Thanksgiving brings people together, but honestly, planning for everyone’s dietary needs can feel like a puzzle. If you’re after a holiday feast that’s both vegetarian and gluten-free, you’ve got more options than you might think!
Plenty of classic Thanksgiving dishes can be tweaked to fit these needs, no flavor or tradition lost. From hearty mains to tasty sides and festive desserts, you can fill your table with food everyone will want to dig into.
These recipes use seasonal ingredients and straightforward techniques. Trust me, vegetarians and gluten-avoiders alike will be happy at your holiday gathering.
Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
Fall gatherings just call for something warm and cozy, right? This creamy vegan butternut squash soup is exactly that.
It blends the natural sweetness of butternut squash with fragrant herbs and spices. Totally dairy-free and gluten-free, so everyone’s invited to the party.
The real trick? Coconut milk. It adds lushness without drowning out the squash’s flavor, and honestly, I think it’s even better the next day.
For a little flair, toss on some roasted pepitas or pumpkin seeds. That crunch against the silky soup just works.
Spoon this up as a starter or next to the main event. Guests will be happy to warm up with a bowl before the rest of the meal lands.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
This Butternut Squash Soup is a lifesaver for busy Thanksgiving cooks! Just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do its thing.
You get tender squash and warm spices, all pureed into a comforting bowl, no cream required. The result is velvety and rich, but not heavy.
Vegan? Just stick with vegetable broth and skip dairy toppings. The slow cooker frees up your stove, which is always a win.
Serve it as a light appetizer or with a fresh salad. That bright orange color brings instant holiday vibes.
Make it ahead and reheat before serving. A swirl of coconut milk or toasted pumpkin seeds on top looks gorgeous and keeps it gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy potatoes with zero gluten? Absolutely. Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes are a Thanksgiving side everyone will reach for.
Instead of flour, these versions use clever swaps to get that same rich, comforting texture. You won’t miss the gluten.
Most recipes layer potato slices with a creamy sauce made from plant-based milk, seasonings, and sometimes nutritional yeast for a cheesy kick.
Caramelized onions, garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary take things up a notch. Some folks even add a crispy topping that browns up beautifully.
Make these ahead to cut down on day-of chaos. Odds are your guests won’t believe they’re gluten-free.
Old-Fashioned Gluten-Free Cornbread
Thanksgiving without cornbread? Not happening. This Old Fashioned Gluten Free Cornbread is simple, classic, and everyone can have a piece.
Traditional cornbread keeps it real, cornmeal, eggs, butter, buttermilk. No weird flour blends, just good food.
It’s got the best of both worlds: those crispy edges and a soft, tender middle. A bit sweet, but not so much that it overpowers your main meal.
Bake it a day early, or freeze it if you’re super organized. Cast-iron skillet? Go for it. Or make muffins for easy serving.
This cornbread is perfect with all your favorites and works for gluten-free stuffing too. Just a handful of ingredients, but plenty of tradition.
Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables
Want to add color to your table? Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables are your answer. They’re a side dish that looks as good as it tastes.
This gluten-free, vegan-friendly medley stars carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets. Each veggie brings its own personality to the party.
It’s so easy, just grab:
- Assorted root vegetables
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs
- Simple seasonings
Roast them until they caramelize and get those irresistible crispy edges. The flavors deepen, and the colors pop.
Mix and match whatever roots you have. It’s flexible, so use what you love or what’s in season.
This dish adds a nutritious, vibrant touch to your Thanksgiving spread. Sometimes the simplest things really shine.
Naturally-Sweetened Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving needs cranberry sauce, period. Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce ditches the refined sugar for something fresher and brighter.
It’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and honestly takes about 10 minutes. You’ll hear the cranberries pop and see that gorgeous ruby-red color start to form.
Swap white sugar for honey or maple syrup. A little orange zest wakes up the whole thing with citrusy zing.
Make it a few days ahead and stash it in the fridge. The flavors meld and get even better with time.
Serve it with your vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes for a sweet-tart, colorful boost. Healthier, but still tastes like the holidays.
Gluten-free Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel
Need a showstopper? This Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole with pecan streusel brings comfort and a little drama to your spread.
The base is creamy, sweet, and full of warm spices. Most people won’t even guess it’s gluten-free.
The real magic is in the contrast: smooth sweet potatoes under a crunchy pecan topping. That streusel is something else.
Assemble it ahead, then bake when you’re ready. It’s a stress-saver during the holiday rush.
You can tweak it to be dairy-free, egg-free, or vegan, and it’ll still taste amazing. Families tend to request this one year after year.
Gluten-free Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are naturally gluten-free, so you’re already winning. Creamy, fluffy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Make silky, buttery potatoes with just potatoes, milk, butter, and a little seasoning. That’s it.
Need them dairy-free? Swap in plant-based milk and vegan butter. No one will know the difference, promise.
Roasted garlic, fresh herbs, or a splash of olive oil can elevate them, if you’re feeling fancy. Yukon Golds are my favorite for texture, but russets work too.
Boil until fork-tender, then mash away. These potatoes go with everything, from plant-based mains to classic sides. Simple, but special enough for the holiday.
Better-Than-Boxed Vegan and Gluten-Free Stuffing
Forget the boxed stuff! This Better-than-Boxed Vegan and Gluten-Free Stuffing might just steal the show.
It’s both vegan and gluten-free, but honestly, you’d never know from the flavor. Even stuffing purists might ask for seconds.
Fresh herbs like sage and thyme bring that classic holiday taste. The bread cubes get toasty on top, but stay moist inside, just right.
Time-Saving Tip: Toast the bread cubes ahead to make prep a breeze.
Simple ingredients, big payoff. Your gluten-free and vegan guests will finally get to enjoy real stuffing with the rest of the table.
Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving must-have. Going gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to skip out on this classic.
You can make this dish without gluten and still keep all the creamy, savory flavors that make it a favorite.
The secret to a delicious gluten-free green bean casserole? Start with fresh green beans. They just taste better and have a firmer bite than the canned stuff.
A lot of folks use a homemade cream of mushroom base rather than canned soup. That way, you get to choose your ingredients and dial in the flavor exactly how you like it.
For that iconic crispy topping, try gluten-free fried onions or whip up your own with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Some people even go for crushed potato chips, honestly, not a bad idea if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you want to make it dairy-free too, swap in cashew cream or coconut milk instead of regular dairy. That opens it up to even more people at your table.
Conclusion
So, a vegetarian and gluten-free Thanksgiving? Honestly, you’re not missing out on those classic holiday flavors. These 10 recipes really show that plant-based dishes can actually steal the show.
There are hearty mains, some creative sides, and yeah, even desserts that don’t feel like afterthoughts. Now you’ve got a few options for just about everyone at the table, no matter what they can or can’t eat.
Lots of these dishes work well if you prep them ahead, which means you might actually get to relax and hang out with your people. Isn’t that what Thanksgiving’s supposed to be about anyway?
Hope you have fun cooking, and hey, happy Thanksgiving!