Stuffing is a Thanksgiving day icon. This keto Thanksgiving stuffing uses cauliflower instead of the usual bread stuffing to create a tasty side dish!
WHAT IS THANKSGIVING STUFFING?
Stuffing is a mixture, normally comprised of pieces of bread and spices. Traditionally, it is served as a side dish at Thanksgiving meals across the United States.
The mixture can be prepared both in its own container, as well as inside the cavity of the turkey (or Thanksgiving bird of choice). Cooking it inside the bird helps to keep the meat moist. It also helps to impart the flavors in the stuffing to the meat as well.
You can read about the difference between the two cooking methods below.
ARE STUFFING AND DRESSING THE SAME THING?
Welcome to one of the oldest cooking questions out there. Are stuffing and dressing the same?
The simple answer is… Yes. The more complicated answer depends on where you live, how it was labeled as you grew up, and what its use is for your meal.
The ingredients in stuffing and dressing are mostly the same. The main way it is differentiated is by what the mixture is actually used for and how (where) it is cooked.
If it is cooked inside the turkey, it is probable it is dubbed stuffing. However, if it is prepared on the stovetop or in the oven and not in the bird, it is called dressing.
Pop Sugar also points out that generally, Southerners refer to it as dressing either way.
Similarly, Northerners often refer to it as stuffing, regardless of how it is prepared. Interesting!
THANKSGIVING STUFFING INGREDIENTS
While we usually aim to keep our ingredient lists as simple as possible, this keto thanksgiving stuffing requires several “pieces and parts” to achieve a delicious taste.
You will need the following ingredients to make this recipe a reality.
- 1 large head cauliflower, riced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup onion, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 tbsp butter
- 1 celery stalk, minced
- 2 baby carrots, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 pinch pink Himalayan salt
- 1 pinch fresh ground black pepper
After you have these ingredients, keep reading below for the cooking instructions!
WHY DOES THIS RECIPE INCLUDE CARROTS?
Unlike some, we do not subscribe to the idea that carrots are absolutely barred on a low-carb/keto diet.
Generally, we take a look at how many carbs the carrots would add to the overall recipe, then break it down into per serving.
In this case, the amount of carrot used would add a negligible amount of carbohydrate to the recipe.
Do you have to use the carrots in this recipe? Of course not. If you are looking to limit carb intake as much as possible, leaving them out is perfectly fine.
In fact, it is always a good idea to tweak each recipe (ours and others) for your personal low-carb/keto philosophy and daily carb intake.
Also, don’t forget that our recipes reflect net carbohydrate content and not total carbohydrate.
HOW TO MAKE KETO THANKSGIVING STUFFING
- Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat
- Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook until soft
- Add cauliflower and mushrooms and season to taste with salt and pepper
- Cook for another 10 – 15 minutes
- Add parsley, rosemary, and sage and stir until combined
- Pour chicken stock over mixture and cover with a lid
- Leave covered until cauliflower is totally tender and liquid is absorbed
- Remove from heat and serve!
CAN I MAKE THIS STUFFING AHEAD OF TIME?
You can make this stuffing ahead of time. This is an especially good idea if you are planning to cook this along with several other dishes.
Do take a moment to read the information below regarding reheating and storing the stuffing.
As a personal recommendation, I wouldn’t plan on trying to make this more than a day in advance of serving.
While it will keep longer, it is better for the taste and freshness of the dish to be served sooner than later.
HOW LONG WILL THIS THANKSGIVING STUFFING LAST?
Since this keto stuffing is made with cauliflower, it won’t last quite as long as its breaded counterpart.
That being said, this stuffing will last up to four days if stored properly.
A good rule of thumb is to discard leftovers of any food after 4 – 5 days (sometimes sooner, depending on the ingredients involved).
Being cautious about the “lifespan” of leftovers will help keep you safe from any food-related illnesses!
CAN I ADD MEAT TO THE STUFFING?
The simple answer is… Of course! Adding meat to this keto Thanksgiving stuff is a great way to add flavor and extra fats.
The type of meat you add is up to you. You can easily make this turkey, chicken, or sausage stuffing by adding those meats.
As several of our readers have pointed out, sausage (regular or hot) makes a great and delicious addition to stuffing!
HOW TO STORE THANKSGIVING STUFFING
This stuffing is best stored in air-tight, glass containers. Of course, refrigeration is a must.
If you are cooking this in a glass baking dish, storage and cleanup will be a breeze.
REHEATING KETO THANKSGIVING STUFFING
Reheating this stuffing is pretty easy. Below are a few ways you can easily reheat this Thanksgiving stuffing for maximum flavor and taste!
REHEATING IN THE MICROWAVE
You can easily reheat this stuffing in the microwave. Place it into a microwave-safe dish and microwave for one minute.
Stir, then check to see that the desired temperature has been reached.
If not, microwave at fifteen-second intervals until warm.
REHEATING IN THE OVEN
The best method for reheating this recipe is to use the oven. Ideally, reheat only the portion you intend to eat.
Preheat the oven to 350˚F, place the stuffing into an oven-safe container, and heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check to see that the desired temperature has been reached. Heat the stuffing in two-minute intervals until warm, if more time is needed.
WHAT TO EAT WITH KETO STUFFING
Since you’re more than likely eating this recipe with your Thanksgiving dinner, here are some delicious dishes that’ll make your meal even better.
- Keto Butter Pie
- Keto Deviled Eggs
- Keto Cauliflower Gratin
- Keto Pumpkin Pie
- Low-Carb Green Bean Casserole
For more ideas, check out our recipe index.
TOOLS USED TO MAKE KETO THANKSGIVING STUFFING
Click on the links to see the items used in making this recipe. You can also find these products linked in the recipe below.
- Non-Stick Skillet – A good non-stick skillet is a must for any kitchen. For this particular recipe, it makes cooking and cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have a non-stick skillet or if yours is getting some age on it and isn’t working well, there’s no time like the present to get one!
Keto Thanksgiving Stuffing
Stuffing is a Thanksgiving day icon. This keto Thanksgiving stuffing uses cauliflower instead of the usual bread stuffing to create a tasty side dish!
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, riced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup onion, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 tbsp butter
- 1 celery stalk, minced
- 2 baby carrots, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 pinch pink Himalayan salt
- 1 pinch fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat
- Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook until soft
- Add cauliflower and mushrooms and season to taste with salt and pepper
- Cook for another 10 - 15 minutes
- Add parsley, rosemary, and sage and stir until combined
- Pour chicken stock over mixture and cover with a lid
- Leave covered until cauliflower is totally tender and liquid is absorbed
- Remove from heat and serve!
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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 servingsAmount Per Serving Calories 166Total Fat 16gCarbohydrates 4gProtein 3g
Sarah B Lakota
Tuesday 10th of December 2019
I am going to try the ICE CREAM first ;)
Logan Childress
Saturday 14th of December 2019
Sarah,
Let us know what you think!
Valerie
Thursday 28th of November 2019
I made this recipe with hot sausage. So yummy even my non-keto friends enjoyed it! Directions were easy to follow. I will definitely make this again!
Logan Childress
Sunday 1st of December 2019
Valarie,
So glad you enjoyed it!
Katy Cantrell
Friday 15th of November 2019
Is there a similar recipe that includes cheese?
Logan Childress
Friday 15th of November 2019
Katy,
Unfortunately we do not have a recipe that includes cheese. However, you might be able to find one elsewhere online. Sorry we can't be of help.
King
Monday 16th of September 2019
I'm planning on doing this on the weekend. I hope I'll do it right though. Thanks a lot for posting!
Logan Childress
Monday 16th of September 2019
King,
Hope it turns out great!
Nancy Brown
Wednesday 21st of November 2018
Can this be made ahead of time.. or frozen
Logan Childress
Wednesday 21st of November 2018
Nancy,
Made ahead of time then reheated, yes. I would steer away from freezing it. Could ruin the cauliflower.