly varied, and the flavors are deeply comforting and traditional. Check the recipe here.

Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans

Individual green bean bundles wrapped in crispy bacon create an impressive side dish that’s actually simple to make. The bacon renders as it cooks, flavoring the green beans while creating irresistible crispy edges. Each portion looks elegant and restaurant-worthy on the plate.

The beans stay perfectly tender-crisp inside their bacon wrapping. It’s finger-food friendly and always disappears quickly at gatherings. The combination of smoky bacon and fresh green beans is absolutely perfect, and the presentation never fails to impress guests. Check the recipe here.

Keto Pumpkin Casserole

All the warm spices and cozy flavors of traditional pumpkin casserole, but made with cauliflower and real pumpkin puree for fewer carbs. The cauliflower base becomes incredibly creamy and takes on the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla create that signature taste, while a pecan topping adds essential crunch. It’s surprisingly convincing and feels like a real treat. The orange color is gorgeous, and the texture is smooth and satisfying. This casserole bridges the gap between side dish and dessert perfectly.

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Pure comfort food – tender cauliflower florets baked in a rich, multi-cheese sauce until golden and bubbly. The cauliflower becomes incredibly creamy while maintaining just enough bite to be interesting. Three different cheeses create complex flavor that’s both sharp and mellow.

It’s incredibly easy to throw together and always comes out perfectly. The top gets gorgeously golden and slightly crispy while the inside stays creamy. This dish is pure indulgence that happens to be healthy, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Check the recipe here.