If healthy Thanksgiving recipes are what you need, I’ve gotcha covered with this collection of the best, all-natural Thanksgiving dinner ideas.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. A day for family, eating too much, and either playing football or sacking out on the couch.
Of all the holidays where food is at the center, Thanksgiving is the easiest holiday meal to make healthy.
While most people will just throw in the towel and eat a bunch of junky traditional foods and then feel terrible after dinner, you don’t have to end up feeling like you swallowed a 2-ton truck.
A healthy Thanksgiving dinner is easy to plan, easy to make, and nobody will know the difference. Except maybe when their tummy doesn’t hurt so bad when the meal is done.
Image Credit: kellyvandellen/ istockphoto.
Green bean casserole
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving tradition in many American homes. I don’t think I’ve been to a Thanksgiving dinner yet where this casserole was not part of the meal. The problem is, it’s always made with condensed, canned “cream of chemical” soup. And we won’t even talk about the french fried onions that are usually dumped by the boatload on top of what could be a very nutritious and still delicious side dish. Not wanting to leave this recipe unturned, I set to work and created this delicious healthy green bean casserole recipe!
It’s a wonderful substitute that won’t leave you running for the gym right after dinner and nobody at my holiday table knew the difference. All they mentioned was how good it was. Now that’s my kind of Thanksgiving side dish!
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Caramelized dill carrots
This is a recipe my mom made for me years ago. I was so impressed with it, I’ve been making it ever since. There’s just something about a caramelized carrot that gets me salivating. The full-bodied flavor induces a fabulously tasty explosion in your mouth. Add a little dill and… man oh man, is it ever good!
The nice thing about this little side dish is that it’s so easy and quick to prepare. You can also prepare it vegetarian or non-vegetarian to suit your needs.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
Crouton stuffing
This homemade stuffing recipe is sure to become a staple at your holiday table, just like it has at mine.
I’ve tried to make stuffing recipes in the past without much success. So I tried again this year, and voila! A fabulous, homemade stuffing recipe made from croutons. It’s perfect for the holiday season!
In the testing stages, a lot of my croutons got eaten up by a certain little boy who shall remain nameless <cough – Mini Chef – cough>. In fact, my croutons disappeared at such an alarming rate that I eventually had to hide them to have enough left over for this recipe! But he loved the stuffing too, so it was a win-win. Thanksgiving will definitely be tasty this year and we definitely found our family favorite!
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
Thanksgiving turkey
Well, I did it. I have put it off for years, but this year I finally got it done. A recipe for my family’s Thanksgiving turkey.
Cooking a turkey is no harder than baking a whole chicken. You are just dealing with a bigger bird. Here I will share with you how I do it, step by step, to get a moist, delicious turkey every time. And I promise it’s not as hard as you may think!
If you are new to cooking a whole turkey, you may want to pick up a small one and practice early, particularly if you will be hosting. But outside of that, just follow the steps.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
Homemade dinner rolls
There are certain dinners that just are not complete without a dinner roll. You know the dinners I’m talking about. The kinds that have gravy and sauces and all kinds of good stuff to sop up. I mean, who in their right mind would leave those fabulous liquids behind on their plate??!!
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Maple roasted Brussels sprouts
When I first put this together, I honestly wasn’t expecting much. I tossed everything together with a lackluster attitude, put it in the oven and hoped for the best. Well, the best is exactly what I got! YUM!!
Image Credit: kellyvandellen/ istockphoto.
Creamed corn
It’s been many years, but I do remember eating creamed corn when I was a little girl. It was tasty, to be sure. But nothing as good as homemade! And for those of you who are dairy-free, this recipe doesn’t use any dairy at all! (If you use non-dairy butter, that is.)
Image Credit: jantroyka / iStock.
Pecan pie
This naturally sweetened pecan pie without corn syrup is made with REAL FOOD ingredients and no refined sugar. It’s a healthy pecan pie recipe that makes the perfect holiday dessert!
Image Credit: AnnaPustynnikova / iStock.
Sweet Potato Pie is a staple for most American Thanksgiving celebrations. Second, only to pumpkin pie, this delicious dessert is never ignored at the dessert table.
Oh, and don’t worry. I have a regular “grains-included” option as well as a crustless option for this recipe. So most of you should be covered for this one!
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More from MediaFeed: 5 rich & comforting casseroles that won’t bust your calorie budget
5 rich & comforting casseroles that won’t bust your calorie budget
This article originally appeared on The Gracious Pantry and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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