Looking for fabulous and easy paleo Thanksgiving recipes? This roundup of grain-free, gluten-free, and Whole30-friendly Turkey day recipes are perfect for your holiday gatherings and everyone will feel great the next morning!
Table of Contents
- Thanksgiving help is here!
- Free Nomtastic Paleo Thanksgiving E-Book
- Recipes in this free Thanksgiving e-book
- Spatchco*ck Turkey
- Magic Crown Roast of Pork
- Paleo Cranberry Sauce (a.k.a. Paleo Cran-Cherry Sauce)
- Umami Gravy
- Instant Pot Autumn Mash
- Asian Citrus Brussels Sprouts Slaw
- Pumpkin and Carrot Muffins
- Pumpkin Custard Cups
- More Paleo and Whole30 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Where’s the Paleo Stuffing Recipe?
- More Paleo Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
- Apple Crisp
- Baked Apples
- Apple Bundt Cake
- Apple Muffins with Paleo Streusel Topping
- Pumpkin Muffins
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Pumpkin Cookies
- Pumpkin Bars
- Pumpkin Mug Cake
- Chocolate Lava Cake
- Torta Caprese (Almond Flour Chocolate Cake)
- Coconut Cream Bars
- Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Raspberry Financiers
- Coco-Nutty Dark Bark
- Nom Nom Chocolate Truffles
Thanksgiving help is here!
Okay, U.S.-based Paleo procrastinators: It’s that time of year again, when you’re tasked with either:
- Preparing an entire Thanksgiving feast
- Bringing something to a Turkey Day potluck
- Or figuring out what you’re going to eat at someone else’s decidedly non-Paleo-friendly Thanksgiving gathering
Well, it’s not too late to pick yourself up off the couch and plan your menu—and to that end, I’ve compiled a ton of nomtastic Thanksgiving ideas to help inspire you!
Free Nomtastic Paleo Thanksgiving E-Book
Some of my festive favorites are featured in my tried and true (and 100% FREE) Nomtastic Thanksgiving e-book for subscribers to my weekly email newsletter. If you haven’t already subscribed, do it now, and you’ll get access to a complete Paleo Thanksgiving primer featuring step-by-step recipes, a shopping list, countdown planner, and more. It’ll take the guesswork out of Turkey Day meal prep to serve 8 to 12 hungry Nomsters! Subscribe by clicking here.
And if you’re already a subscriber, check your emails because I always add a downloadable link to the e-book in my November emails!
Recipes in this free Thanksgiving e-book
Don’t need the planning guide or shopping list, but still need the recipes? Here’s what’s on the menu!
Spatchco*ck Turkey
What’s Thanksgiving without a turkey? As you can see, I prefer to spatchco*ck (a.k.a. butterfly) my turkey to make sure the entire bird cooks evenly, resulting in tender, juicy meat rather than dry, overcooked white meat and raw, undercooked dark meat. I dry-brine my turkey with kosher salt, and flavor the meat with an herb-infused ghee mixture that melts under the crispy skin. Once you’ve cooked (and eaten) a Butterflied Big Bird, you’ll never go back.
Butterflied Big Bird (Spatchco*ck Turkey)
4.92 from 12 votes
Time to make Spatchco*ck Turkey a.k.a. Butterflied Big Bird! This foolproof method for cooking Thanksgiving turkey will please everyone at your holiday gatherings and it’s so easy to make! Plus, it’s Paleo-friendly!
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Magic Crown Roast of Pork
Not a turkey fan? Make this meaty—and incredibly easy—Thanksgiving centerpiece!
Magic Crown Roast of Pork
5 from 5 votes
Tired of turkey? This fancy-looking meaty centerpiece will elicit oohs and aahs when you bring it to the Thanksgiving table—andyou won’t even need to tell your guests how easy it is to make! The two secret weapons: my Magic Mushroom Powder seasoning and J. Kenji Lopez-Alt’s reverse-sear technique to cook your pork to the perfect temperature!
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Paleo Cranberry Sauce (a.k.a. Paleo Cran-Cherry Sauce)
This healthy spin on cranberry sauce is so dang addictive! You’ll want to spoon the leftovers on everything!
Paleo Cran-Cherry Sauce
4.93 from 14 votes
This Paleo and Whole30-friendly version of cranberry sauce—inspired by the cranberry-cherry-apple juice blends from my childhood—is perfect for your Thanksgiving feast. By themselves, cranberries can be unpalatably bitter and sour. But by adding an equal amount of cherries and simmering the fruit in apple juice, I was able to counter the mouth-puckering tartness of the cranberries with some natural sweetness. Prefer a sweeter sauce? Just a touch of honey will do the trick. And if you make this Cran-Cherry Sauce a day ahead and allow the flavors to meld further, it tastes even better. In fact, you can make this dish a week ahead and it’ll still be awesome!
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Umami Gravy
The best gravy, hands down.
Umami Gravy
4.84 from 12 votes
This gravy is pure, unadulterated umami. I recommend freezing some in an ice cube tray so you’ll always have individual servings of gravy at the ready. Perfect for your Whole30 Thanksgiving!
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Instant Pot Autumn Mash
This veggie packed mash is a family fave!
Instant Pot Autumn Mash
4.86 from 7 votes
One of my all-time favorite Thanksgiving side dishes isRoasted Garlic Autumn Root Vegetable Mash. Why? ’Cause it’s a feast for both the eyes and tastebuds. My original stovetop version is crazy delicious, but now that I’m a certified Instant Pothead, I was determined to create a shortcut to veggie mash nirvana using my Instant Pot. After some tinkering, I’ve come up with a simpler way to make my Autumn Mash in an electric pressure cooker!
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Asian Citrus Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Best. Slaw. Ever. This Asian-inspired Brussels sprouts slaw isn’t exactly traditional, but its umami-packed punch will knock your socks off. In a good way.
Warm Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Asian Citrus Dressing
5 from 7 votes
A tangy orange-ginger dressing gives this warm Brussels sprouts slaw a zesty zing that’ll liven up your Thanksgiving table!
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Pumpkin and Carrot Muffins
My pal Chef Gregory Gourdet made these insanely delicious muffins for a Nom Nom Paleo brunch event at his restaurant a few years back, and they were an instant hit. If you make a batch for Thanksgiving, I bet you won’t have any left over. (This dessert recipe is not Whole30.)
Paleo Pumpkin and Carrot Muffins
4.91 from 20 votes
These paleo pumpkin and carrot muffins are dangerously addictive. With a tender crumb, just the right amount of sweetness, and a pleasantly unexpected hit of exotic spice, it’s no wonder that everyone loves these muffins.
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Pumpkin Custard Cups
Pumpkin lovers have yet another dessert option on my Paleo Thankgiving menu: Pumpkin, Coconut + Maple Custard Cups. Like the other sides and sweets on this list, these sweet and creamy cups can be made ahead of time, freeing you up to watch football or just sleep in on Thanksgiving Day. (This dessert recipe is not Whole30.)
Pumpkin Custard
4.81 from 21 votes
This Paleo pumpkin and coconut custard is the perfect dessert for your Halloween and Thanksgiving parties! You can make them ahead, too!
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More Paleo and Whole30 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
The best part of a Thanksgiving feast is definitely the side dishes, am I right?
This epic roundupcovers my favorite veggie sides! These paleo and Whole30-compatible Thanksgiving side dishes will satisfy everyone at your dinner table and no one will will notice that these healthy spins on the classics are naturally grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free!
Where’s the Paleo Stuffing Recipe?
I don’t have one yet! However, here are three fab ones from my blogger pals:
- Zenbelly’s Best Ever Paleo Stuffing (Dressing)
- Against All Grain’s Grain-free Thanksgiving Stuffing
- PaleOMG’s Thanksgiving Caramelized Onion & Sausage Stuffing
- Paleo Running Momma’s “Cornbread” Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing
If you have a favorite stuffing recipe and just need paleo-friendly stuffing mix/croutons, Misfits Bakehouse sells some. Get some shipped to you by clicking here.
More Paleo Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
If you need more paleo, gluten-free, and grain-free autumn dessert recipes, I have you covered!
Apple Crisp
Topped with a nutty, cinnamon-infused, oat-free crunchy crust, this gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and grain-free apple crisp recipe will knock your socks off.
Apple Crisp (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free)
4.71 from 27 votes
Topped with a nutty, cinnamon-infused, oat-free crunchy crust, this gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and grain-free apple crisp will knock your socks off. You’ll be proud to serve this better-for-you apple crisp to your friends and family—and as it bakes, it’ll will make your house smell amazing, too!
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Baked Apples
These delicious baked apples are crammed with a cinnamon-infused sweet and crunchy filling made with pecans, almonds, and coconut (no oats!)!
Baked Apples (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free)
4.88 from 16 votes
Packed with a cinnamon-infused sweet and crunchy filling made with pecans, almonds, and coconut (no oats!), these baked apples are the perfect paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free fall dessert!
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Apple Bundt Cake
This apple bundt cake is a showstopper of a dessert!
Apple Bundt Cake (Paleo, Gluten Free, Grain Free)
4.79 from 52 votes
This tender and delicious apple bundt cake is made with almond and cassava flour, but even your pickiest eaters won’t ever suspect that it’s totally grain free, gluten free, and paleo-friendly!
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Apple Muffins with Paleo Streusel Topping
Your guests will love these apple muffins!
Apple Muffins with Paleo Streusel Topping
4.91 from 11 votes
These apple muffins are the ultimate fall treat. They have a moist and tender crumb, a crunchy paleo streusel topping, and a burst of apple flavor!
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Pumpkin Muffins
My simple and delicious almond flour pumpkin muffin recipe has a moist crumb and calls for just a few easy-to-find ingredients!
Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
4.75 from 94 votes
These grain-free and gluten-free paleo pumpkin muffins are an amazing autumn treat. My simple and delicious almond flour pumpkin muffin recipe has a moist crumb and calls for just a few easy-to-find ingredients!
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
For everyone who loves chocolate + pumpkin
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (Paleo, Gluten Free, Grain Free)
4.82 from 27 votes
These honey-sweetened almond flour pumpkin chocolate muffins can be made ahead and kept in the freezer so you can easily heat one up when pumpkin spice blend season hits!
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Pumpkin Cookies
Who doesn’t love soft and cake pumpkin cookie
Pumpkin Cookies (Paleo, Gluten Free, Grain Free)
4.62 from 13 votes
These soft, cakey pumpkin cookies perfectly balance the comforting spices of fall and just the right amount of sweetness! No one will notice that they're also paleo, refined sugar-free, gluten-free, and grain-free!
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Pumpkin Bars
These easy make ahead pumpkin bars are so good!
Pumpkin Bars (Paleo, Gluten Free, Low Carb)
4.67 from 60 votes
These grain-free and gluten-free paleo pumpkin bars have a moist crumb and the perfect amount of pumpkin spice blend! They’re super simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients and taste like fall!
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Pumpkin Mug Cake
Got a small Thanksgiving soiree? This two-minute individual pumpkin mug cake is a quick and delicious way to use up your leftover pumpkin puree!
Pumpkin Mug Cake (Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
4.71 from 55 votes
This two-minute gluten-free paleo pumpkin mug cake is a quick and delicious way to use up your leftover pumpkin puree!
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Chocolate Lava Cake
Molten lava cake is way easier to make then you think!
Chocolate Lava Cake (Paleo, Gluten-Free)
4.86 from 47 votes
This decadent paleo molten chocolate lava cake is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion with your favorite gluten-free or nut-free loved one!
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Torta Caprese (Almond Flour Chocolate Cake)
This classic Italian flourless chocolate cake, is a decadent and rich dessert made with almond flour, dark chocolate, and eggs. Even better? You can make it ahead of time and no one will notice!
Torta Caprese
4.81 from 21 votes
Torta Caprese is a classic Italian flourless chocolate cake, is a decadent and rich dessert made with almond flour, dark chocolate, and eggs.
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Coconut Cream Bars
Every year, my in-laws host an epic Thanksgiving potluck and when I bring this dreamy, not-too-sweet dessert it’s always a hit!
Coconut Cream Bars (Vegan, No-Bake, Gluten-Free)
4.89 from 17 votes
These vegan Coconut Cream Bars are creamy, decadent, and a dream to make! Made with nine simple and wholesome ingredients, these no-bake healthy treats are amazing!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
If your guests love fruity desserts, try this no-bake option!
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars (Vegan, Paleo, Gluten Free)
4.79 from 14 votes
These no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars are tangy, creamy, and fruity with a crunchy and nutty crust! Whip up a batch without turning on the oven and share them with all your vegan, paleo, and gluten-free pals!
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Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Not a salad and truly delicious!
Strawberry Pretzel Salad (Grain Free, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free)
4.82 from 11 votes
This grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delicious and paleo-ish twist on this classic American dessert!
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Raspberry Financiers
Everyone will love these adorable mini almond cakes!
Raspberry Financiers (Paleo, Gluten Free, Grain Free)
4.89 from 27 votes
These adorably delicious raspberry financiers are mini almond flour cakes crowned with a tangy berry. They’re simple, elegant, and a crowd-pleasing paleo and gluten-free dessert!
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Coco-Nutty Dark Bark
If you need a hostess gift, or a sweet treat to send home with your guests, make my addictive paleo chocolate bark!
Coco-Nutty Dark Chocolate Bark
5 from 7 votes
Paleo Coco-Nutty Dark Chocolate Bark is perfect for DIY homemade edible holiday gifts because the recipe is drop-dead simple and infinitely customizable.
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Nom Nom Chocolate Truffles
Another decadent chocolate treat to gift your host, hostess, or guests!
Nom Nom Chocolate Truffles
5 from 12 votes
These paleo, vegan, and dairy-free chocolate truffles are perfect for homemade holiday gifts! Everyone will love them and request them year after year!
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Feeling inspired? Good! Now go plan your feast! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipein my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013), Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017), and Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2022).
Recipe Roundup Thanksgiving
About Michelle Tam
Hello! My name is Michelle Tam, and I love to eat. I think about food all the time. It borders on obsession. I’ve always loved the sights and smells of the kitchen. My mother was (and is) an excellent cook, and as a kid, I was her little shadow as she prepared supper each night. From her, I gained a deep, abiding love for magically transforming pantry items into mouth-watering family meals.
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