The keto diet is popular because of its weight loss benefits and because it’s a chosen diet for many celebrities. But even with all the widespread attention that it gets, it is still a mystery to many.
Mystery or not, being the person on a diet isn’t always easy or attractive. It also doesn’t have to be an inconvenience for a dinner host if you know what keto is.
In a nutshell, the keto is a low carb and high-fat diet that helps your body to burn fat fast.
This means that all traditional carbs like sugar, bread, and pasta go out the window. Persons on keto usually stick to high-quality fats (think oil, butter, high-fat cheese), meat, and lots of leafy veggies.
So if you are someone who is not on keto but you’re having guests who are, then finding keto dinner ideas for them is easier than you think.
But before we move on to the keto dinner ideas, here is what you should know about the keto diet if you’re having guests who are on keto.
Half of Your Fridge is Already Keto Friendly
If you eat a Standard American Diet or already have a healthy assortment of foods from the different food groups, the only thing you need to eliminate is carbs and some processed items.
This (hopefully) leaves you with some of the following keto-friendly foods that you can use in our keto dinner ideas below.
Here are some of the keto foods that you probably have on hand:
Oils- coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil
Dairy- butter, eggs, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and other types of cheese
Meat- beef, chicken, fish, turkey, pork, etc
Nuts & seeds- Almonds, pecans, chia seeds, etc
Vegetables– Cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, spinach, and other leafy greens
Fruits- Raspberries, blackberries, avocado
Here’s a full list of keto foods if you want to read more about that.
There are many easy and delicious keto meals that you can cook for Thanksgiving (or any occasion) that everyone at the table can enjoy. We’ve listed 7 keto dinner ideas below so that you can choose.
For a full keto diet Thanksgiving menu, read this article: Easy & Delicious Keto Diet Menu for Thanksgiving
Click on Pin to add to Pinterest:
7 Keto Dinner Ideas
1- Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs
For an easy keto dinner that you can throw in the oven, you can give this recipe a try. It pairs well with other Thanksgiving sides and the fat content of the chicken thighs makes it the perfect part of the chicken to cook for this keto Thanksgiving dinner.
2- Pan Seared Steak with Sauteed Mushrooms and Spinach
For a more decadent option, this delicious pan-seared steak is full of flavor. The sauteed mushrooms and spinach are a great sid. Or you can opt for creamed spinach (this has more fat, which will help to meet the daily fat requirements) or garlic butter mushrooms.
3- One Pan Chicken Dinner
Another easy oven keto dinner that will require little time to prepare. The sauce for this recipe is a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar with minced ginger.
All you need for this prep is a baking sheet and an oven – it’s that simple.
4- Creamy Mustard Pork Loin
This delicious recipe uses ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The pork chops are topped with a delicious, creamy mustard sauce that you can let simmer while you prepare other keto sides or desserts like the ones listed below.
5- Garlic Rosemary Mashed Cauliflower
This is a delicious Thanksgiving side that is also a keto staple. Cauliflower is one of the most versatile cruciferous vegetables that keto dieters love, and you can wow your keto guest by presenting this classic mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potato.
6- Pumpkin Pie Bites
We know that pumpkin pie is a staple at Thanksgiving. Instead of creating a whole pumpkin pie (here’s a great recipe if you want to), you can create keto pumpkin pie bites that last longer and have a higher fat content. These are super fun to eat too.
For more keto desserts to make at Thanksgiving, read this article: Keto Diet Thanksgiving Menu
Final Word from Daily Diet Dish
It’s not hard to create delicious keto recipes for your loved ones during Thanksgiving. It’s a great way to show your support and they’ll enjoy the holiday more if they don’t have to worry about the amount of carbs they’re eating.
If you want to know if a keto diet is a good fit for you, then check out this article and then read this keto diet guide and grocery list for beginners.