18 Healthy and Approachable Thanksgiving Recipes

Who’s ready for Thanksgiving?

I’m barely able to dress myself, at this point, lol, so you can imagine my answer.

It has been quite the year with a tough pregnancy and now getting used to having four kids! Sorry if I keep mentioning that, it’s just still quite the shocker, I guess.

Mckaela has been a pretty good baby, so far, which has been such a blessing, and Jade and Nat both love being helper mommies.

My hubby is home this year for Thanksgiving (yay!), so we’re all excited to spend it together, and I’m excited to be in the kitchy.

I haven’t finalized my menu, but the following recipes are all circulating through my brain. I hope you can find one or two you’d like to try as well!

BREADS

Buckwheat Flour Biscuits

A great option for those gluten-free-ers that may be attending your table, and they’re delicious!

Spelt Flour Pumpkin Biscuits

Biscuits are a must on this fine holiday, and these fluffy whole grain delights are a great way to use up the last of that annoying pumpkin puree.

Corn-Free Cornbread

This scrumptious ‘cornbread’ is made entirely WITHOUT corn, but you’d never know it! It’s also packed full of nutrition from sweet potato and contains NO added sweeteners!

SIDES

Roasted Butternut Halves

These are an easy way to offer a simple vegetable! Roast them and slice them into thirds or fourths for a more dainty, handheld bite.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

This is truly one of my favorite recipes on the blog! A unique onion ‘cream’ sauce is the base for this soft and luscious potato dish. You’d never know it’s cream AND butter-free!

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

This dish also employs a variation of my onion ‘cream’ sauce (a truly versatile little ditty). The breadcrumb topping makes a delightful textural contrast to the soft and creamy sprouts!

Fast Sweet Potatoes

This no-brainer recipe shows you how to make a speedy sweet potato! Give everyone their own individual sweet potato ‘casserole’ by topping these with a few marshmallows and pecans. YUM!

Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Medley

Roasted vegetables are a great way to please veggie haters, AND they’re a good one to prep the night before!

Fresh Potato Salad

This would be a great make-ahead dish, as oven space and time are both precious on the actual holiday!

Healthier Green Bean Casserole

So, I tried a new version of this casserole this year, but I didn’t quite get around to perfecting it. Ergo, you get to bask in my early day photography, which is just horrific. Recipe is good though, lol!

Kale Salad

Despite having the colors of Christmas, this salad would make a great addition to Thanksgiving! Fresh, easy, and full of nutrition to offset those pies. 🙂

No-Mayo Cole Slaw

This is another great one to make ahead, as the flavors just get better with time!

DESSERTS

Tart Berry Pie

I know my most recent crop of desserts wouldn’t exactly please the average sugar lover, BUT!…this pie may just be the exception! Top it with some sugar-laden ice cream, and they’ll never know.

Cinnamon Apple Cobbler

Another low sugar recipe that you can top with ice cream – This is one of my favorites on the blog! It’s easy, delicious, and so healthy!

Lighter Blueberry Crisp

While this recipe is for a small serving, it can easily be doubled or tripled, as needed. Again with the ice cream, but if you get yourself a good brand of blueberries, you might not need it!

Healthier Than Grandma’s Apple Crumble

Lol to that title, as my grandma was quite the sugar lover! This recipe is just as good and (as the name says) healthier for you!

Clean Honey Pumpkin Pie

Now, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a creamy pumpkin pie to round it out! This egg-free version is almost custard-like in texture! The arrowroot really sets it up to be a bit softer than the average pie, and it truly is irresistible! One of my finest creations.