15 Irresistible Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Sides That Everyone Will Devour

Thanksgiving is a day centered around sharing gratitude, laughter, and—most of all—delicious food. For anyone with dietary restrictions, however, it can sometimes feel like you’re missing out on the traditional tastes everyone loves. I remember my first Thanksgiving hosting friends with gluten sensitivities and the challenge of preparing a meal where everyone, gluten-free or not, could enjoy themselves. I wanted to preserve the holiday’s classic flavors, but in a way that was safe and satisfying for everyone.

If you’re hosting gluten-sensitive guests this year or simply want to offer more inclusive options, these 15 gluten-free Thanksgiving sides will make sure no one feels left out. Each of these recipes delivers all the familiar, cozy flavors—just without the gluten. Let’s make this Thanksgiving one everyone will remember!

Why Gluten-Free Sides Are a Must for Thanksgiving

For people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, consuming gluten can cause severe discomfort, making it essential to provide gluten-free options. Including a selection of gluten-free sides allows all guests to enjoy the meal worry-free. Additionally, gluten-free sides are often made with wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy. Not only are these dishes safe, but they’re also packed with flavor, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied.

Tips for Making the Perfect Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Sides

Crafting gluten-free sides that shine with flavor and texture is easier with a few essential tips:

• Stock Up on Gluten-Free Essentials: Common gluten-free ingredients to have on hand include cornstarch, gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond or coconut flour, and gluten-free broth.
• Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate utensils, pans, and cutting boards for gluten-free recipes to keep your meal safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Enhance Flavor with Fresh Ingredients: Gluten-free dishes truly come to life when using fresh herbs, high-quality oils, and flavorful broths.

15 Delicious Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Side Dishes

These gluten-free Thanksgiving sides range from classic favorites to unique twists that bring everyone to the table. Each recipe includes an ingredient table, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips.

1. Classic Gluten-Free Stuffing with Herbs and Vegetables

Stuffing is a must at any Thanksgiving table. This gluten-free version uses toasted gluten-free bread cubes and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that’s just as comforting as the classic.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Toast the gluten-free bread cubes until crisp.
  3. In a skillet, sauté the onion and celery in butter until soft.
  4. Mix the toasted bread, fresh herbs, and broth in a baking dish.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes to crisp the top.
• Pro Tip: Add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped apple for a hint of sweetness.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Creamy Coconut Milk

These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are perfect for guests who are dairy-free. Coconut milk gives them a velvety texture, while garlic infuses a rich, savory flavor.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Simmer the potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until they’re tender.
  2. Drain and mash the potatoes with garlic and coconut milk until smooth.
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chives for an optional touch of color.
• Nutritional Benefits: Potatoes provide potassium, and coconut milk offers a dairy-free creaminess that’s rich in healthy fats.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze and Pecans

Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze with crunchy pecans makes them irresistible.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Coat the Brussels sprouts in olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
  3. Roast for 20 minutes or until crispy.
  4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with pecans before serving.
• Flavor Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole with a Pecan Crumble Topping

This classic Thanksgiving side is gluten-free and deliciously decadent. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan crumble make it almost like a dessert.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with butter and maple syrup.
  3. Spread in a baking dish, top with pecan crumble, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
• Nutritional Benefits: Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and fiber, and pecans add healthy fats and crunch.

5. Cauliflower Gratin with Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs

This rich, cheesy cauliflower gratin is the perfect gluten-free alternative to traditional potato gratin, topped with crispy gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Steam cauliflower until tender.
  2. Arrange in a baking dish, pour over heavy cream, sprinkle with almond flour, and cheese.
  3. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
• Flavor Tip: Mix some garlic powder into the almond flour for an extra savory topping.

6. Cranberry Orange Relish (Naturally Gluten-Free)

This tangy, fresh cranberry relish has hints of orange and honey, making it a bright addition to any Thanksgiving meal.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Combine cranberries and orange in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Stir in honey and chill before serving.
• Nutritional Benefits: Cranberries provide antioxidants, and honey offers natural sweetness without refined sugar.

7. Green Bean Almondine with Toasted Almonds

Green Bean Almondine is a classic side dish that adds freshness, crunch, and a hint of nuttiness to your Thanksgiving spread. The crisp-tender green beans are enhanced by the toasted almonds and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, creating a side that’s light yet packed with flavor.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add a generous pinch of salt. Blanch the green beans by cooking them in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
  2. Shock in Ice Water: Prepare a large bowl of ice water. Once the green beans are done blanching, immediately plunge them into ice water to halt cooking and keep their vibrant color. Drain and set aside.
  3. Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds (without oil) and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Take the almonds out of the skillet and set them aside.
  4. Sauté the Garlic: Using the same skillet, heat up some olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the Green Beans: Toss the blanched green beans into the skillet, coating them well with the garlic and oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through and slightly tender.
  6. Add Lemon Juice and Seasoning: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the green beans, and add salt and pepper to taste for seasoning. Toss to combine.
  7. Finish with Toasted Almonds: Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve warm as a light and refreshing side to balance out richer Thanksgiving dishes.
• Flavor Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic for a slight hint of heat, or add a zest of lemon along with the juice.

8. Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Sage

This creamy butternut squash soup, with hints of apple and sage, makes a warming, flavorful side that complements the Thanksgiving table perfectly. The natural sweetness of the squash and apple combines beautifully with the earthy sage, creating a soup that’s smooth, aromatic, and deliciously comforting.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for roughly 5 minutes, until it softens and turns translucent.
  2. Add the Squash and Apple: Stir in the butternut squash cubes and apple pieces, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.
  3. Add Broth and Sage: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped sage. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash and apple are tender and fully cooked.
  4. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring the mixture to a regular blender in batches), blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add Coconut Milk and Season: Stir in the coconut milk (if using) for added creaminess. Add salt and pepper to taste for seasoning.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a few extra sage leaves if desired, and serve warm.
• Flavor Tip: For a slight kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when blending the soup.

This butternut squash soup is creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, making it a lovely addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy!

9. Gluten-Free Cornbread with Honey Butter

This golden gluten-free cornbread is a Thanksgiving staple with a slight sweetness, perfect for pairing with a drizzle of honey butter.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, and baking powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, honey, and melted butter.
  4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  6. For honey butter, mix softened butter with honey and serve alongside.

10. Roasted Root Vegetables with Thyme and Rosemary

This colorful medley of roasted root vegetables brings natural sweetness and earthy flavors to your Thanksgiving table.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and caramelized.

11. Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Nuts

This wild rice pilaf brings a delightful mix of textures, from chewy wild rice to crunchy nuts and juicy cranberries.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Prepare the wild rice following the package directions, then set it aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cranberries, toasted nuts, green onions, and parsley.
  3. Toss gently and serve warm.
• Flavor Tip: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

12. Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic and Thyme

These savory mushrooms with hints of garlic and thyme make a delicious, umami-packed side dish.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Warm oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it becomes aromatic.
  3. Add mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook until mushrooms are golden brown and tender, about 8-10 minutes.
• Nutritional Benefits: Mushrooms are low in calories and rich in B vitamins and antioxidants.

13. Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

These light and fluffy gluten-free dinner rolls are perfect paired with butter, gravy, or a touch of honey.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, stirring until well blended.
  3. Whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter together, then add to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Divide dough into rolls and place in a greased baking pan.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crisp.

14. Crispy Carrot and Apple Slaw with a Tangy Cider Vinaigrette

This refreshing slaw is a lighter side that brings crisp, sweet flavors to balance heavier Thanksgiving dishes.

• Ingredients Table:

• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded carrots and apple.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour vinaigrette over slaw, toss to coat, and serve chilled.
• Flavor Tip: Add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped pecans for extra crunch.

15. Herb-Roasted Baby Potatoes

These crispy, herb-roasted baby potatoes make an easy yet satisfying side that complements any Thanksgiving main.

• Ingredients Table:

• 
  Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Coat the potatoes with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper, tossing them to ensure even coverage.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway, until crispy and golden.
• Flavor Tip: Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of paprika for added flavor.

Tips for a Seamless Gluten-Free Thanksgiving

To ensure your Thanksgiving sides are delicious, inclusive, and gluten-free, consider these additional tips:

1. Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate utensils, pans, and cutting boards for gluten-free recipes.
2. Read Labels Carefully: Double-check that packaged ingredients, like broth and sauces, are gluten-free.
3. Prepare Ahead of Time: Many of these sides can be prepared a day in advance and reheated before serving to save time and stress on Thanksgiving Day.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is all about gathering, sharing, and enjoying delicious food. With these gluten-free sides, you can ensure everyone at your table is included in the feast without missing out on any flavor. From classic stuffing and mashed potatoes to unique dishes like wild rice pilaf and cranberry relish, these recipes offer something for every taste and preference. So, embrace the challenge, try out these sides, and make this Thanksgiving one that everyone will remember and appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)