Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and sharing a feast. If you need to eat gluten-free, holiday meals can sometimes feel a bit limiting.
These 15 gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes make sure everyone at your table gets to enjoy the celebration, no one has to miss out on those classic flavors.
From creamy mashed potatoes to stuffing alternatives packed with flavor, gluten-free options have really evolved. Some of these sides are so good, your guests might not even notice they’re gluten-free.
Many recipes use simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. They’re easy to add to your holiday menu without any extra fuss.
15-min Gluten-free Thanksgiving Salad Without Cranberries
Need a quick, fresh dish for your Thanksgiving table? This 15-minute Thanksgiving salad is a great pick when you want a break from heavy sides.
It’s all about simplicity and bright flavors. Instead of cranberries, you get pomegranate seeds, those jewel-like pops of color and sweet-tart flavor in every bite.
Crisp greens build the base, and toasted pepitas bring a satisfying crunch. Try tossing in thinly sliced pear or apple for a little extra sweetness and texture.
The dressing stays refreshingly simple, just olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of seasoning. That keeps things light and lets the fresh ingredients shine.
This salad fits right in for guests with dietary restrictions. It’s naturally gluten-free, and you can skip any cheese toppings to make it vegan.
And honestly, you can throw it together in about 15 minutes, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is catching up.
Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Salad With Butternut Squash
A butternut squash salad can totally steal the show at Thanksgiving. This colorful dish brings together sweet roasted butternut squash and juicy pomegranate seeds for a perfect flavor balance.
It’s naturally gluten-free, which makes it an easy choice for guests with restrictions. The sweet squash, tangy bits, and crunchy nuts just work.
Roast your butternut squash until it caramelizes and gets tender. That brings out the natural sweetness and gives you a warm base for your Thanksgiving salad with butternut squash.
Try serving this salad on a big platter instead of a bowl, the orange squash, ruby pomegranate seeds, and greens look gorgeous together.
You can roast the squash earlier in the day and assemble the rest just before serving. That makes life a little easier when you’re juggling a dozen dishes.
Colorful Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Salad
Adding a vibrant salad to your Thanksgiving spread really helps balance out all those rich, heavy dishes. A Colorful Thanksgiving Salad brings a fresh, gluten-free pop to your table.
Mix peppery arugula with tender spinach for your base. The flavors and textures play off each other in the best way.
Top the greens with toasted walnuts for crunch and a little warmth. It just feels right for fall gatherings.
Dried cranberries add sweet-tart bursts and a festive look. They make the salad holiday-ready and play nicely with the other ingredients.
Creamy feta cheese gives a salty punch. If you prefer, swap in goat cheese, or skip it for a dairy-free version.
A simple vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup ties it all together. The tangy-sweet dressing brings out the flavors without overpowering anything.
Prep most of the components ahead of time. When you’re ready, just toss it all together and serve, no stress.
Gluten-Free Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
This cozy Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin makes a fantastic gluten-free side for Thanksgiving. Layers of colorful root veggies, think sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets, bake in a creamy cheese sauce.
Most of the ingredients are already gluten-free, but double-check a couple of things just to be safe.
For a crunchy topping without wheat, use gluten-free panko instead of regular breadcrumbs. The cheese blend usually includes Parmesan and Gruyere, which gives you that golden, bubbly crust.
When you make the sauce, swap in gluten-free flour as your thickener. It’s a tiny change that opens this holiday classic up to everyone.
Earthy root veggies and bubbling cheese come together in a dish that’s both impressive and comforting. Honestly, your guests probably won’t guess it’s gluten-free.
Serve this next to your turkey for a colorful, cozy addition to the feast.
Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Salad with Kiwi and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
If your table needs something fresh, this colorful Thanksgiving salad brings brightness to balance out all the rich stuff.
Juicy kiwi is the star here, adding a sweet-tart pop to crisp greens. The vibrant green fruit stands out and just looks fun on the plate.
Homemade apple cider vinaigrette makes it special. The tangy-sweet dressing pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients.
This salad is naturally gluten-free and comes together in minutes. Make it ahead and add the dressing right before serving.
Your guests will appreciate a light, refreshing option among all the heavier sides. The crisp textures and bright flavors give everyone a palate-cleansing break.
Easy Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, everyone should get to enjoy it! Making a gluten-free green bean casserole is actually pretty simple.
Skip the canned soup, which usually has wheat, and make your own cream of mushroom base. It ends up tasting richer and more homemade anyway.
Fresh green beans give the best crisp-tender bite. Canned beans just can’t compete here.
For the crispy onion topping, look for gluten-free fried onions at the store, or coat onions with gluten-free flour and fry them yourself. Totally worth it.
You can prep this dish ahead and bake it right before the meal. No one will notice it’s gluten-free, they’ll just ask for seconds.
The Best Gluten-free Stuffing
Thanksgiving without stuffing? Not happening. Finding a solid gluten-free option can be tricky, but it’s absolutely doable.
The trick to great gluten-free stuffing is starting with a good baguette and drying it out before mixing in the rest.
Mix aromatic veggies like onions and celery with fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary. That’s how you get that classic Thanksgiving flavor.
For that perfect texture, aim for stuffing that’s moist inside and crispy on top. The right amount of broth makes all the difference, not too dry, not soggy.
Want to jazz it up? Try these:
- Dried cranberries for a little sweetness
- Chopped nuts for crunch
- Cooked sausage for extra savory vibes
Bake it in a casserole or stuff your turkey, either way, this side will become a holiday favorite. Even the gluten-eaters will rave about it.
One-Skillet Mushroom Cornbread Stuffing
If you want gluten-free stuffing without all the hassle, this One-Skillet Mushroom Cornbread Stuffing is a game-changer.
Normally, stuffing with cornbread means baking the bread first, then drying and cubing it. This version skips all that.
All the familiar Thanksgiving flavors go right into the cornbread batter. The aromatics mix in, giving you a texture that’s crunchy and a little craggly in the best way.
Mushrooms add a rich, earthy note that just works with the cornbread base. And hey, you only need one skillet, less mess, more time for everything else.
This dish saves time and still tastes like classic Thanksgiving. It’s a win for gluten-sensitive guests and anyone who likes an easier approach to holiday cooking.
Wild Rice Dressing
Want a gluten-free alternative to bread stuffing? Wild Rice Dressing is a fantastic answer. It’s hearty and comforting, but with a twist.
Wild rice has a chewy texture and nutty flavor that fits right in with holiday meals. It pairs beautifully with turkey and keeps things gluten-free.
Lots of recipes add dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs for a festive vibe. The tender rice and crunchy nuts make every bite interesting.
Make wild rice dressing ahead of time and just reheat before serving, easy.
For a flavor boost, toss in sautéed celery, onions, and mushrooms. Those aromatics give the wild rice a savory edge that makes it stand out.
This gluten-free side works for everyone, dietary restrictions or not. It’s one of those dishes that might surprise you with how much you like it.
Gluten-free Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving is complete without stuffing. Gluten-free Thanksgiving stuffing keeps all the cozy comfort, minus the gluten.
Start with good gluten-free bread, either pre-made cubes or toast your own. Do it a few days ahead if you can.
Sauté onions, celery, and garlic, then add herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. That’s where you get that classic flavor everyone expects.
Customize your stuffing with dried cranberries, chopped apples, sausage, or nuts. Go wild, there’s no wrong answer.
Bake it in a dish or stuff your turkey. Either way, you’ll get a moist, flavorful side that everyone will want to pile on their plate, gluten-free or not.
If you make it ahead, it reheats beautifully and the flavors just get better overnight.
Gluten-free Green Bean Casserole With Fried Onions
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving must-have. Going gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out!
This holiday classic can easily become an allergy-friendly dish without losing any flavor. The secret to an amazing gluten-free green bean casserole is the crispy fried onions on top.
Make them yourself using gluten-free Bisquick™ for that perfect crunch. Everyone loves that crispy topping, right?
Fresh green beans work best here. They give you a tender but still-firm texture.
Pair them with a creamy homemade mushroom sauce. Suddenly, you’ve got a side dish that’s honestly even better than the traditional version.
The combination of savory mushroom cream sauce and those irresistible crispy onions makes it a standout on any Thanksgiving table. Your guests might not even realize this casserole is gluten-free!
Prep the dish ahead of time if you want, then bake it just before serving. It really does make holiday meal prep a bit less frantic.
Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch)
No Thanksgiving table feels complete without a classic green bean casserole! Making this dish gluten-free is easier than you might think.
The key to a great gluten-free green bean casserole is making everything from scratch. Skip the canned soup and whip up your own creamy mushroom sauce.
Fresh green beans bring that tender-crisp texture you just can’t get from canned. When you combine them with a rich, homemade sauce, the base is so much better than you’d expect.
The crispy onion topping really seals the deal. You can make gluten-free fried onions at home, or, honestly, most grocery stores carry them these days.
Try making this a day ahead to let the flavors develop even more. Just remember to add the crispy onion topping right before baking so it stays crunchy.
Gluten-Free Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a must for any Thanksgiving table! The good news: they’re naturally gluten-free when you make them from scratch with simple ingredients.
The best gluten-free mashed potatoes are creamy, fluffy, and buttery. Use real potatoes instead of any pre-packaged mixes, those can hide gluten additives.
For extra creaminess, add a little cream cheese to your potatoes. This secret ingredient makes them rich and smooth with zero gluten worries.
Customize your mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, chives, or green onions for extra flavor. Just double-check that any seasonings you use are certified gluten-free.
These potatoes pair perfectly with gluten-free gravy and all your other Thanksgiving sides. They’re also super handy to make ahead and reheat when oven space is tight.
If you need dairy-free or vegan options, there are some excellent swaps out there. You can still get that classic mashed potato comfort everyone craves.
Easy Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole (No Canned Soup)
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, but the traditional recipe often sneaks in gluten. Good news! You can enjoy this favorite holiday side without worry.
This Easy Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole skips the canned soup but keeps all the flavor. The homemade mushroom sauce is creamy, rich, and totally gluten-free.
Fresh green beans give the dish a wonderful texture. They taste so much better than the canned ones, honestly.
The best part? Those crispy fried onions on top! You can grab gluten-free versions at the store or make your own with just a few ingredients.
This dish can be partially prepped ahead of time, which takes some pressure off your holiday cooking. Just toss on the crispy onions right before baking for the perfect crunch.
Classic Vegan Gluten-Free Stuffing
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a hearty stuffing! This Classic Vegan Gluten-Free Stuffing brings all the traditional flavors without any animal products or gluten.
Made with just 10 ingredients, this stuffing captures the essence of the holiday season with its savory herbs and perfect texture. The secret? Use good-quality gluten-free bread and dry it out enough to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Onions, celery, and herbs come together to create that familiar, nostalgic taste. The vegetable broth adds rich depth without needing butter or eggs.
This stuffing is surprisingly simple to prepare and you can make it ahead of time. It pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce and gravy for the ultimate Thanksgiving experience.
Even the most dedicated stuffing enthusiasts might come back for seconds of this plant-based version. Sometimes, holiday traditions really can evolve and still taste just as good, or maybe even better?
Conclusion
Gluten-free Thanksgiving sides can absolutely hold their own against the classics. With these 15 dishes, you can pull together a feast that everyone at the table, no matter their dietary needs, can actually enjoy.
You really don’t have to give up flavor or those familiar holiday vibes just because you’re skipping gluten. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and some creative stuffing swaps all carry that same cozy feeling.
Just keep an eye on your ingredients, and maybe prep a few things separately if you’re worried about cross-contamination. A bit of planning goes a long way here.
Honestly, you might even stumble across a new favorite or two, stuff that sticks around in your family traditions for years. Why not give these a shot?