Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite times of the year, but when you’re following an AIP diet, it can feel a bit tricky to navigate the traditional feast. That’s why I’m absolutely thrilled to share my go-to AIP Thanksgiving recipes that will make your holiday meal not just compliant but bursting with flavor! Imagine a beautifully roasted turkey, tender cauliflower mash, and a sweet-tart cranberry sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you won’t even miss the usual staples! From the first bite to the last, these dishes are designed to be enjoyed by everyone around the table—AIP or not. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious AIP Thanksgiving recipes that celebrate both health and the joy of togetherness!
Ingredients List
- 1 turkey (12-14 lbs, thawed if frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for rubbing on the turkey)
- 1 tbsp sea salt (to season the turkey)
- 1 tbsp dried thyme (for flavor)
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary (to complement the turkey)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (to keep the turkey moist during roasting)
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen, for the mash)
- 2 cups coconut milk (for a creamy texture in the mash)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder (for seasoning)
- 1 tbsp onion powder (to enhance the flavor)
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen, for the sauce)
- 1/2 cup honey (to sweeten the cranberry sauce)
How to Prepare AIP Thanksgiving Recipes
Preparing a delicious AIP Thanksgiving meal is easier than you might think! Let’s break it down step-by-step, starting with the turkey, then moving on to the creamy cauliflower mash, and finishing with that irresistible cranberry sauce. Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Preparing the Turkey
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take your turkey and pat it dry with paper towels—this helps achieve that crispy skin we all love! Now, rub the turkey all over with the olive oil, sea salt, thyme, and rosemary. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies! Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour the vegetable broth around it to keep it nice and moist while roasting. Pop it into the oven and roast for about 2.5 to 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes to keep it juicy. When it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), you know it’s ready. Don’t forget to let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to let those juices redistribute!
Making the Cauliflower Mash
While the turkey is roasting, you can whip up the cauliflower mash! Steam the cauliflower florets until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once they’re soft, toss them into a blender or food processor with the coconut milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend until smooth and creamy—this is your chance to adjust the coconut milk to get your preferred consistency. Taste it and feel free to add a pinch of sea salt if you like. It should be velvety and delicious!
Preparing the Cranberry Sauce
For the cranberry sauce, combine the cranberries and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cranberries start to burst, which should take about 10 minutes. If you want to create a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer. Once it’s reached your desired consistency, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. The sweet-tart flavor is the perfect complement to your turkey and mash!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a hearty meal like this AIP Thanksgiving feast, it’s always good to know what you’re fueling your body with! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
So, as you gather around the table, you can enjoy this delicious meal knowing it’s not just tasty but also packed with nutrition to keep you energized for all those holiday festivities!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely packed with flavor, making it a hit for everyone at the table.
- Completely AIP compliant, so you can enjoy a festive meal without worry.
- Simple and straightforward preparation, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Full of nutritious ingredients that keep you satisfied and energized.
- Great for leftovers, so you can enjoy this delicious meal long after the holiday.
Tips for Success
Getting your AIP Thanksgiving recipes just right can take a little finesse, but I’ve got some tips to help you shine in the kitchen! First, always let your turkey sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting; this helps it cook more evenly. Keep a meat thermometer handy to check the internal temperature—165°F (75°C) is your magic number for perfectly cooked turkey!
For the cauliflower mash, if you find it too thick, don’t hesitate to add more coconut milk a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. And remember, the cranberry sauce can always be adjusted; if it’s too tart, just add a touch more honey to sweeten it up. Also, make sure to taste as you go—it’s the best way to ensure everything is seasoned to perfection! Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch things up with these AIP Thanksgiving recipes! For the turkey, try adding fresh herbs like sage or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. You can even stuff the turkey with lemon slices and herbs for a beautiful aroma as it roasts!
For the cauliflower mash, why not add a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of paprika for a little kick? And if you want to mix up the side dishes, consider serving roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil and a hint of garlic. There’s no limit to how you can make this meal your own while keeping it AIP-friendly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your AIP Thanksgiving feast, you’re bound to have some delicious leftovers! To keep everything fresh, make sure to store the turkey, cauliflower mash, and cranberry sauce in separate airtight containers. This helps preserve their flavors and textures. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—trust me, those leftovers are just as tasty!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the turkey to maintain its juiciness. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C), cover the turkey with foil, and heat it until warmed through. For the cauliflower mash, you can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of coconut milk if it thickens up too much. The cranberry sauce can be warmed gently on the stove, or you can enjoy it cold—it’s delicious either way! Enjoy those leftovers to the fullest!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of meat for this AIP Thanksgiving recipe?
Absolutely! While turkey is the traditional choice, you can use chicken or even a roast pork loin if that suits your fancy. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary based on the size and type of meat you choose.
Are there any AIP Thanksgiving side dishes I can serve with this meal?
Yes! Alongside the cauliflower mash and cranberry sauce, consider adding roasted root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. You could also whip up some sautéed greens—kale or spinach works beautifully!
What can I substitute for honey in the cranberry sauce?
If you prefer to avoid honey, you can use maple syrup as a substitute. It’s still AIP-compliant and will give your cranberry sauce that lovely sweetness. Just adjust the amount to your taste!
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey (usually the breast) and look for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the thigh and check that the juices run clear.
Can I make any of these dishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the cranberry sauce a day or two in advance, and the cauliflower mash can be made ahead as well—just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. The turkey is best roasted fresh, but you can certainly season it the night before and let it marinate in the fridge. This will deepen the flavors and save you some time on the big day!

AIP Thanksgiving Recipes: 7 Flavorful Dishes to Savor
- Całkowity Czas: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 8-10 servings 1x
- Dieta: AIP
Opis
AIP Thanksgiving recipes for a flavorful holiday meal.
Składniki
- 1 turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup honey
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, salt, thyme, and rosemary.
- Place turkey in a roasting pan and pour vegetable broth around it.
- Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- While turkey roasts, steam cauliflower until tender.
- Blend steamed cauliflower with coconut milk, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries and honey over medium heat until cranberries burst.
- Serve turkey with cauliflower mash and cranberry sauce.
Uwagi
- Ensure all ingredients are AIP compliant.
- Adjust cooking time based on turkey size.
- Let turkey rest before carving.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 3 hours
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Roasting
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 12g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 15g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 5g
- Białko: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Słowa kluczowe: AIP Thanksgiving recipes, AIP turkey, AIP side dishes, AIP cranberry sauce