17+ Diabetic Thanksgiving Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and lots of delicious food. However, for those living with diabetes, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. With traditional Thanksgiving dishes typically loaded with sugar, carbs, and unhealthy fats, it can be challenging to navigate the holiday while managing diabetes. That's why we've put together a selection of diabetic-friendly Thanksgiving recipes that are both delicious and healthy. These recipes are low in sugar and carbs, and heart-healthy, making them perfect for those with diabetes to enjoy guilt-free. So, let's dig in and discover some new diabetic Thanksgiving recipes to add to your holiday menu.
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Sugar, Clove, Cinnamon Sticks, Allspice
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy a delicious meal together. And what better way to start off the festivities than with a refreshing Thanksgiving Cider Sangria? This twist on a classic sangria recipe incorporates the flavors of fall with apple cider, cranberries, and cinnamon. Serve it up in a large pitcher or punch bowl and let your guests help themselves.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Loaf, Cornbread, Butter, Large Onion, Celery
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a hearty serving of stuffing. This traditional side dish can be made in so many different ways, with various ingredients and flavors. Whether you prefer a classic bread stuffing with sage and thyme, or a cornbread stuffing with sausage and apples, there's no wrong way to make stuffing. And the best part? It's the perfect way to use up any leftover bread from your Thanksgiving feast.
It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a perfectly roasted turkey as the centerpiece of the meal. Roasting a whole turkey may seem intimidating, but with the right recipe and a little bit of patience, you can achieve a beautifully golden and juicy bird. And don't forget to save the drippings for a delicious homemade gravy!
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Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
Cranberry sauce is a staple on every Thanksgiving table, but why settle for the canned stuff when you can make your own fresh cranberry sauce? This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange and a hint of warm spices. It's the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey, and it also makes a great spread for leftover turkey sandwiches.
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Thanksgiving Sides
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground
While the turkey may be the star of the show, the sides are what make Thanksgiving truly special. From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables to decadent casseroles, there are so many delicious side dishes to choose from. And don't forget about rolls, cornbread, and cranberry sauce as well! The key is to have a variety of flavors and textures to complement the main dish.
Speaking of mashed potatoes, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without a big bowl of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. This recipe takes the classic side dish to the next level with the addition of sour cream and cream cheese, giving it a tangy and rich flavor. Serve them up alongside your turkey and gravy for the ultimate comfort food feast.
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Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
If you're looking for a traditional and no-fuss stuffing recipe, look no further. This classic recipe uses simple ingredients like bread, butter, celery, and onion to create a delicious and flavorful stuffing. It's the perfect side dish to complement your Thanksgiving turkey, and you can even stuff it inside the bird for added flavor.
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OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking
Looking for a fun and festive dessert for Thanksgiving? These OREO Cookie Balls shaped like turkeys are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Using only a few ingredients, you can create adorable and tasty treats that resemble the iconic Thanksgiving bird. Plus, they're no-bake, making them an easy and stress-free dessert option.
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Thanksgiving Punch
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Caramel Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon
While wine and beer are often the go-to drinks for Thanksgiving, why not mix things up with a festive Thanksgiving punch? This recipe combines cranberry juice, apple cider, and ginger ale for a refreshing and flavorful drink that's perfect for the holiday. You can even add a splash of vodka for an adults-only version.
If you're looking for a lighter and healthier side dish to balance out all the rich and indulgent Thanksgiving food, try making a Thanksgiving slaw. This recipe uses shredded cabbage, carrots, and apples, and is dressed with a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. It's a refreshing addition to the holiday table and can also be made ahead of time.
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Thanksgiving Sangria
Main Ingredients: Honey, Water, Apple Pie Spice, Pinot Grigio, Apple
Sangria isn't just for summer! This Thanksgiving sangria recipe uses warm fall flavors like apple cider, cranberries, and cinnamon to create a cozy and delicious drink. You can even add some sliced apples and oranges for a festive touch. Serve it up in a large pitcher and let your guests help themselves.
If you have leftover turkey from your Thanksgiving feast, why not transform it into these delicious Thanksgiving croquettes? These crispy and flavorful bites are made with shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, and herbs, and can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. It's a great way to use up leftovers and create a whole new dish.
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Pumpkin Crunch – The Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Evaporated Milk, Granulated Sugar, Large
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a pumpkin dessert, and this pumpkin crunch recipe is the perfect way to end your feast. This delicious dessert features a layer of pumpkin custard topped with a crunchy and buttery oatmeal crumble. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert.
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Bacon and Cheese Brussels Sprouts Casserole + My...
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Ground Pepper
Brussels sprouts may not be everyone's favorite vegetable, but this bacon and cheese Brussels sprouts casserole may just change their minds. This indulgent side dish is made with crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tender Brussels sprouts, and is baked to perfection. It's a great way to add some greens to your Thanksgiving meal.
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Multi-Cooker Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Large Eggs, Salt, Pepper
If you're short on oven space or just want to make your life easier on Thanksgiving, try making your stuffing in a multi-cooker. This recipe uses a combination of sausage, apples, and herbs for a flavorful and hearty stuffing that can be made in a fraction of the time. Plus, it frees up your oven for other dishes.
Wondering what to do with all that leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Turn it into a delicious and comforting turkey pot pie! This recipe uses a flaky pie crust and a creamy filling packed with turkey, vegetables, and herbs. It's the perfect way to use up leftovers and create a whole new meal.
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Thanksgiving Pockets
Main Ingredients: Roasted Turkey, Buttermilk Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes
If you're tired of traditional Thanksgiving leftovers, try making these Thanksgiving pockets instead. They're like mini hand pies filled with all the classic Thanksgiving flavors like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. They're great for a quick and easy lunch or snack, and can even be frozen for future meals.
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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Ice Water, Tap Water, Dark Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt
One way to ensure a juicy and flavorful turkey is to brine it before roasting. This recipe for the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey brine uses a combination of salt, sugar, herbs, and spices to infuse the turkey with flavor and keep it moist. It's a simple step that will make a big difference in your Thanksgiving meal.
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Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Onion, Celery, Medium Carrot, Garlic
If you have vegetarian guests joining you for Thanksgiving, it's important to have some meatless options on the menu. This Thanksgiving meatless loaf is made with lentils, vegetables, and spices, and is a hearty and satisfying alternative to traditional meatloaf. It's also a great option for those trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
Another way to ensure a juicy and flavorful turkey is to brine it before roasting. This recipe for an easy and juicy oven roasted brined Thanksgiving turkey uses a simple brine solution and a few key tips to achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful bird. It's a foolproof method that will leave your guests raving about your Thanksgiving turkey.
Delicious and Healthy Main Dishes
Turkey Breast with Cranberry Glaze
If you're looking for a main dish that is both festive and diabetes-friendly, look no further than this turkey breast with cranberry glaze. Turkey is a lean protein that is low in fat and carbs, making it a great option for those with diabetes. The cranberry glaze adds a touch of sweetness without causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Plus, cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making this dish a nutritious addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
Roasted Salmon with Herb Sauce
For those who are looking for a non-traditional main dish, this roasted salmon with herb sauce is a great option. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and can help manage diabetes. The herb sauce adds a burst of flavor without adding any extra sugar or carbs. Serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious Thanksgiving meal.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, this quinoa stuffed acorn squash is a delicious and diabetes-friendly option. Quinoa is a high-protein grain that is also low in carbs, making it a great choice for managing blood sugar levels. The combination of quinoa, nuts, and dried cranberries in this dish provides a satisfying and flavorful alternative to traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.
Butternut Squash and Lentil Curry
This butternut squash and lentil curry is a hearty and nutrient-dense option for those with diabetes. Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, while lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. This dish is also low in fat and carbs, making it a healthy and filling addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
Delicious and Diabetes-Friendly Sides
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is also diabetes-friendly. Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber and antioxidants, and when roasted with a balsamic glaze, they become a sweet and savory addition to your holiday meal. Plus, this dish is low in carbs and fat, making it a perfect choice for those with diabetes.
Cauliflower Mash
For a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, try this cauliflower mash. Cauliflower is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is low in carbs and calories, making it a great choice for those with diabetes. Plus, it can be seasoned with herbs and spices to add flavor without added sugar or fat.
Satisfying and Healthy Desserts
Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie. But for those with diabetes, the traditional version can be a sugar bomb. That's why this sugar-free pumpkin pie is a great alternative for those watching their blood sugar levels. It uses sugar substitutes and whole wheat flour for a lower-carb and healthier version of this holiday classic.
Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
For a light and refreshing dessert option, try this fruit salad with honey-lime dressing. This colorful dish is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, and the honey-lime dressing adds a touch of sweetness without added sugar. Serve it with a dollop of low-fat Greek yogurt for an extra boost of protein.
By incorporating these diabetic-friendly Thanksgiving recipes into your holiday menu, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy feast without compromising your diabetes management. So, gather your loved ones and celebrate the holiday season with these delicious and diabetes-friendly dishes. Happy Thanksgiving!