Thanksgiving dinner has been built around carbs for decades. Since carbs are so satisfying, that's probably why studies show Americans eat more carbs on that day than any other day of the year — for sheer contentment. Indulgence soothes the soul, but not if it's accompanied by stress brought on by carb guilt.
Turns out you can still enjoy many of your cherished holiday side dishes simply by reducing the carbs in the recipes. Cranberry sauce, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and more can all be prepared with fewer carbs without sacrificing an iota of taste. Enjoy all your favorites, and add them to your menu all year long to satisfy cravings during any season.
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Low-carb cranberry sauce
A couple of spoonfuls of cranberry sauce provide that tart bite you need to set off the savory sides and make them taste even better. You can also prepare this dish a few days ahead of the meal to clear your schedule for those last-minute dishes. Get the recipe here.
A couple of spoonfuls of cranberry sauce provide that tart bite you need to set off the savory sides and make them taste even better. You can also prepare this dish a few days ahead of the meal to clear your schedule for those last-minute dishes. Get the recipe here.
Low-carb green bean casserole
Instead of using carb-laden cream of mushroom soup for this Thanksgiving treat, get the same velvety texture with an easily prepared cream sauce. For extra carb reduction, use low-fat cream cheese, half-and-half instead of cream and low-fat cheddar cheese. Get the recipe here.
Instead of using carb-laden cream of mushroom soup for this Thanksgiving treat, get the same velvety texture with an easily prepared cream sauce. For extra carb reduction, use low-fat cream cheese, half-and-half instead of cream and low-fat cheddar cheese. Get the recipe here.
Low-carb asparagus with hollandaise sauce
An elegant side dish dresses up a holiday dinner table better than an elaborate centerpiece. Roasting the asparagus brings out its best flavors. This method also preserves that brilliant green color that's so visually appealing. The rich, lemony flavor of the hollandaise sauce makes it a dish you'll be excited to serve throughout the year. Get the recipe here.
An elegant side dish dresses up a holiday dinner table better than an elaborate centerpiece. Roasting the asparagus brings out its best flavors. This method also preserves that brilliant green color that's so visually appealing. The rich, lemony flavor of the hollandaise sauce makes it a dish you'll be excited to serve throughout the year. Get the recipe here.
Low-carb sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts
A sweet and spicy glaze elevates trendy roasted Brussels sprouts to gourmet status. Be sure to check them about halfway through the roasting process, so they don't get overcooked. A sprinkling of sesame seeds right before serving adds a lovely texture to the dish. Get the recipe here.
A sweet and spicy glaze elevates trendy roasted Brussels sprouts to gourmet status. Be sure to check them about halfway through the roasting process, so they don't get overcooked. A sprinkling of sesame seeds right before serving adds a lovely texture to the dish. Get the recipe here.
Low-carb sweet potato mash
Sweet potatoes have so much natural sweetness, they really don't need brown sugar or syrup to make them scrumptious. Low-fat milk and just two tablespoons of butter keep this simple, traditional side healthy. Fresh thyme gives the potatoes a light, herb-infused flavor and a tantalizing aroma. Get the recipe here.
Sweet potatoes have so much natural sweetness, they really don't need brown sugar or syrup to make them scrumptious. Low-fat milk and just two tablespoons of butter keep this simple, traditional side healthy. Fresh thyme gives the potatoes a light, herb-infused flavor and a tantalizing aroma. Get the recipe here.
Low-carb spicy cheddar and sausage cauliflower stuffing
Instead of standing in for rice, cauliflower mimics bread in this delectable stuffing side dish. Celery, poultry seasoning and chicken broth add traditional stuffing flavors. Spicy sausage and cheese give it a unique character. Get the recipe here.
Instead of standing in for rice, cauliflower mimics bread in this delectable stuffing side dish. Celery, poultry seasoning and chicken broth add traditional stuffing flavors. Spicy sausage and cheese give it a unique character. Get the recipe here.
Low-carb cauliflower stuffing
No one will miss the conventional stuffing when you present this dish to your guests. A mouthwatering combination of cauliflower, carrots, celery and baby portobello mushrooms takes center stage, marvelously supported by ample amounts of fresh sage, parsley and rosemary. It's a winning side for any protein or ideal as a vegetarian entree. Get the recipe here.
No one will miss the conventional stuffing when you present this dish to your guests. A mouthwatering combination of cauliflower, carrots, celery and baby portobello mushrooms takes center stage, marvelously supported by ample amounts of fresh sage, parsley and rosemary. It's a winning side for any protein or ideal as a vegetarian entree. Get the recipe here.
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