Keto Herb Butter Turkey Thighs with Garlic Cauliflower Mash and Creamy Gravy is a rich, comforting low-carb dinner featuring juicy herb-roasted turkey thighs, velvety garlic cauliflower mash, and a smooth, keto-friendly gravy without the carbs. This Keto Herb Butter Turkey Thighs with Garlic Cauliflower Mash and Creamy Gravy recipe delivers high protein, deep savory flavor, and full holiday comfort perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, weight loss, and anyone craving a hearty, indulgent keto feast that stays fully low carb.

About This Recipe

Keto Herb Butter Turkey Thighs with Garlic Cauliflower Mash and Creamy Gravy is a celebration of classic comfort done right. Forget dry, flavorless turkey — this version uses skin-on thighs, basted in a decadent garlic herb butter that keeps every bite juicy and aromatic. The result is tender meat wrapped in golden, crispy skin infused with rosemary, sage, and thyme.

The cauliflower mash is a smooth, buttery alternative to potatoes, loaded with cream cheese and roasted garlic for richness and depth. It’s the perfect base for soaking up that luscious, silky gravy made from the turkey drippings. Together, they form a perfectly balanced plate that tastes like pure Thanksgiving indulgence — without the carb hangover.

What makes this recipe so good isn’t just the flavors — it’s the ease. Turkey thighs roast beautifully in under an hour, while the mash and gravy come together on the stovetop. You can make everything with minimal fuss, yet it looks (and tastes) like something out of a holiday magazine spread.

It’s a complete meal: juicy protein, creamy mash, and a savory sauce that ties it all together. Each serving delivers a satisfying mix of fat and flavor to keep you full, energized, and fully in the holiday spirit. This recipe proves that keto Thanksgiving can be every bit as cozy and delicious as the traditional one — maybe even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly juicy turkey with crispy skin
Comforting garlic cauliflower mash
Creamy gravy made from real drippings
Completely keto-friendly and gluten-free
Ready in about 1 hour

Ingredients

For the turkey:
2 bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs (about 500–600 g total)
3 tbsp butter, softened
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
½ tsp rosemary, minced
½ tsp sage, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the cauliflower mash:
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp cream cheese
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 garlic clove, roasted or sautéed
Salt and pepper to taste
For the creamy gravy:
2 tbsp turkey drippings (or butter if none)
½ cup chicken or turkey broth
2 tbsp heavy cream
½ tsp xanthan gum or 1 tsp arrowroot powder (optional for thickening)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Pat turkey thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
Make herb butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
Prep the turkey: Loosen the skin and rub half the butter mixture under it. Rub the rest on top of the skin.
Roast: Place on a baking sheet and roast 40–50 minutes, until golden and internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).
Start the mash: While turkey cooks, steam or boil cauliflower until tender (about 10 minutes). Drain well.
Blend: Add cauliflower, butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Make the gravy: Once the turkey is done, remove it and pour drippings into a pan. Add broth and cream, whisk over medium heat. Sprinkle xanthan gum if using and whisk until thickened. Season to taste.
Serve: Plate creamy cauliflower mash, top with sliced turkey, and drizzle generous amounts of gravy.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 580
Fat: 48 g
Protein: 35 g
Total Carbs: 6 g
Net Carbs: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g

FAQ

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, chicken thighs work just as well if you can’t find turkey thighs. Adjust roasting time slightly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can roast the turkey a day ahead and reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes. Mash and gravy also reheat beautifully.
What if I don’t have turkey drippings?
Use butter or olive oil as a base and whisk in chicken broth and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for richness.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
Whisk in a small pinch of xanthan gum while it’s simmering, or let it reduce naturally until creamy.

Variations & Substitutions

Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms into the gravy for more depth.
Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and olive oil instead of butter and cream.
Extra flavor: Add a splash of dry white wine or Dijon mustard to the gravy.
Crispier skin: Finish turkey under the broiler for 2–3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted green beans, sautéed spinach, or keto stuffing to make it a full Thanksgiving spread. A small spoon of sugar-free cranberry sauce on the side adds a perfect tangy note.

Print Pin