18+ Healthy Thanksgiving Mashed Potato Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!

Published on: Mar 8, 2024

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. However, it can also be a time of overindulgence and unhealthy eating habits. Mashed potatoes are a staple side dish on many Thanksgiving tables, but they are often loaded with heavy cream and butter, making them high in calories and fat. But fear not, with a few simple swaps and additions, you can create a healthy Thanksgiving mashed potato recipe that is just as delicious as the traditional version, but with added health benefits.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Thanksgiving Spinach Salad with Dried Cranberries,...

Main Ingredients: Baby Spinach Leaves, Dried Cranberries, Sliced Almonds

Spinach Cranberry Salad | Thanksgiving Salad | Life's Ambrosia

Larissa Another Day: Spinach Apple Salad (Thanksgiving: Let's Eat Week)

76 Mouthwatering Christmas Dinner Ideas to Please Everyone at Your ...

17 Classic Thanksgiving Recipes Plus Desserts | Salad recipes, Recipes ...

Start off your Thanksgiving feast with a healthy and flavorful spinach salad. This recipe combines the sweetness of dried cranberries, nuttiness of chopped nuts, and tanginess of feta cheese for a tasty and nutritious dish. It's also a great option for vegetarians at your dinner table.

2 of 20

Healthy Pumpkin Pie Dip

Main Ingredients: Mountain High Yoghurt, Pumpkin Puree, Brown Sugar

Pumpkin Pie Dip | Recipe | Pumpkin pie dip, Pie dip, Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin Pie Dip (A 5 Minute Recipe) - Cooking Classy

Pumpkin Pie Dip - Easy and No Bake - The Chunky Chef

Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert, but why not switch it up and serve it as a dip? This healthy version uses Greek yogurt and cream cheese for a creamy base, and pumpkin puree for that classic fall flavor. Serve with graham crackers or apple slices for a delicious and guilt-free treat.

3 of 20

Thanksgiving Slaw

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Maple Syrup, Dijon

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw | Lemon Tree Dwelling

Thanksgiving Slaw Deserves a Place at Your Holiday Table | Thanksgiving ...

Apple Bacon Slaw Recipe. Your Thanksgiving menu - whether classic or ...

35 Thanksgiving Side Dishes | Slaw recipes, Autumn salad recipes ...

Add some crunch to your Thanksgiving spread with this colorful slaw. Made with cabbage, carrots, and apples, this dish is packed with nutrients and flavor. The dressing is a combination of apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, giving it a sweet and tangy kick.

4 of 20

Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf

Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Onion, Celery, Medium Carrot, Garlic

21 Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes That You Will Love!

With all the traditional seasonings of the original this vegan meatless ...

Turkey Easy Meatloaf Recipe - Sweet Pea's Kitchen

For those looking for a vegetarian main dish, this meatless loaf is a great option. Made with lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa, it has a hearty texture and is packed with protein. Serve with a side of gravy for a complete and satisfying meal.

5 of 20

Thanksgiving Stuffing

Main Ingredients: Butter Margarine, Medium Onion, Celery Stalks, Kosher

Best Stuffing Recipe - Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe | Good. Food. Stories.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe 31 – Easyday

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without stuffing. This recipe uses a combination of bread, herbs, and seasoned vegetables for a flavorful and savory dish. It's also easy to customize with your favorite ingredients like cranberries, nuts, or sausage.

6 of 20

Thanksgiving Lentil Salad

Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Red Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil, Kosher

Healthy and Delicious Chilled French Lentil Salad Recipe

Smith's Vegan Kitchen: Thanksgiving Savory Lentil Loaf

Mediterranean Lentil Salad (Healthy & Bright) | The Mediterranean Dish

If you're looking for a lighter side dish, try this lentil salad. It's made with nutritious lentils, carrots, and dried cranberries, and tossed in a simple lemon olive oil dressing. This dish is not only tasty but also adds some vibrant color to your Thanksgiving table.

7 of 20

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Orange, Rosemary Sprigs, Salt, Black

Easy Roast Turkey Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen

Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey Recipe — Easy and Juicy | Nkechi Ajaeroh

Herb-Citrus Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey - The Wooden Skillet

No Thanksgiving recipe list is complete without a classic roasted turkey. This recipe uses a simple herb butter to coat the turkey for a juicy and flavorful bird. Be sure to brine the turkey beforehand for maximum tender and moist meat.

8 of 20

Thanksgiving Breakfast Cups

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Large Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Potato, Pepper

Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Hash - Family Food on the Table

breakfast cups | Breakfast cups, Stuffed peppers, Foodie

The Most Delicious Day-After Thanksgiving Breakfast Casseroles ...

Start off your Thanksgiving morning with these delicious breakfast cups. Made with hash browns, eggs, and bacon, they are the perfect portable breakfast for a busy day. You can also customize the filling with your favorite veggies and cheese.

9 of 20

Thanksgiving Stuffing Pasta Nests

Main Ingredients: Thin Spaghetti, Butter, Minced Garlic, Diced Onions

Pasta Nests - with a bite of Thanksgiving! • Steamy Kitchen Recipes ...

Best Ever Sausage, Sage and Apple Stuffing | Recipe | Thanksgiving ...

Pasta Stuffing Recipe - Sunset Magazine | Recipe | Stuffing recipes ...

If you want to add a unique twist to your Thanksgiving meal, try these stuffing pasta nests. They are made with a mixture of stuffing and cooked pasta, formed into muffin tins and baked until crispy. You can also top them with leftover turkey and gravy for a complete meal.

10 of 20

Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce

Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice

Cranberry Sauce Recipe (Fresh and Easy!) - Cooking Classy

Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Cinnamon (so easy!) - The Chunky Chef

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe (Cranbery Orange Sauce)

Homemade Cranberry Sauce | The Two Bite Club

Cranberry sauce is a staple on every Thanksgiving table, and this homemade version is sure to impress. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and spices, this sauce has a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Plus, it's much easier to make than you might think.

11 of 20

Thanksgiving Sides

Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground

5 Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Make on the Stovetop (Not in the Oven ...

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes Recipes — Eatwell101

Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Paleo, Whole30) - Nom Nom Paleo®

31+ Thanksgiving Sides - Unique and Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is all about the sides, and this recipe combines several delicious options into one dish. It includes mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and bacon and cheese cream corn casserole. It's the ultimate comfort food side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

12 of 20

Thanksgiving Breakfast Frittata

Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shallot

20 Delicious Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas | The Worktop

30 Best Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes - Insanely Good

Need a quick and easy breakfast option on Thanksgiving morning? This frittata is the answer. Made with eggs, roasted vegetables, and cheese, it's a great way to use up any leftovers from the day before. It's also a great option for vegetarians at your table.

13 of 20

The Best Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes

Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Butter, Fat Free Sour Cream

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes {Easy & No Stress!}

Seriously Amazing Cheddar Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Little Spice Jar

Best 35 Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes - Home, Family, Style and Art Ideas

Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, and this recipe is sure to be a hit with your guests. Made with creamy russet potatoes, rich butter, and garlic, this dish is smooth and flavorful. It's also the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious gravy.

14 of 20

Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery

The BEST Traditional Stuffing Recipe (Easy & No Frills) - Averie Cooks

The BEST Traditional Thanksgiving Classic Stuffing Recipe | Foodtasia

Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes - Dinner For 10 For Less Than $25!

Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe — The Mom 100

If you're looking for a classic and traditional stuffing recipe, this one is for you. It uses a combination of herbs, bread, and chicken broth for a simple and satisfying side dish. You can also add in your favorite mix-ins like sausage, cranberries, or nuts for extra flavor.

15 of 20

OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking

Thanksgiving Turkey OREO Cookie Balls

Thanksgiving Turkey Pops! OREO Cookie Balls recipe - CentsLess Meals

These adorable OREO cookie balls are perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert or snack. They are shaped into little turkeys and decorated with chocolate, candy corn, and sprinkles. They are also super easy to make and a great activity to do with kids.

16 of 20

Thanksgiving Punch

Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Caramel Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Punch – HonestlyYUM

Thanksgiving Punch Recipe | Holiday Cocktail or Mocktail

Thanksgiving Punch - Thanksgiving Harvest Punch Recipe

Add some festive flair to your Thanksgiving table with this delicious punch. Made with cranberry juice, apple cider, and sparkling cider, it's a refreshing and seasonal drink. You can also add in some rum for the adults or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic option.

17 of 20

Vegan Thanksgiving Casserole

Main Ingredients: Lentils, Cashews, Whole Wheat Bread, Vegetable Broth

Make Ahead Creamy Vegetable Casserole - Lord Byron's Kitchen

scoop on vegan corn casserole out of a pan Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes ...

Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Casserole Savory Vegan, Vegetarian Vegan ...

Vegan Thanksgiving Casserole - Appleseed Cuisine

If you have vegan guests at your Thanksgiving dinner, this casserole is a great main dish option. It's made with protein-packed lentils, vegetables, and a creamy cashew sauce. It's filling and flavorful, and even non-vegans will enjoy it.

18 of 20

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts + Healthy Thanksgiving...

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Brussels Sprouts, Pepper

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts – WellPlated.com

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts - Homemade Hooplah

Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts - TipBuzz

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts for a Super Fun Appetizer! | Clean Food ...

Transform the often disliked Brussels sprouts into a delicious and indulgent side dish with this recipe. The sprouts are wrapped in crispy bacon and roasted to perfection. It's also a great way to get in some healthy roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions.

19 of 20

Roast Turkey Breast

Main Ingredients: Boneless Turkey Breast, Olive Oil, Small Onion, Fresh

Citrus Herb Roast Turkey Breast - Mom On Timeout

Juiciest Roast Turkey Breast- Easy Recipe & Tutorial | The ...

Easy Roast Turkey Breast (Paleo, Keto, Whole30) - Cook Eat Well

If you're short on time or have a smaller gathering, this roast turkey breast is a great alternative to a whole turkey. It's flavorful and moist, and takes less time to cook than a whole bird. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and delicious meal.

20 of 20

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lean Ground Turkey, Clove

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet - A 30 Minute Healthy Family Dinner

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet | Recipe in 2020 | Sweet potato ...

This one-pan meal is the perfect option for a busy Thanksgiving weeknight. It's made with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and healthy green vegetables for a quick and easy dinner. You can also add in some spices like cumin or chili powder for a festive twist.

Lighten Up with Cauliflower

One of the main ingredients in traditional mashed potatoes is, of course, potatoes. While they are a great source of carbohydrates, they can also be high in calories and lack other essential nutrients. Instead of using only potatoes, consider adding some cauliflower to the mix. Cauliflower is a nutrition powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also has a similar texture and taste to potatoes when mashed, making it a perfect addition to this dish.

Swap Out the Cream for Greek Yogurt

Another ingredient that contributes to the high calorie and fat content in traditional mashed potatoes is heavy cream. But there is a simple swap that can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content while still adding creaminess to the dish. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for heavy cream because it has a similar consistency and tangy taste. It is also high in protein and lower in calories, making it a healthier option for your mashed potatoes.

Add Some Flavor and Nutrients

To make this healthy Thanksgiving mashed potato recipe even more nutritious and flavorful, consider adding in some garlic and herbs. Garlic not only adds a delicious flavor, but it also has many health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, can also add a burst of flavor and are a great source of antioxidants.

Final Thoughts

With these simple swaps and additions, you can create a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving mashed potato recipe that everyone at the table will love. Not only will you be reducing the calorie and fat content, but you will also be adding in extra nutrients and flavor. So this Thanksgiving, don't be afraid to switch things up and try this healthier version of a classic dish. Your body will thank you.