25 Low-Calorie Thanksgiving Casseroles

By

Updated on November 9, 2020

Reviewed by Dietitian

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon, Cheddar & Chives

Try one of these low-calorie Thanksgiving casserole recipes for something healthy and delicious. Each serving has 375 calories or less and is perfect for the day of or the day after when you have leftovers to finish. Recipes like Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole and Loaded Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon, Cheddar & Chives are a fun twist on the classic side dishes you would normally find on the Thanksgiving table.

01 of 25

Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

Stuffing is not just for Thanksgiving with this easy chicken and stuffing casserole. And speaking of Thanksgiving, if you have leftover turkey, feel free to substitute it for the chicken in this comforting and healthy recipe. It's also a great use for extra carrots, celery, onions and day-old bread you might have on hand around the holidays. There's no boxed stuffing mix or canned soup in this lighter take on the comfort-food casserole, but it's still super-easy to make. Poultry seasoning helps humble bread to taste like stuffing, while thickened chicken broth takes the place of canned soup. There are plenty of veggies in this one, too, making this a healthy casserole you can feel good about serving year-round.

02 of 25

Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

Thanks to fresh green beans, an easy homemade cream sauce and crispy onion topping, this green bean casserole recipe is healthier and more delicious than traditional recipes that use canned soup, beans and onions. Plus, the slow cooker saves you time cooking at the stove. Make sure to use fresh green beans, as frozen green beans will become mushy.

03 of 25

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon, Cheddar & Chives

Imagine a loaded baked potato topped with bacon, Cheddar and chives combined with the creamy goodness of scalloped potatoes, and you have the ultimate comfort food casserole. This scalloped potato recipe is made healthier than original versions by using low-fat milk in place of heavy cream, but it still tastes just as rich and creamy.

04 of 25

Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese

Fiber-rich sweet potato is used as the base for the cheese sauce in this healthy, homemade macaroni and cheese recipe. The bright orange color tricks your eyes into thinking this healthy macaroni and cheese recipe is loaded with cheese, but there's actually only about half as much cheese as compared to a traditional recipe.

05 of 25

Wild Rice Pilaf with Sweet Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts

Wild rice is intensely aromatic so it's a great match for the bold flavors of saffron and Madeira in this wild rice pilaf recipe. Roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts studded on top give it a festive look and help make it filling enough for a vegetarian main dish.

06 of 25

Smoked Turkey, Kale & Rice Bake

This hearty one-skillet dinner is loaded with celery, kale, tomatoes and quick-cooking brown rice. It's easy to make the recipe vegetarian by substituting smoked tofu for the turkey.

07 of 25

Carrot-Parsnip Gratin

Make this creamy carrot-and-parsnip casserole for your next holiday meal--everyone will beg you for the recipe! Our healthier version skips the heavy cream and butter found in most recipes--saving about 160 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat compared to a traditional version.

08 of 25

Roasted Fennel & Italian Sausage Stuffing

This homemade stuffing recipe is special because it comes complete with a sausage-making lesson from the Sausage King himself, author and famed business owner Bruce Aidells.

09 of 25

Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

This lightened-up take on the classic Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole is spiked with crushed pineapple and toasted pecans. We top it with an airy, slightly sweet meringue. You can pipe the meringue to make it look fancy or simply spread it neatly with a rubber spatula.

10 of 25

Creamy Turkey and Rice Bake

This family-pleasing casserole features lean turkey tenderloin pieces, brown rice, zucchini, and mushrooms, all baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy crumbs and cheese.

11 of 25

Chicken, Quinoa & Sweet Potato Casserole

This protein-loaded chicken and sweet potato casserole dish is made with multicolored quinoa, a blend of white, red and black varieties, but any color will work.

12 of 25

Squash-Tomato Bake with Basil and Pine Nut Gremolata

Pine Nut Gremolata is the perfect topping to garnish this baked vegetable dish. This vibrant Italian condiment traditionally accompanies braised veal shank, but cuts through the flavor of this vegetarian side dish brilliantly.

13 of 25

Turkey and Cranberry Stuffing Casserole

Enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner anytime by using your trusty slow cooker to make this delicious casserole.

14 of 25

Scalloped Root Veggies

Flavorful, earthy celery root and parsnips are baked in a creamy sauce for a side dish that's perfect for fall and winter special meals.

15 of 25

Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Typical green bean casseroles bathe ingredients in a heavy cream sauce and top them with buttered breadcrumbs or cheese. Our healthier version saves about 160 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat compared to a traditional recipe.

16 of 25

Brussels Sprout Gratin

A creamy Brussels sprouts casserole is a delightful accompaniment to any holiday meal. Our healthier version skips the heavy cream and butter found in most recipes--saving about 160 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat compared to a traditional version.

17 of 25

Turkey-Vegetable Bake

Need to use up leftover turkey from the holidays? Make this low fat casserole. It's made with brown rice and lots of vegetables.

18 of 25

Cauliflower Casserole with Mixed-Seed Crust

The cheesy-seedy crust that tops this healthy cauliflower casserole recipe evokes everything bagels. Serve for the holidays or as a hearty side dish with roast chicken.

19 of 25

Vegan Cornbread Stuffing

Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, now this classic side dish is available to everyone. We love the deep flavor of cornbread in this entirely plant-based recipe. Our secret to getting that traditional flavor without chicken broth or turkey stock is adding in poultry seasoning--despite the name, there is no poultry in it!

20 of 25

Cauliflower-Broccoli Gratin

This creamy broccoli-and-cauliflower casserole is a hassle-free side dish that just about everyone loves. Our healthier version skips the heavy cream and butter found in most recipes--saving about 160 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat compared to a traditional version.

21 of 25

Apple & Ham Stuffing

Smoky Black Forest ham, celery and onion are common in stuffing, but the real surprise here is the addition of applesauce, which keeps the stuffing moist while boosting the flavor of the diced Granny Smiths.

22 of 25

Skillet Green Bean Casserole

Juggling space in the oven on Thanksgiving is always a challenge. This stovetop version of a classic favorite casserole made with fresh green beans has all the traditional flavors, but doesn't take up any precious oven space.

23 of 25

Pear & Red Onion Gratin

Bosc pears are strong-flavored and hold their shape when cooked, making them well suited for this savory side dish. It's a terrific accompaniment for a glazed ham or grilled sausage or most any roasted meat or poultry.

24 of 25

Turkey & Leek Shepherd's Pie

The mashed potato-covered shepherd's pie was originally created to use up the leftovers from a festive roast. This version blends peas, leeks and carrots with diced turkey, all in a creamy herb sauce. The dish is a perfect way to create a second meal with the holiday turkey but if you like, use leftover roast chicken, duck or goose.

25 of 25

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

The genius hack in this recipe: topping sweet potatoes with marshmallows while they're still piping hot from the slow cooker yields a baked marshmallow topping that's typical with baked sweet potato casseroles.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Related Articles

Apple-Cranberry Stuffing

15 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Casseroles That Everyone Will Love

Easy Corn Pudding

30 Thanksgiving Casseroles Just Like Grandma Used to Make

Cornbread & Oyster-Mushroom Stuffing

23 Thanksgiving Casseroles You Can Make Ahead of Time

Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole

10 Low-Carb Thanksgiving Casseroles That Will Have You Wanting Seconds

Apple, Onion & Cranberry Stuffing

Cornbread & Oyster-Mushroom Stuffing

Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole

21 Casserole Side Dishes That Are Packed with Veggies

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Honeynut Squash Casserole with Sage Marshmallow Topping

Honeynut Squash Casserole with Sage Marshmallow Topping

Garlic-Parmesan Melting Potatoes

23 Easy Friendsgiving Sides That Will Have Your Friends Scraping the Plate

Broccoli, Cheese & rice Casserole

Broccoli, Cheese & Rice Casserole

Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Stuffed Sweet Potato Casserole for Two

8 Thanksgiving Sides for Two

Carrot-Parsnip Gratin

Brussels Sprout Gratin

a baking dish with potatoes and cheese

41 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Can Make Ahead for an Effortless Holiday