Thanksgiving tables often lean heavy on starch: rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and pie. If you’re eating low-carb, it can feel like the turkey is the only thing left on your plate.

These low-carb Thanksgiving sides fix that. They’re all recipes I already make, they use simple ingredients, and none of them use flour. And remember, low-carb isn’t no-carb. If a scoop of mashed potatoes is what makes it Thanksgiving for you, have the scoop. These sides just give you more good things to fill the rest of the plate.

1. Cauliflower cheese

This is a family favorite in my house. It makes an appearance at Thanksgiving and Christmas and sometimes I make it outside of the holiday season because I love it that much! Tender cauliflower is mixed with Asiago and Swiss cheeses, then baked until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden. There’s no flour, no roux, and no cheese sauce to babysit, so the only real work is cutting the cauliflower. It takes about an hour start to finish and makes about 6 servings.

Get the cauliflower cheese recipe

2. Broccoli cheddar soup

A cup of soup is an easy way to start a holiday meal, and this one gets its creamy body from blended broccoli stalks instead of flour. Sharp cheddar melts in slowly at the end so it stays smooth. It makes 4 servings of about 1½ cups each, so for a starter course, smaller cups will stretch it further.

Short on time or stove space? My easiest broccoli cheese soup takes about 35 minutes and has about 10g total carbs a serving.

Get the broccoli cheddar soup recipe

3. Slow-roasted tomatoes

Just tomatoes, olive oil, and salt, roasted low and slow until they’re soft and concentrated. Most of the time is hands-off oven time, and they’re a bright, savory contrast to all the rich, creamy dishes on a holiday table. Serve them warm as a side, spoon them over turkey, or put them out with the appetizers. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead.

Get the slow-roasted tomatoes recipe

4. French onion dip

Something to snack on while the turkey rests. This version is made with slowly caramelized onions, sour cream, and Greek yogurt. There’s no soup mix and no added sugar. The onions do all the work. Caramelizing takes time (here’s why), so it’s a good one to make before the big day. Serve it with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, and radishes. It makes about 16 servings of 2 tablespoons each.

Get the French onion dip recipe

5. Dairy-free ranch dip

Most of the dishes on this list are full of cheese and cream, so here’s one for the dairy-free guests at your table. It’s thick and creamy, made with coconut milk and mayo instead of buttermilk, and it takes about five minutes to mix. Put it out with a veggie tray next to the French onion dip, or thin it out into a salad dressing.

Get the dairy-free ranch recipe

6. Zero-carb country gravy

Most gravy starts with a flour roux. This one is thickened with cream cheese and heavy cream instead, with savory ground pork for flavor. It’s a country-style gravy rather than a classic turkey gravy, so think of it as a second gravy for the table. It’s ready in about 20 minutes and makes 4 servings of about ½ cup each. For more flour-free ways to thicken a sauce or gravy, see my guide to low-carb thickeners.

Get the zero-carb country gravy recipe

How to plan the day

• A day or more ahead: caramelize the onions for the dip and roast the tomatoes.
• The morning of: mix the ranch, finish the French onion dip, cut the veggies for dipping, and prep the cauliflower.
• While the turkey roasts: make the soup on the stovetop.
• When the turkey comes out: bake the cauliflower cheese and make the gravy while the turkey rests.

After the big meal

Got extra broth or stock from the holiday cooking? My guide to low-waste ways to freeze soups and broth shows how I store it so nothing goes to waste. And if you’re still in a turkey mood after Thanksgiving, my no-roux turkey shepherd’s pie and crustless turkey quiche are two easy, low-carb turkey dinners for the week after.