Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes

If you’re looking to celebrate Thanksgiving with a Paleo twist, there are plenty of delicious, nutrient-dense recipes that stick to the Paleo guidelines (no grains, dairy, legumes, or processed foods). Here are some Paleo-friendly Thanksgiving recipes that will keep the flavors of the holiday intact while keeping things healthy!

1. Herb-Roasted Turkey

A simple, classic roasted turkey seasoned with fresh herbs and olive oil is both Paleo and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted ghee
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 cups chicken broth

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Rub the turkey with olive oil or ghee, then season it with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
3. Stuff the cavity with the lemon and onion quarters.
4. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
5. Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.

2. Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes”

Creamy and smooth, this cauliflower mash is a great low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, perfect for a Paleo Thanksgiving.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Drain the cauliflower and place it in a food processor with the garlic, coconut milk, ghee, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives if desired.

3. Paleo Stuffing (with Sausage and Vegetables)

This grain-free stuffing uses sausage and vegetables instead of bread to create a hearty, flavorful side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork sausage (sugar-free, Paleo-friendly)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 apples, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, heat the ghee or olive oil and sauté the onion, celery, carrots, mushrooms, and apples until soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the cooked sausage, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the top is slightly crisp.

4. Paleo Cranberry Sauce

A naturally sweetened version of the traditional cranberry sauce that’s free from refined sugars.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, water, and honey.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Stir in the orange zest and cinnamon.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool before serving.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Crispy Brussels sprouts and bacon are a delicious, savory side that pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet.
3. Scatter the chopped bacon over the Brussels sprouts.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are crispy and golden.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving, if desired.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole (with Pecan Topping)

A naturally sweetened, dairy-free take on a Thanksgiving classic.

Ingredients:

For the sweet potato base:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the topping:

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons almond flour
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash them with coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a baking dish.
4. In a bowl, mix the chopped pecans, coconut oil, almond flour, maple syrup, and salt. Sprinkle the mixture over the sweet potatoes.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden and crispy.

7. Paleo Pumpkin Pie

A grain-free and dairy-free version of pumpkin pie that uses a nut-based crust.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or ghee, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

For the filling:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix the almond flour, coconut flour, melted coconut oil, and honey. Press the dough into a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut milk, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla.
4. Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the center is set.
5. Let cool before slicing and serving.

These recipes will ensure a satisfying, flavorful, and healthy Paleo Thanksgiving! If you’d like any variations or additional ideas, feel free to ask!