Ok – here we are again. I feel like it was just yesterday, that I was messaging a few of you about Thanksgiving side ideas. And here we are, a year later! I wanted to share some of my meals that I take over to my sister-in-laws house.
I feel best sticking to my way of eating. There’s just too many things going on right after Thanksgiving day that I want to feel good for! So, I stick to my “paleo” life by way of not eating grains, gluten, sugar and legumes. If you feel like it’s the day to just ‘go for it’, then by all means ….. go for it! But if you know that you won’t feel good for Black Friday or other events going on that weekend, I’ve got some recipes that will keep you on track w/your health goals. You’ll be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving without feeling deprived!
First up! Let’s talk about this Pumpkin Pie! It’s definitely something you can make the day or 2 ahead of time because it’s even better after it sits a day. I don’t know ….I feel like some foods such as chili and spaghetti are better the next day and this Paleo Pumpkin Pie is right along side those meals.
I’ll get back to desserts later but for now, I’ll share this Ranch Mashed Sweet Potato w/Bacon! Everything is better with bacon on it as far as I’m concerned but omit if you’re not a fan. Either way, this mash is delish!
Speaking of bacon! These Roasted Brussel Sprouts are amazing alone ….but using Prosciutto to top them off with is THE BEST! You will need this recipe. Trust me!
I’m sure there are some of you who love carrots. I’m not a huge carrot fan but I do like these! These really do brighten up a table. And it’s a healthy addition too! These Butter Roasted Carrots and Golden Beets aren’t for everyone ….but even the ‘not so carrot loving peeps’ will give these a try!
You want to free up your stove top and/or oven?? Try these Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes! I think it’s a perfect side to any meal but especially along side turkey and since it’s cooked in an Instant Pot, you can have other things going on the stove.
Ok. So who doesn’t love green bean casserole??? I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love to have this on their Thanksgiving table! Well …I take that back. 2 of my kids don’t like this dish. Go figure. BUT if you do – I’ve got a Paleo Green Bean Casserole that you’re sure to love. I am not lying when I say, I nearly ate the whole dish the first time I made this!
Now, I probably won’t be makong this for Thanksgiving this year. Not gonna lie – it’s a little pricey. But I’ll share it with you – just in case you’re on board. I like to make it for my family but we usually have about 25 people for Thanksgiving. This Mac’n’Zucchini dish is made with macadamia nuts (hence the mac & the priciness) and it’s to die for! I love love love this dish!!! And I think you will too.
What about appetizers? These Spicy Italian Stuffed Baby Bella’s are a perfect starter. But I will admit, they are filling so you could always use as a side dish too. Eeash. As I’m staring at this photo, I’m drooling. I think these will go on my list!
Stuffing was something I did without for many, many years. I loved stuffing but after going ‘paleo’, it didn’t sit well with me. I gave it a try at a Thanksgiving dinner after doing without grains and gluten for many years & I ended up feeling pretty bloated. After years of going without, I decided to try and make a Paleo Stuffing. I could probably make some tweaks to add paleo bread but for now, this works! It’s good and nutritious and believe it or not, is eaten by all!
Butternut Squash anyone??? This recipe of Roasted Butternut Squash w/Pecans is a side dish hit! And it’s simple to toss together. Simple sides are the best ….especially when they are tasty!!!
I never liked cranberries! I never understood why they even had to be on the table. No one really ate them. Then, one day I spiced it up! And no lie, these Spicy Cranberries get eaten every single year! Almost to the point of where I wished no one would like them so I could have lots of leftovers. I dare you to give these a try – it’s definitely a delicious twist on the traditional cranberries that come out of a can!
What about a roll?? That’s something I see everyone take part of! I’m (thankfully) not a huge bread fan so I don’t even feel tempted to eat a roll but I did create a recipe ‘just in case’! Enter Paleo Biscuits!
Ok – let’s get back to desserts. If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, you might like these. Paleo Pumpkin Muffins w/Pumpkin Spiced Frosting. They are perfect for a morning bite with coffee or for those who don’t really want to indulge in the sweeter desserts on the table.
What about a no bake treat? Carrot Cake isn’t always for everyone but these Carrot “Cake” Bars are pretty freakin’ yummy. And with them being no bake, they free up your oven, yet again! They are dairy free to my friends!!!
Here’s a few desserts made with much of the same ingredients. So you make one ‘pumpkin whip’ but get 3 desserts out of it! Make them. And then tell me which one is your favorite. Pumpkin Sweet Treats are waiting for you!
Here’s another one I take along with me. It’s a lot like the one above, in terms of it being 3 desserts, using much of the same ingredients! These Mini Dessert Tarts are devoured – no matter what other desserts are on the table!
Last but not least! Let’s end this post with a Paleo Chocolate Cake w/Chocolate Frosting. I think you’ll want to keep this on hand for any event but presenting this along side your pumpkin pie (or any dessert), will send everyone diving in! It’s delectable!!!
Alrighty my friends! Those are a handful of things that I usually make and suggest for you to try. If you’re really wanting to stay on track with healthy habits, give one or a few of these a try. If you want more side ideas, just CLICK HERE and it’ll take you to the sides section. And click HERE for more dessert ideas!
I hope you all have a wonderful day – no matter what you eat or how you spend it!
