Thanksgiving is just about upon us. Thanksgiving is all about a time set aside to show gratitude for everything we have been blessed with. Yet, we like to celebrate the day by sharing a meal with our friends and loved ones.
However, many people today have to be careful about what they eat for the many allergies and sensitivities to food.
Since I deal with hashimotoes an autoimmune disease that affects your thyroid, I am one of those people who can’t eat gluten.
In this blog post, we will explore gluten-free side dishes that can be served alongside turkey or ham, depending on how it is prepared.
Gluten-free dishes and desserts for Thanksgiving
1. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Roasted brussel sprouts are a delicious and healthy gluten-free option for your Thanksgiving feast.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic and gluten-free option for your Thanksgiving feast.
You can’t go wrong with a bag of potatoes, milk, and butter for great comfort food for Thanksgiving. It is a safe option for us that have to stay away from wheat, barley, and rye.
Instant mashed potatoes are always a hit as well. You can use boxed potatoes if they are a gluten-free brand. According to Hungry Jack instant mashed potatoes, Hungry Jack says it is gluten-free.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a fantastic gluten-free alternative to roasted potatoes.
4. Green Beans
Green beans are a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is naturally gluten-free.
5. Cranberry Sauce
If you have always enjoyed cranberry sauce you can continue to. Cranberry sauce is usually a gluten-free dish.
However, as you should always do, be in the habit of reading labels just to make sure the one you are purchasing is a gluten-free item.
6. Stuffing
Stuffing is usually made with bread, but you can easily make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread or rice.
7. Cornbread
Cornbread is a delicious gluten-free dish that goes great with stuffing and gravy.
8. Gravy
You can’t have a Thanksgiving feast without gravy, and you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
Also, you can purchase a gluten-free option if you are limited on time.
9. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, and you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free crust or pre-made gluten-free pie crust.
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/gluten-free-pumpkin-pie-recipe
10. Apple Pie
Apple pie is another classic Thanksgiving dessert that can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free crust or pre-made gluten-free pie crust.
11. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a delicious twist on traditional pumpkin pie, and you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free crust or pre-made gluten-free pie crust.
12. Chocolate Pie
Chocolate pie is a rich and decadent dessert that is sure to please everyone at your Thanksgiving feast, and you can make it gluten-free by using ( you guessed it) a gluten-free crust or pre-made gluten-free pie crust.
13. Ice Cream
Ice cream is always a hit with kids and adults alike, and you can find many gluten-free options at your local grocery store.
14. Cookies
There are many gluten-free cookie recipes available online, and you can also find many gluten-free cookies at your local grocery store.
https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=2671933
15. Cake
There are many gluten-free cake recipes available online, and you can also find many gluten-free cake mixes at your local grocery store.
16. Brownies
There are many gluten-free brownie recipes available online, and just like the cake, you can also find many gluten-free brownie mixes at your local grocery store.
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/gluten-free-brownies-recipe
17. Fruit
Fresh fruit is always a healthy and gluten-free option for a side dish, and there are plenty of gluten-free fruits to choose from. Apples, oranges, pears, bananas, strawberries—all gluten-free!
18. Vegetables
Fresh vegetables are gluten-free and a great way to add flavor, texture, and nutrition to your Thanksgiving meal.
19. Salads
Whether it is a traditional tossed salad or something more creative such as a roasted vegetable salad, salads are gluten-free and delicious! Just don’t use croutons. As they are just little bread squares. A big no-no, is not less you make them yourself using gluten-free flour.
20. Gluten-Free Biscuits
Everyone enjoys dinner rolls and biscuits. You really can have your bread and eat it too with a gluten-free recipe for biscuits. When bread is made with gluten-free four it can be a part of a gluten-free dish.
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/gluten-free-biscuits-recipe
21. Quinoa Salad
A quinoa salad is a healthy and gluten-free option that is sure to please.
22. Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and gluten-free option with endless possibilities.
23. Sweet Potato Casserole
A sweet potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser for many people and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Yet not have to worry about gluten in it if you follow a recipe that doesn’t add spices that have wheat added to them.
24. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a great gluten-free side for Thanksgiving and is tasty too.
25. Baked Beans
Baked beans can be a delicious and gluten-free option for your Thanksgiving feast.
https://www.verywellfit.com/gluten-free-baked-beans-4174034
Always read the labels on the can if you are purchasing them to make sure there are no gluten ingredients in them.
26. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is an option for your Thanksgiving feast if you use pasta made with ingredients such as chickpeas. I have tried different pasta and one of my favorite brands is Banza.
Some pasta gets sticky and mushy when using other flours other than wheat. However, I have found the Banza brand to not do that and it has a really nice flavor.
27. Collard Greens
It’s that time of year, nice and cool or cold outside, depending upon where you live. Thanksgiving just feels like a good time of the year to have a big pot of collards.
While collards themselves are gluten-free, always check the ingredients that made be added.
Here is a recipe that says it is gluten-free. It looks very yummy, but always check to make sure all ingredients do not contain a gluten product in them.
28. Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are delicious and can be a gluten-free option for your Thanksgiving feast if done correctly.
29. Coleslaw
If you enjoy coleslaw it can be a gluten-free option for a Thanksgiving side dish.
30. Potato Salad
Now, who doesn’t enjoy some good potato salad? Potato salad is a classic and gluten-free option for your Thanksgiving feast.
Our family enjoys potato salad. Sometimes we do mashed potatoes, but most of the time for Thanksgiving and even Christmas, I make a big old bowl of it.
I am a potato girl and it makes for a great gluten-free Thanksgiving side.
31. Cucumber Salad
Can someone say salad? Cucumber salad is a nice touch to a classic Thanksgiving dinner.
32. Fruit Salad
A fruit salad is a healthy and gluten-free choice for a Thanksgiving dessert.
33. Jello
You might not think of Jello as a Thanksgiving dessert. However, kids enjoy Jello and it can also be used in with other ingredients.
https://www.yummly.com/recipes/gluten-free-jello-desserts
34. Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are a delicious and gluten-free option for your Thanksgiving feast and they are another favorite for kids and some adults.
However, you have to watch what brand of rice Krispie you use. You would assume that the name-brand Rice Krispies would be gluten-free since it is made from rice.
However, it does not say that on the box because it may not be made in a factory where only gluten-free products are made.
If there are other cereals manufactured there that aren’t gluten-free, then you would have to be concerned with cross-contamination for the gluten-free cereal.
This particular cereal from Kellogg Rice Krispies says it is a gluten-free product.
Also, there are other brands that do say they are gluten-free to make your Rice Krispie treats.
35. Marshmallows
– While some marshmallows are a gluten-free option for use with yams or other Thanksgiving desserts. However, there again make sure to read the labels. Some brands are not gluten-free.
36. 7-Up Cake – A 7-Up cake is a moist cake and with the right ingredients can be made a gluten-free option for a Thanksgiving dessert. If you enjoy 70-Up cake.
37. Carrot Cake – If you enjoy carrot cake, there is no reason you can’t make it a part of your Thanksgiving dessert choices.
With a little tweaking of ingredients, you can enjoy a gluten-free carrot cake as part of your celebration dinner.
Here are 37 gluten-free dishes or desserts you can eat with your turkey or whatever meat you choose for Thanksgiving.
It’s nice to know that you have options so that you aren’t sitting around watching everyone else it.
This list is just to name some choices.
However, the most important thing when you have to follow a gluten-free diet is to reach labels and watch for seasonings added to the food that could take a food that is naturally gluten-free and change it to a dish that now has some wheat or gluten spice added to eat.
When in doubt, always ask what’s in a particular food when going to a restaurant, party, church gathering or dinner, etc.
There are many delicious and gluten-free dishes and desserts available for your Thanksgiving feast, so there’s no need to worry about what you can and can’t eat.
Just enjoy the holiday with your friends and family!
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