20 Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes to Add to Your Holiday Menu

Everyone will enjoy these mains, sides, and desserts—and your gluten-free guests will thank you.

plate of thanksgiving
Photo:

Paola + Murray

Steeped in tradition and classic recipes, the typical Thanksgiving feast is a game of dodgeball for those who choose not to eat gluten for dietary or other reasons. The turkey most likely doesn't contain gluten, but most traditional gravies, stuffings, and green bean casseroles do. To ensure that everyone can enjoy their favorite dishes, both old and new, we've put together this collection of our best gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes.

01 of 20

Sweet Potato Casserole

sweet potato casserole

John Kernick

Good news—one of Thanksgiving's most popular side dishes happens to be gluten-free! So feel fee to indulge in this dish of creamy mashed sweet potatoes and torched marshmallows. 

02 of 20

Steamed Carrots With Lemon and Sea Salt

Steamed Carrots with Lemon and Sea Salt
The Ingalls

Carrots are always a welcome addition to the Thanksgiving table. We love this recipe for its simplicity—the carrots can be steamed and served at the last minute, so you can spend time prepping other more complicated dishes.

03 of 20

Spicy Wild Rice Stuffing

gluten-free-wild-rice-006-med109000.jpg

If you don't eat gluten, stuffing isn't off the table for you. Just swap the classic for this stuffing that features nutty wild rice studded with jalapeño, pepitas, raisins, and coriander. Delicious baked on its own, it can also be stuffed into the turkey, either option providing that homey good feeling of warm steaming stuffing.

04 of 20

Sweet Potato and Sage Tian

sweet-potato-and- sage tian served in a white dish
Paola + Murray

Not all creamy casseroles are off the menu for those who follow a gluten-free diet. In this recipe, the creamy sauce is thickened by reducing half and half with sage and garlic before using it to smother shingled sweet potatoes, then baking the casserole in the oven.

05 of 20

Buttered Green Beans with Shallots and Lemon

102802599-beans.jpg
Anna Williams

Get your green bean fix without the gluten with these lemony buttered green beans. They're topped with crispy, fried shallots; the crispy topping is definitely the best part of the casserole, and making them homemade ensures they are safe for everyone to eat.

06 of 20

Roasted Carrots with Feta and Parsley

mld104930_0310_carrotsc2.jpg

Here's a vegetable side that is perfect as it is; no substitutions are required whether you eat gluten or not. Briny feta and fresh parsley bring a freshness to sweet and caramelized roasted carrots.

07 of 20

Polenta Wedges

a98847_0901_polenta.jpg
Richard Gerhard Jung

Quick-cooking polenta is naturally thick and gluten free. We like to flavor these crispy broiled wedges with Parmesan, garlic, and a handful of spices. 

08 of 20

Braised Red Cabbage With Caramelized Onions and Cider

braised-red-cabbage-mscs110.jpg
Rob Tannenbaum

Consider adding this easy and colorful German-inspired side dish to your gluten-free holiday menu. Cabbage wedges are braised in cinnamon-spiced apple cider, and they will practically melt in your mouth. 

09 of 20

Simple Turkey Gravy (and Easy Roasted Dry-Brined Turkey)

Simple Turkey Gravy
Marcus Nilsson

Most turkeys, like our Easy Roasted Dry Brined Turkey, will be a safe bet for the no-gluten crowd. Gravy, on the other hand, is a major red flag because it is usually thickened with flour. In this silky gravy, we say no to gluten and use cornstarch to get that perfect gravy consistency.

10 of 20

Big Martha's Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

mashed potatoes with cream cheese
Johnny Miller

Cream cheese might just be the secret ingredient that makes gravy's main side kick, mashed potatoes, even better. Here, in Martha's mom's recipe, the creaminess factor is updated with this rich cheese while also lending a tangy bite to cut through the richness, bringing new perspective to this must have Thanksgiving side.

11 of 20

Brussels Sprouts With Oranges and Bacon

brussels-sprouts-154-d113081.jpg
Bryan Gardner

This easy gluten-free side is all cooked on one sheet pan and is a genius way to get Brussels on your holiday table. Everyone will enjoy the contrasting flavors and textures from the caramelized sprouts, smoky bacon, and sweet roasted orange slices.

12 of 20

Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with Hazelnut Crunch

brussels sprout salad
Louise Hagger

Who needs glutinous croutons? Hazelnut crunch brings the texture to this Thanksgiving-worthy salad. Toasted with sugar, rosemary, and lemon, the crunchy hazelnut topping is addictive on the salad and great in a bowl as a snack with drinks.

13 of 20

Cranberry Ginger Relish

ed103255_1107_cranginrelish.jpg

Cranberry relish is a must-have gluten-free sauce to pair with turkey and sides, and this delightful and easy recipe keeps the flavor fresh with sherry vinegar and a mild spiciness from fresh ginger. Make this relish up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

14 of 20

Cardamom-Scented Sweet Potato Rounds with Cilantro

102802599-potatoes.jpg
Anna Williams

Citrusy and slightly sweet cardamom is the spice you didn't know belonged on the Thanksgiving table—until you tried these perfect roasted sweet potato rounds. Cilantro adds a note of freshness, but any leafy green herb can be substituted if cilantro isn't your preference.

15 of 20

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

gluten-free-pumpkin-bread-016-med109000.jpg

We have yet to see a guest turn down a slice of pumpkin loaf, whether or not it’s gluten-free. What it is lacking in height from the gluten is more than made up for with moist pumpkin puree and warming spices. 

16 of 20

Gluten-Free Pie Crust

Gluten Free Pie Dough

Adapt your favorite pie by using this gluten-free pie dough that is as easy as can be to make. Don't bother buying different gluten-free flours and trying to make your own blend; instead, purchase a tried-and-true gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend has a one-to-one swap ratio with regular flour, or buy our favorite brand Cup4Cup, which never disappoints.

17 of 20

Meyer-Lemon and Hazelnut Tart

meyer lemon hazelnut tart

The filling, crust, and topping on this elegant tart are totally free from gluten. A sweet, no-bake Meyer lemon curd sits atop a fragrant hazelnut crust. The decorative piping of meringue makes this tart extra festive and perfect for the holidays. 

18 of 20

Spiced Pumpkin Pie

pumpkin-pie-gluten-free-pumpkin-vegan-apple-pie-d112284.jpg
linda xiao

Pumpkin pie is definitely the most iconic Thanksgiving dessert, and it shouldn't be skipped just because you don't eat gluten. Instead, swap out the typical pastry or graham cracker crust with this nutty and crunchy crust prepared with crisp rice cereal and ground almonds; it's a delightful gluten-free option.

19 of 20

Apple Sundaes With Cider Caramel Sauce

apple sundae with cider caramel
Justin Walker

If you’re hosting a smaller Thanksgiving affair, this is the dessert for you. Apple rings are roasted with sugar and spices, then heavy cream is stirred into the juices to create a sticky caramel sauce to drizzle over the top. All that's missing is a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. 

20 of 20

Cranberry Mule

Cranberry Mule
Emily Kate Roemer

Safely navigate Thanksgiving with this sparkling pink cranberry cocktail in hand by making sure the vodka is gluten-free. If the vodka is pure distilled without any additives, the distilling process should remove all the gluten. It's generally easy to play it safe, as there are plenty of quality brands that specifically state they are gluten-free.

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles