Easy Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes

Paleo Thanksgiving recipes to make your holiday a breeze this year!  You’re busy!  Hit the easy button this year!

Whether you are hosting or are an invited guest, you are sure to find a tasty recipe.  Trusty favorites never let me down, and they are perfect for everyone! 

Start with this popular, so easy Paleo turkey recipe!  While it’s roasting, start on the delicious sides.

Tip:  Start early for the best way to keep all the holiday meal preparations on schedule.

 

Paleo Turkey Recipe:

• Boneless Turkey Breast Recipe – With a few ingredients, the prep time is just a few minutes!  Having a small gathering?  Having a big group, but want to have extra turkey on hand just in case?  Want to insure leftovers? 
• Since you’ll be buying your boneless turkey breast by the pound, you choose the number of slices you’d like to have.  See the post that shows how to cook a boneless turkey breast.  Sure to be your new favorite recipe, and not just for holidays. 
• Make it easier:  Roasting Pan and Instant Thermometer.

Tip:  Use an oven thermometer.  Every oven varies and you’ll want to know your oven is the temperature you’ve set it for.

Paleo Thanksgiving Sides:

• Paleo Cranberry Sauce
• Paleo Salad Dressing (Tahini Paleo Salad Dressing, Vegan Ranch Dressing, Lemon Dressing)
• Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
• Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
• Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
• Paleo Stuffing

 

Paleo Soup Recipes:

Tip: Refrigerate soup in an airtight container the day before, reheat on low.

• Paleo Butternut Squash Soup
• Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
• Roasted Carrot Soup
• Vegan Cauliflower Soup

Paleo Thanksgiving Desserts:

• Paleo Chocolate Cake
• Paleo Apple Crisp
• Maple Pecans
• Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies:  Make them into Thanksgiving shapes!
• Coconut Non-Dairy Whipped Cream (Whips up easy in a Kitchenaid Electric Mixer).
• Sweet Potato Spice Truffles
• Paleo Vegan Chocolate Truffles
• Pumpkin Spice Latte

More Paleo Dessert recipes here.

Don’t forget pumpkin —–>  Best Paleo Pumpkin Recipes to try!

Looking for more holiday recipes?

 

Paleo Apple Crisp has all the lip-smacking flavors of pie, but it’s a more throw-together in a pan type of deal.  Which might be just what you’re looking for! 

Being asked to bring a dessert?  Here you go!  Tip:  Tweak the cinnamon and add more if you like!

Tips To Make Your Paleo Thanksgiving A Success:

1. Prep ahead: Do as much chopping and shopping ahead as possible.  I chop vegetables, nuts, fruits, etc.. and place them in labeled containers in the refrigerator.  This makes assembling recipes for cooking and baking so much easier.
2. Create an outline of your meal, (write a menu) make lists of necessary ingredients, and do shopping ahead.  Stick with recipes without a huge list of ingredients.  Do any guests have food restrictions/allergies?  Can you make recipes that everyone can eat?
3. Set your holiday table the day before your feast.
4. For a quick centerpiece, set out a bowl of clementines.  I like to find flowers with seasonal colored flowers and place them in small vases on the table.
5. Skip complicated appetizers, just serve good olives, nuts, or figs and prosciutto.
6. Make your holiday morning breakfast simple (e.g. smoothie, breakfast casserole).
7. Ask each guest to bring a dessert.
8. Encourage others to help.  This makes the day, meal, holiday more fun and enjoyable for all.

Thanksgiving Countdown:

One to Two Weeks Prior:

• Confirm the total number of guests.
• Plan the menu – main course, sides, desserts, and bread.  Consider a few sides that can be served at room temperature or can be heated via a slow cooker to avoid overcrowding in the oven.
• Make shopping lists based on recipes you will be using.  Shop for non-perishables on your list.
• Check your pantry, freezer, and fridge to see what ingredients you have on hand (spices, canned goods, etc…).
• Clean out the refrigerator to make room to defrost the turkey and store all make-ahead foods and dishes.
• Buy frozen turkey if this is one of your recipes.
• Check table settings, table decorations, and serving dishes.
• Place catering order for any items you will be buying instead of making.

Two Days Before:

• Shop for perishables on your list.
• Buy fresh turkey if this is one of your recipes.
• Make any foods that can be prepared ahead (cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, etc..)
• Buy or make table decorations.

Day Before:

• Final food shopping
• Chop vegetables for side dishes and ingredients for the main dish.
• Prepare dishes that can be prepared ahead (soup, desserts, etc…).  Cover and chill.
• Set the table and place table decorations.  (Can also be done on the day of).  Leave space for serving platters and bowls.

Thanksgiving Day:

• Pick up any catering orders.
• Prep turkey (or turkey breast) for roasting, and place in the oven at the appropriate time, leaving enough time to let it rest and slice.
• Prepare all sides, desserts, and dishes not made ahead.
• Make ice and chill drinks.
• Set the table if not done the day prior.
• Make gravy once the turkey has roasted.
• Reheat side dishes, make whipped cream.
• Arrange food on a buffet table or dining table.
• Carve turkey and serve.

Turkey Size Chart:

• For the whole turkey, plan on 1 pound per person.
• For turkey breast, buy 1/2 pound per person.

Thanksgiving Shopping List:

• A few weeks prior, read through all the recipes you’ll be using and make shopping lists.

• Even More Recipes You Might Like:

• Paleo Stuffing
• Green Bean Casserole Recipe
• Paleo Pumpkin Pie

 

 

 

 

This post was originally published on November 9, 2018, and republished on November 16, 2019, with updated photos and content.