Here are 15 easy paleo Thanksgiving sides—including appetizers and dessert—for a stress-free holiday.
My philosophy for Thanksgiving is to keep it simple. Whether I’m hosting, or bringing a dish to pass, I don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. The holiday is really all about enjoying great food with family and friends—and still having time to hang out and watch football.
How to have a paleo Thanksgiving
The key to having a paleo Thanksgiving without driving yourself crazy is a little advance planning. I’ve cooked Thanksgiving dinner more years than I care to count, and here are my pro tips for getting it all done:
- Plan your menu and shop for all of the shelf stable ingredients at least a week ahead of time.
- Shop for fresh ingredients—herbs, vegetables, fruits—and any last minute items you may have forgotten a few days ahead. I like to do this on Tuesday morning when the grocery store is a little less crowded.
- Make the cranberry sauce and the pies the day before. It really helps to have these out of the way. And it frees up more space on the stove top and in the oven for cooking the rest of the meal. You can also cook the sweet potatoes in the slow cooker to get a head start on the sweet potato casserole.
- Enlist help on the day of—husbands, kids, parents, brothers, sisters, and friends. Everyone gets a small job to do. Whether it’s bringing an extra dessert, pouring the drinks, setting the table, or helping you chop vegetables. Many hands make light work—and great holiday memories.
So cook up a few of these paleo Thanksgiving side dish recipes to go with your turkey, and enjoy a relaxed dinner. These paleo versions of classic side dish recipes are perfect for your stress-free holiday menu. From appetizers to stuffing to desserts, all are gluten-free, grain-free, and deliciously simple. And many of these Thanksgiving sides are Whole30-friendly as well.
And if you’re looking for more low carb Thanksgiving recipes, check out these 25 easy keto Thanksgiving ideas (including sides & desserts!)
Easy side dish recipes
3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
A simple homemade cranberry sauce recipe with no refined sugar. Get the quick and easy recipe here.
Paleo Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a classic for Thanksgiving. Get this easy paleo pumpkin pie recipe here.
Easy Paleo Gravy
This easy gravy is paleo, keto, low carb and Whole30 friendly. With no flour or milk, it’s also gluten-free and dairy-free. There’s even a vegan option. Get this easy paleo gravy recipe here.
Easy Paleo Biscuits
A holiday dinner is not complete without homemade bread. This gluten-free paleo biscuit recipe is can be made ahead and frozen to save time on the big day. Get the easy biscuit recipe here.
Paleo Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a fall classic and a perfect starter for Thanksgiving dinner. This one has no flour or cream so it’s gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo. Get the recipe here.
Cauliflower Celery Root Mash
This dressed up version of mashed cauliflower is perfect for holiday dinners! The celery root makes it extra creamy (with no cream) and the roasted garlic takes it over the top. Get the recipe here.
Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole
It’s not Thanksgiving without a casserole and this sweet potato casserole is a classic favorite. A pecan streusel top makes it holiday-worthy. Get the sweet potato casserole recipe here.
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Mustard
These brussels sprouts hit every note with bacon, honey, and mustard. Get the recipe here.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Duck Fat, Garlic and Rosemary
Everything tastes better roasted in duck fat. Butternut squash is no exception. Get the recipe here.
Paleo Cranberry Orange Muffins
The flavors of the season in a gluten-free paleo muffin. Get the recipe here.
Hot Cinnamon Apple Cider
This hot cinnamon apple cider makes the house smell like the holidays! Get the recipe here.
Chocolate Walnut Pie
Here’s a paleo Thanksgiving pie alternative for all the chocolate lovers! Get the recipe here.
Crock Pot Butternut Squash
This is the easiest way to cook butternut squash. Bonus: using the slow cooker saves room in the oven for the rest of your Thanksgiving dishes! Get the recipe here.
Paleo Gluten Free Cornbread
This paleo “cornbread” is gluten and grain-free with just a hint of sweetness and the perfect crumb. Get the recipe here.
Paleo Cornbread Dressing
This paleo Thanksgiving stuffing is a holiday classic. Get the recipe here.