Thanksgiving — a holiday meant to be about coming together and reflecting on all of life's blessings (OK, it's about eating) — can be a downright depressing holiday for those with dietary restrictions. While others are tucking into a bounty of freshly baked dinner rolls, deliciously decadent gravy, and, of course, a litany of pies, the gluten-free guests are left picking at a sadly wilted salad and dry turkey.
But no longer! Thankfully, people with celiac disease (or, really, anyone with a gluten sensitivity) can dine as well as those without, since it really just takes a few smart modifications to turn a traditional recipe into a tasty gluten-free one. We know it doesn't seem possible, but now that gluten allergies and intolerances are becoming more understood, it seems like bakers are itching to find the latest and best hacks to still bring tasty treats to the masses. Some even find working gluten-free a fun challenge! Either way, having to eat gluten-free snacks and treats doesn't have to mean a boring and flavorless holiday season.
We've rounded up 16 such recipes to make the holiday flavorful and free of stress. Now, that's something to be thankful for!
Gluten-Free Turkey
Making a delicious and gluten-free turkey is easier than you think with this recipe. While turkey is naturally gluten-free, make sure you buy a whole fresh or frozen turkey without anything added. When flavoring your turkey, pay attention to additives, rubs, spices and flavor enhancers that aren't labeled gluten-free. Choose your spices carefully. The secret ingredient here to keep your bird moist is full of good fats — coconut oil.
Gluten-Free Ham
If ham is more your style, check out this amazing recipe for a gluten-free ham with orange honey glaze. You start with the fully cooked bone-in or boneless spiral gluten-free ham and then create the yummy glaze. This glaze is what makes this main course. It consists of brown sugar, honey, and orange marmalade. It takes just 45 minutes to cook.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
These carrots will add something sweet and gluten-free to your meal. The recipe adds to the carrots' natural sweetness with some honey on top. How could it get any better than that? They are super quick to put together and take just 30 minutes to cook. These are a great way to add in some veggies to your Thanksgiving meal.
Cranberry Sauce
Classic cranberry sauce is naturally gluten-free, but this recipe is a must-have for your Thanksgiving. No cranberry sauce out of a can here! This recipe is super easy to follow and has just four ingredients. It is a great addition to your meal.
Gluten-Free Cornbread
Cornbread is a traditional Southern addition to the Thanksgiving meal, but it is usually off-limits if you need to avoid gluten. The good news is that this recipe mimics cornbread so well that you won't be able to tell the difference. The texture is even spot on with its fluffiness.
Gluten-Free Stuffing
The worst part about no gluten on Thanksgiving is not being able to eat a metric ton of stuffing. This recipe has you covered, and you won't even miss the gluten. This option is also free from dairy and meat, so it can work for almost anyone. The secret to this stuffing lies in the added vegetables and spices!
Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
If you love green bean casserole, but can't eat it because of the gluten-containing fried onions, check out this recipe. The store-bought fried onions usually have gluten in them, but if you make them yourself, you get to control how they are made. This recipe calls for gluten-free Bisquik to coat them, so you can enjoy green bean casserole with the crunch, too!
Gluten-Free Mashed Potatoes
When you make mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, it is best to make them from scratch. This way, you can be sure of what goes in them. Store-bought mashed potatoes are not always gluten-free, so you need to watch out for that. This gluten-free mashed potato recipe is a way to make your own at home, so you don't need to worry what others may be putting in theirs.
Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls
You'll need something to dip in your amazing gluten-free gravy, and these rolls will help you in your quest. There is nothing like a fresh roll. If you're gluten-free, you may find that you really miss this part of the Thanksgiving meal. Luckily, this recipe has you covered, so you can enjoy just like everyone else!
Turkey Gravy, Hold the Gluten
Yes, it's possible to get savory, delicious gravy without using regular flour! This gravy recipe is super simple with just four ingredients, and it only takes you five minutes to make. That will leave plenty of time to work on your other gluten-free dishes! The secret is to use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to get the consistency just right.
Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Have you ever thought of adding maple syrup and apples to your Brussels sprouts dish? Neither had I! Check out this recipe for a delectable dish. It has all the flavors of the holiday in one dish, plus a hefty serving of veggies. No one will be complaining about these Brussels sprouts!
Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
Admit it: Pumpkin pie is the holy grail of Thanksgiving (who's really all that excited about dried out turkey, anyway?). So a crustless pumpkin pie cupcake is pretty much the best thing ever. You can never have too many Thanksgiving desserts. Kids may even like this one! Look, there's even frosting on it, which will make it much more attractive. These are dairy-free, too, and you can even make them a day ahead.
Gluten-Free Apple Pie
Thanksgiving isn't just Thanksgiving without apple pie. Unfortunately, most recipes are full of gluten in the crust, but this recipe gives you a great alternative. The gluten-free pie crust is the base, which uses gluten-free flour blend, salt, xanthan gum, butter and milk. Add in some Granny Smith apples, sugars, cinnamon, lemon juice, tapioca starch, and nutmeg, and it will taste just like the real thing. Enjoy!
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
If pumpkin pie is more of your thing, check out this gluten-free pumpkin pie recipe. You can use either the gluten-free crust recipe or buy a ready-made one. This pie will make a great addition to your Thanksgiving, and can even be made ahead of time and frozen to free up time on the holiday.
Gluten-Free Pecan Pie
Can you ever have too much pie on Thanksgiving? We don't think so! If you have issues with gluten, this pecan pie recipe is a great choice. Again, you can either make your own or buy gluten-free pie crust. The secret with this type of crust is not to overwork it. If you do, it will crack when you transfer it to the pie pan. Add in the yummy pecan pie filling ingredients and you are all set for a great dessert.
Chocolate Flan
If you are a chocolate fan, you will love this chocolate flan recipe. This decadent dessert will add a depth of flavor to your already wonderful gluten-free Thanksgiving. Because there is no flour to stabilize it, it does make it more delicate. You will need to use a water bath to get the right texture, but it will be worth it. With just four ingredients, you'll find it's not so complicated.
