Can y’all believe it’s nearly Thanksgiving?! I’m in total shock over here. The last half of the year always flies by far too quickly, like the last bit of sand falling through a time keeper.

I’m sure many of you are starting to think about your Thanksgiving menu and what dishes you plan to serve your family and friends. Does that include tried and true family recipes passed down over generations? Does that include pre-made dishes from Whole Foods? A family Pot Luck? A mix of all three? What works for me is automation!! It’s less stressful, there are fewer surprises and my shopping list is pretty much done. I’ve served roughly the same recipes for the past five years so thankfully all my favorite recipes are filed away and the whole menu planning process doesn’t take much effort. Just the way I like it!!
In case you are hosting, I thought I’d share my favorite Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe’s. I hope your family enjoys this collection of Thanksgiving recipes as much as ours does.

Thanksgiving Appetizers & Cocktail

Most people arrive to the party starving, so I aim to have appetizers displayed for guests to nosh on before the main event! I always serve these Sweet Potato Toasts along side my Kale salad and a fall inspired veggie platter. The “toasts” are so easy, they hardly require a recipe. And they can be completely customized based on the taste preferences of your family and friends!

Simple preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Toss the sweet potato wedges (cut 1/4 inch rounds) with olive oil a large pinch of salt, pepper and cinnamon.
Spread in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, then flip and roast for 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and spread with your favorite combo of flavors. I do a mix!

1. Kite Hill Dairy Free herbed goat cheese with pear, honey and fresh thyme.
2. Herbed goat cheese + prosciutto   and fresh thyme
3. Aged Raw Cheddar + candied walnuts and thyme
4. Smoked salmon + Avocado and pomegranate seeds.

A pre-made “Signature Cocktail” is another hosts dream. I always serve this crowd-pleasing Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail, pre-feast. It’s ready in minutes and so fun and festive!

In a large pitcher, combine 1 bottle of Prosecco, 3 shots of Vodka, 1 shot of St. Germain and 1 Topo Chico. Garnish each glass with fresh cranberries {frozen for 3 hours} and a sprig of rosemary! This recipe serves 8!

Grain Free Sides for Your Healthy Thanksgiving

Mashed “Potatoes”

First up is my most favorite Thanksgiving Side, by Love & Lemons! This Cauliflower Parsnip mash recipe is so creamy, your kids will really believe it’s made from whipped potatoes! It’s vegan, gluten free and so easy to make ahead! I usually make it the day before and simply heat it on the stove an hour before the main event!

Roasted Veggies

Finally a vegetable recipe that appeals to your whole family!! Next up is Maple Roasted Harvest Vegetables by The Clever Carrot. Not only are these a Thanksgiving staple in our home, but I make them nearly all fall and winter! I promise, your kids will LOVE this recipe, and the maple syrup makes your home smell so inviting!

Green Bean Casserole

If you are looking for a healthy spin on a traditional favorite–The Green Bean Casserole. Give Detoxinista’s Clean Green Bean Casserole recipe a try! Green Bean Casserole is my hubbies favorite Thanksgiving side dish, so I’ve been trying to perfect a paleo, additive free version for years! ***Full disclosure: This one is not a fan favorite with our kids, but the adults love it!

Grain Free Stuffing

Paleo Running Mama has the grain free stuffing game down! I admit this recipe is a bit labor intensive for my liking. {I’m a simple cook!} But the outcome is as good as the classic stuffing you remember from childhood; sans the gluten!
Do y’all have a favorite gluten free stuffing that’s fairly simple? I’m still on the hunt!

Thanksgiving Sweets

You can’t have Thanksgiving without Pumpkin Pie, right? This Maple Pumpkin Pie by Against All Grain is perfection! It’s delicious, grain free, gluten free, dairy free & super easy!!!!! You will never buy store made Pumpkin Pie again! I’m not a pie-baker by any means and I’ve managed to master this recipe found in her Celebrations Cookbook! I promise your kids won’t even miss the refined sugar!

I also love to serve a pumpkin bars or blondie’s for the non-pie patrons. These Maple Walnut Blondie’s by The Food Network are a favorite. I use Cup for Cup flour in place of the All purpose flour, and swap coconut sugar for brown sugar to transform this recipe to a paleo version!

As for the turkey, thankfully that’s never been my responsibility! {PHEW!!!} However, one of my long term goals is to perfect a Thanksgiving Turkey, so stay tuned :). I AM responsible for leftovers, and for that reason I’ve come to love this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe by Detoxinista! It’s so easy, and when you have a house filled with guests it makes a great Black Friday meal!

I hope you find these grain free recipes helpful as you start meal planning for your holiday!! We are actually headed out of town this year, so for once I won’t be in the kitchen which is a little bittersweet for me. Remember to take deep breaths and enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday! Being the host can be stressful so light a candle, play some rocking tunes and pour yourself a glass of wine or your favorite hot tea before you get started!

XOXO

Cortney