Paleo-Approved Holiday Recipes to Wow Your Guests

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and sharing good food with loved ones. But sticking to a Paleo diet during the festive season might seem challenging, with all the tempting baked goods, sugary drinks, and carb-heavy sides.

Not to worry—this guide is here to show you how you can enjoy all the warmth of the holidays without straying from your Paleo lifestyle. In this article, you’ll learn how to create delicious Paleo-approved holiday recipes that will leave your guests amazed—and satisfied—without anyone feeling like they’re missing out.

Grab your favorite apron and let’s get started!

Start with an Irresistible Appetizer: Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

To kick off your holiday feast, you can’t go wrong with a savory appetizer. Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are a Paleo-approved way to start your meal, and they’re incredibly simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts (1 lb)
• Bacon slices (10-12 slices, depending on the size of the sprouts)
• Fresh black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim the Brussels sprouts and halve them if they’re especially large.
3. Wrap each Brussels sprout with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. Arrange the wrapped Brussels sprouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle with black pepper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender.

These appetizers pair well with a Paleo-friendly dipping sauce made from homemade avocado mayo, a little mustard, and some garlic powder. Not only do these bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts taste amazing, but they also make for an eye-catching platter to impress your guests.

Product Tip: Consider using “Nitrate-Free Bacon” to keep it Paleo-friendly. There are plenty of high-quality options on Amazon that have great reviews and are perfect for this recipe.

Savory Butternut Squash Soup: A Cozy Starter

What’s a holiday meal without a cozy bowl of soup to warm things up? This savory butternut squash soup is rich, creamy (without the dairy), and perfect for a Paleo holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (make sure it’s Paleo-friendly)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the diced butternut squash, chicken broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy.

This butternut squash soup makes for an excellent starter that’s both comforting and nutrient-rich. The cinnamon and nutmeg add that holiday touch, while the coconut oil gives it the perfect amount of creaminess.

Product Tip: An “Immersion Blender” can make all the difference here. There are great, highly-rated models on Amazon that will make blending the soup directly in the pot easy and mess-free.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast: The Paleo Main Course

You can’t go wrong with a well-cooked turkey at the center of your holiday table. Instead of roasting a whole bird, why not opt for a turkey breast this year? It’s easier to manage and perfect if you’re hosting a smaller gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless turkey breast (about 4-5 pounds)
• 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and squeeze the lemon juice over the top.
5. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

This herb-roasted turkey breast is moist, flavorful, and has that beautiful, crispy skin you want in a holiday roast. Pair it with a few sides for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Product Tip: Use an “Instant Read Meat Thermometer” to make sure your turkey reaches the perfect temperature without any guesswork.

Sweet Potato Casserole: The Classic Holiday Side (Without the Marshmallows)

One of the stars of any holiday spread is a sweet potato casserole. This Paleo version ditches the marshmallows but brings in a delightful pecan topping for a sweet and crunchy finish.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup coconut oil

Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp almond flour
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil the sweet potatoes until they are tender, then drain and place them in a large bowl.
3. Add coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coconut oil to the bowl and mash everything together until smooth.
4. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes into a baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix the pecans, almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potatoes.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

This sweet potato casserole is wonderfully comforting, sweet without being overly so, and the crunchy pecan topping is simply irresistible.

Product Tip: Almond flour like “Blue Diamond Almond Flour” is a staple in Paleo baking and is available on Amazon with fantastic ratings.

Paleo-Friendly Cranberry Sauce

No holiday meal is complete without cranberry sauce, and this homemade version is much better for you than the sugary canned variety.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, orange zest, and cinnamon.
2. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries start to burst, about 10 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.

The freshness of the cranberries, combined with a hint of orange, gives this sauce a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the other dishes on your holiday table.

Product Tip: A “Citrus Juicer” can make squeezing fresh orange juice much easier and quicker.

Grain-Free Stuffing

For many people, stuffing is a holiday essential. This grain-free version uses cauliflower and mushrooms to provide the satisfying texture and flavor you crave.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into small pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
3. Add mushrooms and continue to cook until they start to brown.
4. Stir in the chopped cauliflower, sage, and thyme, cooking for another 5-7 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.

This grain-free stuffing has all the familiar flavors you’re used to, thanks to the herbs and aromatics, and it pairs wonderfully with your turkey.

Finish with a Decadent Dessert: Flourless Chocolate Cake

You can’t end your holiday dinner without something sweet. This flourless chocolate cake is rich, moist, and a perfect way to finish your Paleo-approved holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a round 8-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut sugar.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
6. Let cool completely before removing from the pan.

This cake is rich enough that a small slice will satisfy your sweet cravings, and it pairs beautifully with some fresh berries on the side.

Product Tip: Consider using “Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Chips” which are Paleo-friendly and have a lot of positive reviews on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

The holidays can be an especially challenging time to stick to your Paleo lifestyle, but with these recipes, you’ll find that you don’t have to compromise on flavor or tradition. By focusing on real, whole foods and using simple swaps, you can create a holiday spread that’s every bit as delicious as it is nourishing.

Your friends and family might not even notice the lack of grains, refined sugars, and dairy—they’ll be too busy enjoying the food!

Give these recipes a try this holiday season, and enjoy the warmth of sharing good food while staying true to your health goals. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!