Hey everyone! Hope you’re having a fantastic day. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering how to stick to your keto lifestyle while still enjoying your favorite holiday dishes. It seems impossible, right? Well, not anymore! Let me introduce you to the perfect solution: Keto Christmas Eve Manicotti.
(Sounds too good to be true? Keep reading…)
This recipe takes a beloved Italian tradition and gives it a keto-friendly twist. Instead of carb-heavy pasta shells, we use delicate, low-carb crepes made from almond flour and cheese. They’re light, tender, and perfectly hold the creamy, cheesy filling we all know and love. The result? A dish that’s not only healthier but even more delicious and trendy—perfect for your festive table.
Stay tuned for the recipe—you won’t believe how easy (and tasty) it is to keep your holiday meals both indulgent and keto-approved!
Table of Contents
Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Made with almond and coconut flour crêpes instead of traditional pasta, this dish is perfect for anyone following a keto diet.
- Rich, Creamy Filling: A delicious blend of ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates a luxurious filling that’s bursting with flavor.
- Festive and Family-Friendly: Ideal for Christmas Eve gatherings, this recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, even those not on a keto diet!
- Weight Watchers Approved: At just 8 SmartPoints per serving, it’s a guilt-free option for those balancing their holiday indulgences with health goals.
- Customizable: Easily swap out spinach for kale or Swiss chard, or add herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare in advance and freeze for a no-stress holiday meal that’s ready when you are.
- Cheesy, Melty Topping: The marinara sauce and mozzarella bake into a bubbly, golden finish that’s irresistibly delicious.
- Gluten-Free and Vegetarian: Naturally gluten-free and meat-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
This recipe checks all the boxes: festive, easy, and downright delicious! 🎄
Ingredients Needed
Crêpes:
- Eggs
- Salt
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Unsalted butter
- Avocado oil
Filling:
- Ricotta cheese
- Cooked spinach
- Parmesan cheese
- Cream cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Green onion
- Egg
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Assembly:
- Sugar-free marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Keto Christmas Eve Manicotti:
Bake: Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, bake until bubbling and golden, and serve hot.
Prepare the Crêpes: Create a batter with keto-friendly flours, eggs, and almond milk. Cook thin crêpes in a non-stick skillet until golden.
Make the Filling: Combine ricotta, spinach, and cheeses with herbs and seasonings to create a creamy, flavorful mixture.
Assemble the Manicotti: Fill each crêpe with the spinach-cheese mixture, roll it up, and place it in a marinara-lined baking dish.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Like a Pro: To reheat, cover the manicotti with foil and pop it into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium heat.
- Freezer-Friendly Option: Want to plan ahead? Assemble the manicotti without the marinara and mozzarella topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, top with sauce and cheese, and bake as directed.
Serving Tips
- Dress It Up: Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a festive touch that screams “holiday cheer.”
- Pair Like a Pro: Serve this dish alongside a crisp keto Caesar salad or roasted Brussels sprouts to round out the meal.
- Make It Kid-Friendly: If you’re feeding little ones, consider serving mini portions with extra cheese—they’ll love the melty goodness!
- Perfect for Potlucks: Hosting a potluck? This manicotti travels well! Assemble it in a disposable baking dish for easy transport and reheating.
- Add a Touch of Festivity: Set the mood with holiday music and a beautifully set table—this dish is the star of your Christmas Eve dinner.
Storing and serving this manicotti is as easy as it is enjoyable, making it a stress-free choice for your holiday celebrations! 🎄
Tips & FAQs:
1. Can I make the crêpes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the crêpes up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. What can I use instead of spinach?
If spinach isn’t your favorite, you can use kale, Swiss chard, or even sautéed zucchini. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
3. Can I freeze this manicotti?
Absolutely! Assemble the manicotti without the marinara sauce and mozzarella topping. Freeze in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw, add the toppings, and bake as instructed.
4. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use almond-based ricotta, dairy-free cream cheese, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan and mozzarella.
5. What are some side dishes that pair well with this recipe?
This dish pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, a fresh keto Caesar salad, or garlic cauliflower mash.
Why Keto Christmas Eve Manicotti Are Perfect for Christmas
- Festive Comfort Food: Christmas is a time for indulgence, and this dish delivers all the comforting flavors of a traditional holiday meal with a keto twist. Its rich, cheesy filling and saucy goodness feel like a true treat.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Traditional manicotti can be carb-heavy, but this keto-friendly version swaps pasta for almond and coconut flour crêpes. It’s a festive way to enjoy Italian-inspired flavors without compromising your health goals.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: This dish is a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving keto enthusiasts, kids, or picky eaters, everyone will love the creamy filling and melty cheese topping.
- Weight Watchers-Friendly: At just 8 SmartPoints per serving, it’s a perfect choice for those balancing indulgence and health during the holidays.
- Customizable for Guests: Hosting vegetarians or guests with gluten sensitivities? This recipe is naturally gluten-free and meat-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Its elegant presentation, with golden cheese and festive marinara, makes it the star of any holiday table. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time for a stress-free Christmas Eve.
- A Holiday Tradition: Christmas Eve is about creating warm, memorable moments with loved ones. This dish embodies the joy and togetherness of the season, making it a perfect addition to your holiday traditions.
Keto Christmas Eve Manicotti is more than a meal—it’s a way to celebrate the season deliciously and healthily!
How These Manicotti Fit Your Plan
- Keto-Friendly: The almond and coconut flour crêpes keep the carbs low, making this dish a perfect fit for your keto lifestyle. With only 5g of net carbs per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Weight Watchers Approved: At just 8 SmartPoints per serving, this recipe aligns with your Weight Watchers goals. It’s hearty and satisfying without blowing your daily points budget.
- High in Protein and Healthy Fats: The ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses provide a protein boost, while healthy fats from the almond flour and eggs keep you feeling full and energized.
- Low-Calorie Comfort Food: At only 290 calories per serving, these manicotti are a lighter alternative to traditional pasta dishes without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Made without wheat-based pasta, this dish is naturally gluten-free, fitting well into your dietary plan if you’re avoiding gluten for health reasons.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This meat-free recipe is a great option for vegetarians, offering rich flavors and wholesome ingredients that align with both keto and Weight Watchers plans.
- Customizable for Your Needs: Want to sneak in extra veggies or swap ingredients? This recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust it to fit your specific dietary goals or preferences.
These Keto Christmas Eve Manicotti are designed to support your health goals while delivering the flavors you crave this holiday season! 🎄
Festive Keto Christmas Eve Manicotti – Low-Carb Comfort
Description
Keto Christmas Eve Manicotti is a festive, low-carb Italian-inspired dish featuring creamy spinach-ricotta filling and keto-friendly crêpes topped with melty cheese.
Ingredients
Crêpes:
Filling:
Assembly:
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crêpes
-
Begin by whisking together eggs and salt, then gradually incorporate almond and coconut flours with almond milk to create a smooth batter. Allow the batter to rest for about 15 minutes to thicken slightly. Heat a non-stick skillet, grease with avocado oil, and cook thin crêpes until golden on each side.
2. Make the Filling
-
Combine ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, cream cheese, parsley, green onion, and seasonings in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture is well-blended and creamy.
3. Assemble the Manicotti
-
Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lay a crêpe flat, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center, and roll tightly. Arrange the filled crêpes seam-side down in the dish, top with remaining marinara, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake
-
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 290kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Total Carbohydrate 5g2%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 14g29%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
As a mom of three and a keto chef, I always aim for dishes that make everyone happy—and this Keto Christmas Eve Manicotti was an instant hit in my house! My husband, a self-proclaimed pasta enthusiast, couldn’t believe it was low-carb, while my kids devoured it without a second thought (even the spinach!). It’s now a family tradition to serve this on Christmas Eve, complete with holiday music and laughter around the table. Watching my family enjoy a meal that’s both healthy and indulgent is the best gift I could ask for as a chef and a mom. 🎄
