15 Healthy Thanksgiving Gravy Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. However, traditional Thanksgiving dishes are often high in calories and unhealthy ingredients. This is especially true for gravy, which is typically loaded with butter and flour. But fear not, there is a way to enjoy a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving gravy that everyone will love. In this article, we will share a simple and nutritious Thanksgiving gravy recipe that will be the star of your holiday meal.
Thanksgiving Spinach Salad with Dried Cranberries,...
Main Ingredients: Baby Spinach Leaves, Dried Cranberries, Sliced Almonds
This Thanksgiving, add a healthy and delicious salad to your table with this recipe. The combination of spinach, dried cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Plus, the vibrant colors will add a pop of color to your Thanksgiving spread. Serve it as a side dish or add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
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Slow Cooker Turkey with No-Fuss Gravy
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Large Carrot, Celery, Garlic, All
If you're tired of spending hours in the kitchen on Thanksgiving day, this slow cooker turkey recipe is the perfect solution. Simply place your turkey in the slow cooker and let it cook while you focus on other dishes. The result is a perfectly tender and juicy turkey, with a rich and flavorful gravy that requires minimal effort. It's a game changer for busy Thanksgiving hosts!
Add some crunch to your Thanksgiving meal with this slaw recipe. Made with a mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and apples, this slaw is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. The dressing is a combination of creamy mayo, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey for a hint of sweetness. It's the perfect side dish to balance out all the rich and heavy dishes on the Thanksgiving table.
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Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Onion, Celery, Medium Carrot, Garlic
For all the vegetarians at your Thanksgiving table, this meatless loaf is a must-try. Made with lentils, mushrooms, and a variety of herbs and spices, this loaf is packed with flavor and makes a great alternative to traditional meatloaf. Serve it with some mashed potatoes and gravy for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Butter Margarine, Medium Onion, Celery Stalks, Kosher
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a delicious stuffing. This recipe uses a combination of bread, sausage, herbs, and veggies for a flavorful and hearty dish. It's the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey and will have your guests coming back for seconds.
If you're looking for a healthier side dish for your Thanksgiving meal, this lentil salad is a great option. Made with lentils, roasted vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is packed with protein and nutrients. It's also vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy.
For a classic and foolproof Thanksgiving turkey recipe, look no further. This recipe uses a simple combination of butter, herbs, and spices to create a perfectly roasted and flavorful turkey. It's a must-try for any Thanksgiving feast.
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Thanksgiving Breakfast Cups
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Large Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Potato, Pepper
Start your Thanksgiving day off right with these delicious breakfast cups. Made with shredded potatoes, eggs, cheese, and bacon, these cups are the ultimate breakfast comfort food. They're easy to make and can be customized with your favorite breakfast ingredients.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing Pasta Nests
Main Ingredients: Thin Spaghetti, Butter, Minced Garlic, Diced Onions
Put a fun and unique twist on traditional stuffing with this recipe. Instead of baking it in a dish, this recipe uses pasta nests to hold the stuffing. The result is a cute and tasty side dish that will be the talk of your Thanksgiving table.
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Thanksgiving Sides
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground
Looking for a variety of side dish options for your Thanksgiving meal? Look no further! This recipe includes a mix of delicious and easy-to-make sides, including green bean casserole, roasted brussels sprouts, and sweet potato casserole. With these sides, your Thanksgiving meal will be complete.
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Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without cranberry sauce. This recipe takes the classic sauce to the next level with the addition of orange zest and cinnamon. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tart and will add a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving dishes.
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Thanksgiving Breakfast Frittata
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shallot
Another great option for a Thanksgiving breakfast, this frittata is packed with delicious and healthy ingredients. Made with eggs, spinach, mushrooms, and feta cheese, this frittata is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite veggies and cheese. It's a great way to start your day before indulging in a big Thanksgiving meal.
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Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
For a classic and traditional stuffing recipe, look no further. This recipe uses a combination of bread, herbs, and broth to create a simple yet flavorful stuffing that pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving turkey. It's a tried and true recipe that is sure to become a staple on your Thanksgiving table.
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a side of mashed potatoes. This recipe takes mashed potatoes to the next level with the addition of cream cheese and garlic. The result is a creamy, flavorful, and irresistible side dish that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
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Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful turkey recipe, give this garlic butter turkey a try. The combination of butter, garlic, and herbs creates a rich and flavorful turkey, and the homemade gravy is the perfect finishing touch. It's a delicious twist on a classic Thanksgiving dish.
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OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking
Looking for a fun and tasty dessert for your Thanksgiving feast? These OREO cookie balls decorated to look like turkeys are sure to be a hit. Made with crushed OREO cookies, cream cheese, and melted chocolate, these treats are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
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Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy with a Healthy Twist
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Red Potatoes, Crimini Mushrooms, Shallot
For a healthier take on mashed potatoes and gravy, give this recipe a try. The mashed potatoes are made with cauliflower instead of potatoes, and the gravy is made with mushrooms and a touch of cream. The result is a lighter yet still delicious version of this classic Thanksgiving dish.
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Thanksgiving Punch
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Caramel Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon
Add some festive flair to your Thanksgiving meal with this punch recipe. Made with cranberry juice, orange juice, ginger ale, and a splash of vodka, this punch is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. It's a great way to toast to the holiday with your loved ones.
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Vegan Thanksgiving Casserole
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Cashews, Whole Wheat Bread, Vegetable Broth
For a vegan and gluten-free Thanksgiving option, try this delicious casserole. Made with a mix of veggies, quinoa, and a creamy cashew sauce, this casserole is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's a great addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
Put a fun and creative spin on traditional stuffing with these stuffing muffins. Made with a combination of bread, sausage, and herbs, these muffins are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. They also make for a great leftover option for the days following Thanksgiving.
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Thanksgiving Spinach Salad with Dried Cranberries,...
Main Ingredients: Baby Spinach Leaves, Dried Cranberries, Sliced Almonds
This refreshing and flavorful salad is the perfect start to any Thanksgiving meal. Spinach, dried cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese come together to create a delicious combination of textures and flavors. The sweet and tangy dressing adds the perfect finishing touch. Serve this salad as a light and healthy appetizer before the main course.
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Slow Cooker Turkey with No-Fuss Gravy
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Large Carrot, Celery, Garlic, All
If you want a stress-free Thanksgiving meal, try this slow cooker turkey recipe. Simply place the turkey in the slow cooker with some herbs and spices, and let it cook on low for 8 hours. The result is a juicy and flavorful turkey with minimal effort. The no-fuss gravy is made using the drippings from the slow cooker, making clean-up a breeze.
Put a unique twist on traditional coleslaw with this Thanksgiving slaw recipe. Shredded cabbage, carrots, and apples are tossed in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. The addition of dried cranberries and pecans adds a festive touch and a delicious crunch.
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Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Onion, Celery, Medium Carrot, Garlic
For vegetarians or those looking for a meatless option, this Thanksgiving meatless loaf is the perfect main dish. Made with a blend of lentils, quinoa, and vegetables, this loaf is hearty and flavorful. Top it off with a savory mushroom gravy for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Butter Margarine, Medium Onion, Celery Stalks, Kosher
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a delicious stuffing. This recipe combines sausage, apples, and herbs for a flavorful and unique twist on traditional stuffing. The crispy edges and moist center make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
If you're looking for a healthy and protein-packed side dish, try this Thanksgiving lentil salad. Cooked lentils, quinoa, and roasted vegetables are tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette for a flavorful and nutritious dish. Cranberries and feta cheese add a festive touch to this hearty salad.
For a classic and foolproof Thanksgiving turkey recipe, try this roasted turkey. The butter and herb rub adds flavor and helps keep the turkey moist while it cooks. Serve it with your favorite sides and homemade gravy for a perfect Thanksgiving meal.
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Thanksgiving Breakfast Cups
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Large Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Potato, Pepper
If you have a busy Thanksgiving morning, these breakfast cups are the perfect solution. Made with eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats, these cups are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Serve them with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced and delicious breakfast.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing Pasta Nests
Main Ingredients: Thin Spaghetti, Butter, Minced Garlic, Diced Onions
This unique and tasty dish combines two Thanksgiving favorites – stuffing and pasta. These stuffing pasta nests are filled with a delicious combination of ground turkey, vegetables, and spices. They are then topped with a creamy cheese sauce for a decadent and satisfying meal.
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Thanksgiving Sides
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground
Thanksgiving is all about the sides, and this recipe provides multiple options for delicious and unique side dishes. Choose from roasted Brussels sprouts, maple glazed carrots, or glazed sweet potatoes. Each dish is packed with flavor and the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving meal.
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Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without homemade cranberry sauce. This simple recipe combines fresh cranberries, orange juice, and sugar for a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with turkey and other Thanksgiving dishes. Orange zest and cinnamon add an extra level of flavor to this classic sauce.
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Thanksgiving Breakfast Frittata
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shallot
If you're looking for a hearty and delicious breakfast option for Thanksgiving morning, try this breakfast frittata. Made with eggs, sausage, and vegetables, this dish is packed with protein and flavor. It can also be customized with your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
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Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
This classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is a must-have for any holiday meal. Made with bread, onions, celery, and herbs, this stuffing is simple yet delicious. The addition of chicken broth and butter creates a moist and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a side of creamy and delicious mashed potatoes. This recipe uses a combination of butter, milk, and cream cheese to create the perfectly smooth and creamy texture. Serve these mashed potatoes with your favorite Thanksgiving dishes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
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Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried
This garlic butter turkey is a delicious and flavorful alternative to traditional roasted turkey. The garlic and herb butter adds a delicious flavor to the turkey, and the homemade gravy made from the drippings is the perfect finishing touch. Serve this turkey with your favorite sides for a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving meal.
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OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking
These OREO cookie balls are a fun and festive dessert for Thanksgiving. The chocolate and cream cheese mixture is rolled into balls and decorated to look like turkeys. These sweet treats will be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy with a Healthy Twist
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Red Potatoes, Crimini Mushrooms, Shallot
If you're looking for a healthier option for mashed potatoes, try this mashed potato and mushroom gravy recipe. Made with cauliflower, potatoes, and mushrooms, this dish is packed with nutrients and flavor. The creamy mushroom gravy is the perfect topping for this nutritious and delicious side dish.
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Thanksgiving Punch
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Caramel Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon
For a refreshing and festive drink, try this Thanksgiving punch recipe. Made with a combination of cranberry juice, apple cider, and ginger ale, this punch is the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal. Add some vodka or rum for an adult version.
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Vegan Thanksgiving Casserole
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Cashews, Whole Wheat Bread, Vegetable Broth
For a vegan and gluten-free option, try this Thanksgiving casserole. Made with quinoa, sweet potatoes, and kale, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. The creamy cashew sauce ties all the ingredients together for a delicious and satisfying meal.
If you're looking for a creative and convenient way to serve stuffing, try these stuffing muffins. Simply scoop the stuffing mixture into muffin tins and bake for individual portions. These cute and tasty muffins are sure to be a hit with your Thanksgiving guests.
Why Traditional Gravy is Unhealthy
The Problem with Butter and Flour
Traditional Thanksgiving gravies are made with a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour. While this creates a thick and creamy texture, it also adds a significant amount of calories and unhealthy fats to the gravy. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease and other health issues.
High Sodium Content
Another issue with store-bought or traditional gravies is the high sodium content. Sodium is often used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in processed foods, including gravies. Too much sodium in your diet can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
The Solution: A Healthy Thanksgiving Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
To make a healthy Thanksgiving gravy, you will need:
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
1 cup of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the garlic, onion, and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens.
Add the thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and serve over your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Why This Gravy is Healthier
This healthy Thanksgiving gravy recipe eliminates the need for butter and flour, replacing them with olive oil and cornstarch. Olive oil is a healthier source of fat, containing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which can help lower cholesterol levels. Cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative to flour and is lower in calories and carbohydrates.
Benefits of Homemade Gravy
Making your own gravy from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and ensure a healthier option for you and your guests. You can also adjust the seasonings to your liking and make it as flavorful as you want. Plus, this gravy is not only healthier, but it still tastes delicious and will be a crowd-pleaser at your Thanksgiving table.
In conclusion, this healthy Thanksgiving gravy recipe is a simple and tasty way to enjoy one of the most beloved Thanksgiving dishes without the guilt. By making a few ingredient substitutions, you can create a healthier option for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Give it a try this holiday season and see for yourself how delicious and nutritious it can be.
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