The holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and of course, delicious food. But if you’re following a keto lifestyle, traditional holiday side dishes—like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and sweet casseroles—may not fit into your low-carb plan. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stay on track during the festive season.
In this blog post, I’ve curated a list of mouthwatering keto-friendly holiday side dishes that are not only low in carbs but are also packed with flavor. These dishes will satisfy even the most devoted carb-lover at your holiday table. From rich, buttery mashed cauliflower to crispy green beans and indulgent cheesy casseroles, these sides will perfectly complement your main course without throwing off your keto goals.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply bringing a dish to share, these keto holiday side recipes will impress everyone—even those who aren’t following a low-carb diet. Let’s dive into these festive, guilt-free options that will make your holiday meals unforgettable!
1.Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 4 cups florets)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee for dairy-free)
- Salt, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower, and cut it into florets. Try to keep the florets roughly the same size for even cooking. Rinse the florets thoroughly under cold water. - Steam the Cauliflower:
In a large pot, add about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, and add the cauliflower florets. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the cauliflower for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s fork-tender. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can also boil the florets in water for 8-10 minutes. - Prepare the Garlic Butter:
While the cauliflower is steaming, melt 3 tablespoons of butter (or ghee) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Blend the Cauliflower:
Once the cauliflower is tender, remove it from the steamer and let it cool for a minute. Place the cauliflower florets into a blender or food processor. Add the garlic butter, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is evenly mixed. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. - Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the mashed cauliflower and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. - Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and color. You can also drizzle a little extra melted butter on top for a richer taste.
2.Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of asparagus (about 12-16 stalks)
- 6-8 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Asparagus:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the woody ends off the asparagus by cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom. Divide the asparagus into bundles, grouping 3-4 stalks together for each bundle. - Wrap with Bacon:
Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each bundle of asparagus, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Secure the ends by tucking the bacon under the last wrapped section. - Season and Oil:
Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the bundles with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. - Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden. Flip the asparagus bundles halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. - Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and transfer the bacon-wrapped asparagus to a serving platter. Serve immediately as a delicious, low-carb holiday side dish.
3.Keto Stuffing
ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, riced (or 4 cups of pre-riced cauliflower)
- 4 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup diced cooked sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds or pecans (optional, for crunch)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Rice the Cauliflower:
If using a whole head of cauliflower, remove the leaves and stem, then cut it into florets. Pulse the florets in a food processor until they resemble rice. Alternatively, you can use pre-riced cauliflower. - Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. - Add Seasonings:
Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet, along with the dried thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the cauliflower is tender. - Combine with Broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to combine. If you’re using cooked sausage, add it at this stage. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. - Add Fresh Herbs and Nuts:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and slivered almonds or pecans, if using. - Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is slightly crispy and golden. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this keto stuffing alongside your holiday main dishes!
4.Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 ounces pancetta (or bacon), diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. - Roast the Brussels Sprouts:
Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown, stirring halfway through for even cooking. - Cook the Pancetta:
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta (or bacon) and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. - Combine and Toss:
Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, remove them from the oven. Add the crispy pancetta and garlic to the baking sheet with the Brussels sprouts. Toss everything together until well combined. - Serve:
Transfer the Brussels sprouts with pancetta to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
5.Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: additional cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Steam the Broccoli:
If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still bright green. If using frozen broccoli, follow the package instructions to steam. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. - Combine with Broccoli:
Add the steamed broccoli florets to the cheese mixture. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the broccoli is well-coated. - Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden. If you want a cheesier topping, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish as a delicious holiday side!
FAQs:
1. Are these side dishes truly keto-friendly?
Yes, all the recipes listed are designed to be low in carbohydrates while still being delicious and satisfying, making them perfect for a keto diet.
2. Can I prepare these dishes in advance?
Absolutely! Many of these dishes can be made ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and reheat them before serving.
3. What can I serve these sides with?
These keto side dishes pair well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted meats, fish, or even a festive vegetarian main course.
4. Are there any vegetarian options in this list?
Yes! Dishes like the Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, Creamed Spinach, and Cauliflower Rice Pilaf are great vegetarian options that fit within the keto guidelines.
5. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Most dishes can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and, of course, delicious food. By incorporating these Keto Holiday Side Dishes into your meal planning, you can enjoy a festive spread that aligns with your low-carb lifestyle. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile and satisfying texture, ensuring that your holiday table is both appealing and nutritious.
As you gather with loved ones, these dishes will not only complement your main courses but also impress everyone—keto dieters and non-dieters alike. Embrace the joy of cooking this holiday season, and let these keto-friendly sides be a part of your cherished traditions. Happy holidays!
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