Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Key Takeaways
- Roasted vegetables, salads and wild‑rice dishes are naturally gluten‑free and can be seasoned with certified‑gluten‑free spices for a safe, flavorful side.
- Swap wheat flour for cornstarch in turkey gravy and use gluten‑free flour blends or pre‑made mixes for rolls, stuffing and desserts to keep classic Thanksgiving foods on the table.
- - Read every label, use separate cookware and utensils and let gluten‑intolerant guests serve first to prevent cross‑contamination.
With rolls, dressing and casseroles, Thanksgiving can be a gluten-filled affair.
But this can be a challenge for those who have gluten-intolerance or Celiac disease, conditions that make it difficult to digest wheat and similar grains that contain gluten.
If you are looking for a few new ideas or making gluten-free dishes for a guest, we have you covered.
Gluten-free Thanksgiving recipe ideas
Roasted vegetables
This classic Thanksgiving side has multiple purposes. It’s a tasty and nutritious option at the table, and one dish can serve everyone. Cutting vegetables, tossing them in a light coat of olive oil and adding gluten-free seasonings, then roasting them is as easy as it is delicious.
Consider options such as:
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Beets
- Winter squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Onions
Here are a few recipes to give you ideas:
Remember to check the labels to ensure seasonings are also gluten-free.
Salad
A salad is another healthy side for your spread, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Try baby kale, arugula and spinach for greens, or add fall fruit for crunch and sweetness. By adding roast vegetables and serving it with homemade dressing, you can make it a tasty and seasonal treat for the holiday.
Here are a few recipes if you’re looking for new flavors:
Wild rice
Wild rice is a seed native to North America. It is nutritious and will add a nutty flavor to your meal. The best part is wild rice is naturally gluten-free. You can cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Gravy
To make gravy from your turkey drippings, use corn starch instead of wheat flour so everyone can enjoy it.
Rolls
There are plenty of store-bought gluten-free roll mixes or frozen packages to make your day a little easier. If you do want to make gluten-free rolls from scratch, here are tips for baking with gluten-free flour.
Stuffing or dressing
You can make your own gluten-free dressing or stuffing with gluten-free bread and spices mixes with rosemary and sage, among others. To keep it easy, look for gluten-free mixes in the baking aisle at the grocery store.
Desserts
Pie is a famous Thanksgiving dish, but it’s typically a gluten-filled dessert. You may make or buy a gluten-free pie crust and use pumpkin puree or fruit pie filling, but forgoing pie and trying a dessert without wheat can add some new flavors to the table.
Try these gluten-free dessert options:
Tips to create a gluten-free meal
Read labels
Gluten can show up in unexpected places, including in seasonings, sauces and dressings. Look to see if the item contains ingredients from a facility that also processes wheat or has the gluten-free label.
Avoid contamination
Contamination can add gluten to otherwise gluten-free foods. Make sure to use different cookware and utensils for gluten-free products and wash your hands after handling gluten. Keep the gluten-free foods separate to be safe.
You may also consider letting the gluten-intolerant guests serve themselves first to reduce the chance of contamination.
Image: Getty Images
Related:
