As much as we wish calories didn't count at the holidays, there's no escaping them — or those pesky carbs. Fortunately, there's also no shortage of low-carb recipes that taste just as good or better than the classic dishes you've grown to love. Regardless of what's on the menu, there's always a simple swap or two that can make a recipe healthier. This holiday season, you don't have to come up with those swaps on your own — we've rounded up 16 appetizers, main dishes, sides, and sweets that are delicious and perfectly low-carb. Come for the bacon-wrapped starters, and stay for the fruity desserts.
Simply bundle the asparagus, spread the cream cheese mixture on top, and wrap it with a slice of bacon, then bake. We guarantee these starters won't last long.
Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped asparagus with cream cheese
Elevate hard-boiled eggs with smoked salmon and paprika for a festive appetizer.
Get the recipe: smoked salmon chive deviled eggs
Skewers aren't just for Summer barbecues. Break out a grill plan, and whip up some shrimp — if it's not already a holiday favorite, it should be, because it takes so little time to cook.
Get the recipe: grilled shrimp with lemon
More of a soup and salad family? This flavorful dish — made with cauliflower, bacon, cheddar, and cream cheese — takes just 20 minutes in a pressure cooker.
Get the recipe: cauliflower cheese soup
The syrupy glaze is made with brown sugar, honey, and apple cider, so consider it your holiday splurge, and resist the urge to spoon up the extra sauce from the bottom of the pan.
Get the recipe: glazed ham
This deliciously low-carb dish is seasoned with whole grain mustard, herbs, and bacon grease.
Get the recipe: standing rib roast
A big, juicy turkey is a staple at any holiday meal. All you need to add flavor to this one: a compound butter with sage, rosemary, and thyme.
Get the recipe: herb-butter roasted turkey
You can still have stuffing on a low-carb diet. This recipe replaces the bread with cauliflower, but the other ingredients are so flavorful, your guests won't know the difference.
Get the recipe: fig and sausage cauliflower stuffing
Forget canned cranberry sauce and make your own in just 20 minutes, using better-for-you ingredients like monk fruit sweetener.
Get the recipe: cranberry sauce
Surprise: this doesn't actually contain potatoes. Mashed turnips deliver the same texture when mixed with cream cheese and butter. The garlic and chives add a great depth of flavor.
Get the recipe: garlic mashed potatoes
Pasta is always a crowd pleaser, so if you're going for an easy win, try this spaghetti squash lasagna. (Skip the beef for a vegetarian option.)
Get the recipe: spaghetti squash lasagna skillet
Can you think of a more classic duo than brussels sprouts and bacon? You'll love the addition of dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar.
Get the recipe: caramelized bacon balsamic brussels sprouts
If oven space is scarce, you'll love this no-bake dessert. Simply mix the ingredients, shape the dough into balls, and roll them in crushed candy canes — it takes 10 minutes.
Get the recipe: peppermint chocolate fudge balls
Among this low-carb dessert's miracle ingredients: avocado and vanilla Greek yogurt.
Get the recipe: gingerbread blondies
They're extra filling, thanks to chocolate protein powder and almond butter, not to mention so soft and chewy.
Get the recipe: coconut protein cookies with almond butter
Fruit desserts can be tricky, but almond and coconut flour help keep this one reasonably low-carb. (That said, maybe skip the ice cream.)
Get the recipe: apple crisp with coconut flour