Reindeer-Inspired Keto Friendly Holiday Recipes & Activities

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Recipe and Content Contributor: Taylor Parrish, RDN, CLC, LD

Like Halloween and Thanksgiving, food is often one of the main spotlights of the Christmas season. Check out these keto friendly Christmas activities and recipes. Your keto kiddo doesn’t have to miss out on this magical time! From the whole team at the Keto Hope Foundation, we hope you find joy in this season and have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year! 

First, check out these fun holiday ideas where food is not the focus!  

Now, let’s look at some easy and convenient store-bought items that can brighten your holiday.* 

*Always check with your keto medical team if the above-mentioned products are appropriate for your specific ketogenic diet. Some of these products do contain artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols that may not be appropriate for everyone. 

Recipe 1: Keto Cinnamon Rolls (makes ~9 cinnamon rolls)

Dough Ingredients: 

  • 112 g (1 cup) almond flour 

  • 26 g (1/4 cup) ground flax 

  • 7 g (1 Tbsp) coconut flour 

  • 48 g (1/4 cup) erythritol 

  • 8 g (2 tsp) baking powder 

  • 1.5 g (1/4 tsp) salt 

  • 56 g (1/4 cup) butter, softened 

  • 50 g (1 large) raw egg 

  • 3 g (1/2 tsp) vanilla extract 

Cinnamon Streusel Filling Ingredients: 

  • 56 g (1/4 cup) melted butter 

  • 36 g (3 T) erythritol 

  • 7 g (1 T) cinnamon 

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line pan with parchment paper on a flat sheet or 8x8 square pan. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and add softened butter and distribute through dry ingredients. Combine egg and vanilla, stir. Add to dry mixture. Place dough on large sheet of parchment paper then fold paper in half so that the paper is sandwiching the dough. Start to work the dough into a flat rectangle between the parchment paper, using a rolling pin if needed. Once flattened, the rectangle should measure 9 x 12 inches. 

Next make cinnamon streusel filling by combining melted butter, erythritol, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spoon filling over rolled out dough and spread to cover. Using parchment paper as a guide, start from one of the shorter ends and begin rolling slowly. Once you have completed rolling, use a knife to cut the roll into 9 slices, and place each slice cut side down in the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes and allow to cool. 

Nutrition Information (1 cinnamon roll): 190 calories, 18.1 g fat, 4.2 g protein, 2.55 g net CHO at a 2.65:1 keto ratio

Recipe 2: Snowflake Toast

Ingredients: 

  • 35 g fresh strawberries 

  • 2 slices (56 g) L'Oven fresh bread 

  • 2 Tbsp (28 g) butter 

  • 2 Tbsp (10 g) unsweetened shredded coconut 

  • 2.5 oz (70 g) cream cheese (block) 

Directions:

"Toast" bread with butter. Spread cream cheese on bread and sprinkle with unsweetened shredded coconut. Serve with 35 grams strawberries.

Nutrition Information (entire recipe): 586 calories, 55.4 g fat, 16.1 g protein, 5.8 g net CHO at a 2.5:1 keto ratio 

Recipe 3: Cheeseball 

Ingredients: 

  • 8 oz (224 g) cream cheese, softened 

  • 1/2 cup (52 g) shredded cheddar cheese 

  • 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped green olives 

  • 1/4 cup (16 g) chopped green onions 

  • 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped pecans - for outside 

  • 2 Tbsp (8 g) raw parsley - for outside 

Directions: 

Combine all ingredients (except pecans and parsley) and shape into a ball. Lay out plastic wrap (enough to cover cheeseball) and put pecans and parsley on top of it (centered). Place cheeseball on top of pecans and parsley and roll to cover the outside (it's OK if it doesn't cover the entire cheeseball). Wrap up with the plastic wrap. Place in fridge until ready to eat! Serve with raw vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, etc.) or try these keto friendly almond crackers from the Charlie Foundation. 

Nutrition information (entire recipe): 1430 calories, 138.8 g fat, 32.6 g protein, 13.1 g net CHO at a 3:1 keto ratio

Recipe 4: Ham & Au Gratin Cauliflower (makes 2 servings) 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 small head (265 g) of cauliflower, chopped (weigh this then steam) 

  • ½ cup (120 g) cream

  • ¼ cup (28 g) cheddar cheese, grated

  • ¼ cup (56 g) butter 

  • 2 oz (56 g) Ham (Off the Bone Black Forest ham) 

  • Salt and pepper, to taste 

Directions: 

Steam the cauliflower and place in a dish. Melt the cheese and butter and mix well, then add the cream and combine. Pour sauce over the steamed cauliflower and mash to desired consistency. Divide into two servings then top each serving with 1 oz (28 g) ham. 

**Could consider baking this in the oven for a crunchier & well-done texture.

Nutrition information (entire recipe): 1060 calories, 101 g fat, 24.4 g protein, 12.8 g net CHO at a 2.7:1 keto ratio

Recipe 5: Chicken and Cabbage Soup (a great option for New Year’s Day) 

Ingredients: 

  • ½ cup (120 g) chicken broth, Imagine Organic 

  • 1/4 cup (40 g) raw green cabbage, shredded 

  • 1 Tbsp (10 g) raw onion, diced small 

  • 1 clove (4g) raw garlic, diced fine 

  • 1 oz (28 g) cooked chicken breast, diced - for higher ratio, can use dark meat chicken 

  • 1 Tbsp (15 g) butter 

  • 1 Tbsp (15 g) olive oil 

  • 1 Tbsp (15 g) Hellman's mayonnaise 

  • Salt & pepper, to taste 

Directions: 

Add the butter and olive oil to a small pot. Over medium low heat, melt the butter. Add the cabbage, onions and garlic to the butter and oil. Sautee until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the broth and chicken to the vegetables. Cover and let the soup simmer over low heat until the vegetables are very soft. Remove the pot from the heat and add the mayonnaise. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup. 

Note: If the soup reduces too much, you may add a little water. The mayonnaise is used to help keep the ingredients emulsified once it has been pureed. If you prefer not use mayonnaise, heavy cream or additional butter and oil may be used in its place. Pureeing the soup is optional. 

Nutrition information (entire recipe): 420 calories, 40.4 g fat, 10.2 g protein, 3.9 g net CHO at a 2.85:1 keto ratio. 

Recipe 6: Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: 

  • 2 Tbsp (30 g) cream 

  • 1 tsp (2 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s) 

  • 1 cup (240 g) unsweetened almond milk 

  • Sweetener, to taste

  • 5 total (~8 g) Max Mallows 

Directions: 

Combine all ingredients (except Max Mallows) in a microwave safe container and microwave until desired temperature. You can also use the stove top to warm ingredients as well. Top with 5 Max Mallows. 

Nutrition information (entire recipe): 250 calories, 24.3 g fat, 3.1 g protein, 4.6 g net CHO at a 3.1:1 keto ratio 

*To increase the ratio, increase the amount of cream inside the recipe or added on top as a “whipped” cream. To decrease ratio, increase Max Mallows or decrease amount of cream.

Looking for more amazing keto friendly recipes? Check out these from some of our keto friends! 

We would love to hear about the things you’ve come up with for the holiday season and any keto friendly recipes you’ve tried, so please leave your best holiday tips as a comment!