These Holiday Recipes Are So Sinfully Delicious, You'll Never Believe They're Low-Carb

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.

01
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus With Cream Cheese
Savory Tooth

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus With Cream Cheese

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

02
Smoked Salmon Chive Deviled Eggs
Simply Delicious

Smoked Salmon Chive Deviled Eggs

Elevate hard-boiled eggs with smoked salmon and paprika for a festive appetizer.

Get the recipe: smoked salmon chive deviled eggs

03
Grilled Shrimp With Lemon
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Grilled Shrimp With Lemon

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

04
Cauliflower Cheese Soup
Savory Tooth

Cauliflower Cheese Soup

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

05
Glazed Ham
Dinner at the Zoo

Glazed Ham

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

06
Standing Rib Roast
A Spicy Perspective

Standing Rib Roast

This deliciously low-carb dish is seasoned with whole grain mustard, herbs, and bacon grease.

Get the recipe: standing rib roast

07
Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey

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

08
Fig and Sausage Cauliflower Stuffing
A Saucy Kitchen

Fig and Sausage Cauliflower Stuffing

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

09
Cranberry Sauce
Savory Tooth

Cranberry Sauce

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

10
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Savory Tooth

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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

11
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Skillet
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Skillet

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

12
Caramelized Bacon Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Get Inspired Everyday!

Caramelized Bacon Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

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

13
Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Balls
Delightful Mom Food

Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Balls

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

14
Gingerbread Blondies
Food Faith Fitness

Gingerbread Blondies

Among this low-carb dessert's miracle ingredients: avocado and vanilla Greek yogurt.

Get the recipe: gingerbread blondies

15
Coconut Protein Cookies With Almond Butter
Food Faith Fitness

Coconut Protein Cookies With Almond Butter

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

16
Apple Crisp With Coconut Flour
Food Faith Fitness

Apple Crisp With Coconut Flour

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

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