The holiday season is full of the best things: friends, family, and food. But for anyone who is gluten-free, it can also be a time of worry. Traditional holiday meals are often chock-full of flour, whether from obvious places like bread or from hidden sources like sauces. Thanksgiving is no exception. Stuffing, casseroles, dinner rolls, gravy, and pies are just a few of the many classic Thanksgiving dishes out to cause tummy troubles for anyone with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Luckily, there are many equally delicious gluten-free options to make for the holidays. Turkey and ham are naturally gluten-free on their own, so the real challenge is finding great sides. Below is a list of fantastic gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes!
1. Stuffing
Arguably the most important Thanksgiving side, traditional stuffing is definitely not gluten-free—the main ingredient is bread! But try subbing in a store-bought gluten-free bread like this white sandwich bread, and you’ll be able to enjoy stuffing with everyone else! You can use your favorite recipe and sub the bread for a gluten-free variety, or try this gluten-free recipe made with sausage and apples.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are many people’s favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner, and for good reason: they are creamy, comforting, and the perfect boat for toppings like gravy and cranberry sauce. While they are gluten-free in the purest form, some recipes add ingredients like bread crumbs, so it’s never a bad idea to make your own mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving. This recipe is not only gluten-free but also vegan since it uses vegan butter and plant-based milk!
3. Mac and Cheese
While not everyone grew up with macaroni and cheese on their Thanksgiving table, in many households, it’s an important part of the meal. Whichever category you fall under, mac and cheese is never a bad idea. Unfortunately, making it gluten-free is not as simple as subbing in a gluten-free pasta. The cheese sauce is made with flour, so be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend like rice flour instead. This recipe is insanely creamy and delicious, but also super easy and made with gluten-free ingredients.
4. Or Just a Cheesy Dish With No Pasta
If you’d rather just avoid pasta altogether, you can make an equally yummy cheesy dish with veggies. Potatoes Au Gratin is a classic option, but it tastes very similar to mashed potatoes which will inevitably be served. So instead, try making this cheesy Brussels sprouts dish instead for something that is both healthier and gluten-free.
5. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is one of the most classic Thanksgiving sides out there. Sadly, between the cream of mushroom soup and French fried onions, it is not gluten-free. On the bright side, making a gluten-free version is surprisingly simple and tastes just as good as the real thing.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole: an ingenious way to turn vegetables into a dessert-like side dish. Unfortunately, classic sweet potato casserole may have flour or use marshmallows, which aren’t always gluten-free. Save yourself some worry and simply make your own. This recipe uses a delicious nutty-granola topping in lieu of marshmallows for a slightly lighter and definitely gluten-free twist.
7. Cornbread
A memorable part of Thanksgiving dinner is definitely the homemade dinner rolls. Sadly, this isn’t an option for the gluten-sensitive crowd. Rather than spending hours trying to make a gluten-free yeast bread recipe that rises and resembles the texture of real bread, use this as an opportunity to enjoy cornbread. It's undoubtedly one of the easiest gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes. Equally festive and much easier to make than yeast bread, this cornbread recipe takes advantage of corn’s natural lack of gluten for a delicious result.
8. Biscuits
Another delicious alternative to dinner rolls is gluten-free biscuits. Their light, flaky texture pairs perfectly with heavier foods like turkey and potatoes. This recipe only uses a handful of ingredients but makes a delicious gluten-free side dish. Plus, these are perfect to use for a leftovers-sandwich!
9. Roasted Veggies
Sometimes, simple is best. While recreating gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes is fun, enjoying non-traditional dishes on Thanksgiving can be easier and equally delicious. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser and naturally gluten-free idea is roasted veggies. Simply drizzle your favorite veggies in olive oil, and roast them in a sheet pan until golden. The veggies will take on the flavor of any delicious seasonings you use, allowing for creativity. This recipe uses a mix of veggies for variety and an amazing flavor!
10. Gravy
You can’t have Thanksgiving without turkey, and you can’t have turkey without gravy. It’s a fact. But any traditional gravy recipe or store-bought gravy will call for wheat flour, and that’s a problem. The solution? Make your own gravy with turkey pan drippings and a gluten-free flour! While there are many ways to do it, this recipe is deliciously fool-proof and super easy for beginners.
11. Cranberry Sauce
It's true that most cranberry sauces are naturally gluten-free. But making your own is so easy and the results are so delicious that we added this one to the list anyway. This recipe not only is gluten-free but also vegan and super simple!.
12. Pumpkin Squares
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without dessert, and pumpkin pie takes center stage in this arena. Unfortunately, the pie crust is full of wheat flour. If you want to enjoy pumpkin pie without problems, try making these pumpkin squares. They use almond flour and rolled oats, making them flavorful and unique. Bonus points since they’re also vegan!
13. Apple Crisp
If pumpkin isn’t really your thing, don’t despair. There are many other delicious gluten-free desserts that use apples instead! Rather than eating apple pie, try this paleo and vegan apple crisp. Serve it warm with coconut milk vanilla ice cream and you won’t miss gluten-filled pie at all!
Eating gluten-free doesn't mean you can't enjoy Thanksgiving with everyone else. Nearly all recipes can be adapted to make gluten-free Thanksgiving sides. With these recipe ideas, you won't even miss the flour. Happy Thanksgiving!