Cutting back on gluten in your diet can have an overall positive effect on your digestion. Also, your body’s ability to process nutrients from the food you eat.
However, cutting back on gluten doesn’t mean cutting out all of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Just do a little bit of tweaking in the kitchen! Try out one of these gluten-free thanksgiving foods. Try it out this Thanksgiving and give thanks for how delicious they are!
1. Raw and Crispy Kale Salad With Ginger and Coconut
Kale is an easy vegetable to add to a dish and most importantly, it’s gluten-free! This raw and crispy kale salad makes for a great side dish.
To make this one of the gluten-free thanksgiving foods, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Combine them with your hands until everything is well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, place the kale onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in one layer. Do this as if you were making one giant sheet of crispy kale chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until crispy (watch closely so they don’t burn).
2. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
This is a hearty dip that is perfect for dipping chips, crackers, and veggies into. It’s also really easy to make. It can be prepared ahead of time so all you need to do on the day of your event is plug it in and let it heat up on low. I usually cook mine overnight on a low setting.
3. Crockpot Taco Dip
This crockpot taco dip is among the perfect gluten-free thanksgiving foods to serve at your next party or gathering. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and can even be made ahead of time!
First, combine all ingredients in a crockpot and stir until evenly on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Finally, serve with chips or veggies for dipping. Enjoy!
4. Creamy Pumpkin Hummus
I love hummus, and pumpkin is my favorite flavor of the year. This creamy pumpkin hummus recipe combines both of those favorites into one delicious dip.
Also, it’s great as a sandwich spread or served with raw veggies for dipping. I’ve also been known to eat it straight out of the bowl, especially if I’ve just whipped up a new batch and need to taste-test it!
5. Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
Fried or baked turkey meatballs are a holiday favorite. These gluten-free thanksgiving foods buffalo turkey meatballs will please even the pickiest eaters on your list.
The ground turkey is mixed with gluten-free bread crumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper. The mixture is shaped into meatballs, then lightly fried in vegetable oil until golden brown.
It’s important to make sure the oil is at the right temperature. This is so that the outside of the meatball doesn’t burn before the inside is fully cooked.
In addition, a tangy sauce made from ketchup, hot sauce, and butter is poured over each one. This is done for an extra burst of flavor.
However, if you don’t want to fry them, they can also be baked in the oven at 400 degrees. This is done for about 20 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Fall Harvest Salad
Autumn is the perfect time to start thinking about all of the delicious gluten-free thanksgiving foods that you can make for your holiday table.
One dish that we love to bring to our Thanksgiving dinners is Fall Harvest Salad. It is a colorful and flavorful salad made with spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries.
This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main dish. Also, it can be served alongside any traditional meat dish.
If you’re looking for other ways to incorporate healthful foods into your family’s holiday meal this year, try these recipes
7. Autumn Meal Prep Lentil Salad
This colorful lentil salad recipe is the perfect dish to take to a potluck or pack for lunch on the go. It’s a vegan and gluten-free dish that is rich in both nutrients and flavor.
Also, lentils are high in protein, fiber, folate, iron, and magnesium. This recipe can be made ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about cooking a big meal this holiday season.
8. Roasted Butternut Squash Harvest Salad
It’s finally that time of year when the leaves turn orange, red, and yellow and we break out our favorite soups, stews, and casseroles.
I love fall cooking because it feels like a celebration of all the hard work that went into summer.
In my opinion, there is no better way to celebrate the season than with a nice big salad. This Roasted Butternut Squash Harvest Salad combines warm flavors.
Flavors such as roasted squash and apple with crispy kale, smoky bacon bits, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and creamy avocado.
It adds up to create an amazing combination of textures and flavors. The flavors will not only fill you up but also keep you going all day long!
9. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
It’s always a good idea to cook the turkey breast before you start roasting it. This will ensure that your turkey is cooked all the way through and moist.
To start with, combine butter, honey, and minced garlic in a slow cooker or Dutch oven on medium heat.
Add in chicken broth, salt, and pepper to season. Place the turkey breast inside the pot with the skin side down and cover it with foil.
Finally, roast until an instant-read thermometer reads 170 degrees Fahrenheit (which is when it’s no longer pink). Remove from heat and allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
10. Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables
This recipe is a one-pot wonder. It’s easy, it’s hearty, and it tastes like Fall! Be sure to use bone-in, the skin on chicken for the best flavor.
Place your vegetables around the chicken and add salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder to season. This dish can be made with or without potatoes.
However, you will need more liquid when potatoes are not added. Cover with water and make sure there is enough liquid to cover all of the vegetables as they cook.
Add cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking if you do not want a thickened gravy. If using potatoes, peel them before adding them to the crock pot so that they don’t turn brown during cooking time.
11. Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup
This delicious soup is also one of the gluten-free thanksgiving foods. It’s also dairy and nut free. Pumpkin is a great food for the digestive system and sweet potatoes are full of iron and vitamin A.
The best part about this recipe is that it takes less than twenty minutes to make! You will need: Olive oil, onions, chopped garlic cloves, minced Salt and pepper to taste ground cumin (optional), pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling) sweet potato, peeled and diced into cubes vegetable broth
12. Lemon Herb Roast Chicken
This is one of my favorite gluten-free thanksgiving foods to make for the holidays. It’s so simple and incredibly delicious!
The fresh lemon zest and herbs really shine in this dish, making it perfect as gluten-free thanksgiving food.
13. Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup
This soup is easy to make and can be made in a slow cooker too, which makes it perfect for hosting guests. It also freezes well, so make a double batch! This recipe is gluten-free.
14. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
This recipe is so easy to make and will make you feel like a gourmet chef when your guests taste the delicious soup. All you need is a few ingredients.
First, peel and cut the butternut squash into small cubes. Cook the cubed squash in boiling water for about 10 minutes or until tender. Drain the water from the pot. Then add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth to it.
Finally, place it back on high heat and bring it to a boil once again. Add some brown sugar if you want to give it an extra hint of sweetness.
Then take out your immersion blender and blend/process until a smooth consistency is achieved. Serve hot with toast points or croutons on top!
15. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup
Get ready for a delicious and hearty soup this thanksgiving! This pumpkin soup is sure to be a crowd favorite.
It is perfect for any chilly evening as well as a wintery day. The best part about this recipe is that it’s cooked in the slow cooker so you can set it and forget it!!
16. One-Pan Autumn Quinoa
This dish is perfect for anyone who wants to reduce their dishes or is gluten-free. It’s a one-pan meal with a lot of flavor and texture.
Thanks to the hearty kale and sweet carrots. This can be eaten as a side dish or as your main course with some added protein like chicken or turkey sausage.
Plus it’s perfect for those looking for gluten-free thanksgiving foods. To make this, rinse quinoa in cold water and drain well.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then add onion and cook, stirring often until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Finally, add garlic, salt, and pepper and cook stirring constantly until fragrant about 30 seconds more.
17. Healthy Berry Crisp
This easy recipe is packed with flavor, but you’ll be happy to know it’s also gluten-free. And while it’s not the only thing on this List of gluten-free Thanksgiving foods that fit that description, one of the great things about a berry crisp is that you can use whatever kind of berries you have on hand.
If your favorite fruit happens to be blueberries or raspberries or blackberries – go for it! You will need, old-fashioned oats (gluten-free if needed), brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract butter (melted) salt, and fresh berries (any kind)
18. Mashed Potatoes
Whether you make them from scratch or use a boxed mix, mashed potatoes are always a favorite as gluten-free thanksgiving foods.
It’s hard to go wrong with this dish, but there are a few ways to take your mashed potatoes up a notch.
Simply, add a little cheddar cheese and sour cream for some creamy goodness. This will make your guests come back for seconds. Top it all off with buttery crumbs and you’ve got yourself a perfect side dish.
19. Sweet Potato Casserole
This dish is one of the most traditional gluten-free thanksgiving foods served at a Thanksgiving dinner. For this recipe, you will need sweet potatoes, butter or margarine, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt to taste.
To start with, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into cubes about an inch wide each. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Finally, add the potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes until they soften up. Stir in the brown sugar, stirring it thoroughly to mix it in with the potatoes well.
20. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a staple for most Thanksgiving dinners, but it’s not always gluten-free. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to make it gluten-free and still have it delicious! Traditional Green Bean Casserole.
If you’re looking for traditional gluten-free Thanksgiving foods with cream of mushroom soup and fried onions on top, this one is the perfect dish to try. You can rest assured that your dish will be dairy free as well as gluten-free.
21. Crockpot Green Beans
Green beans are a hearty side dish that can be served at a Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re looking for easy gluten-free thanksgiving foods to prepare, try this crock pot recipe!
In a crockpot, add water and fresh green beans. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beans are tender but not overcooked. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with butter and parsley sprinkled on top if desired.
22. Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts
The holidays are a time for family and tradition. From office parties to family dinners, you will find the most wonderful things on the table.
But with so many dietary restrictions these days, it can be hard to navigate what is or isn’t acceptable to eat at any given meal.
One dish that has become a staple in my household is Brussels sprouts. I love them because they’re super easy to make and can be served as a side dish or an appetizer—or even as a main course if you’re craving something light but hearty.
And best of all? They’re totally gluten-free! In order to make these Brussels sprouts feel festive, I like to add cranberries and walnuts for texture and flavor.
23. low Cooker Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is an easy way to make a classic dish that many people associate with thanksgiving but without gluten. The sweet potatoes are cooked in a slow cooker and then spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Finally, the finished product is deliciously sweet and can be served as a side or as part of a larger dish. Thanksgiving sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free thanksgiving foods.
This recipe can be made vegan by substituting butter for olive oil and plant milk instead of dairy milk.
24. Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Collard greens are a staple of the southern dish and it’s easy to see why. They’re hearty, filling, and relatively inexpensive. In other words, they’re perfect for gluten-free Thanksgiving foods!
If you’ve never had them before, I recommend starting with this recipe for Slow Cooker Collard Greens. It doesn’t get much easier than tossing all of your ingredients into a slow cooker and letting it do its thing.
The best part is that this recipe also freezes well. You can make a big batch and keep them in the freezer until you need them. Feel free to add more seasonings or spices to make them taste how you like too!
25. Easy Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
These bakers are the perfect addition to your holiday meal. Made in the slow cooker, they’re a cinch to throw together and will be ready to serve when you walk in the door.
Also, the best part is that you can fill them with whatever flavorings or ingredients you like! Be sure to grab your favorite toppings and cheeses, too.
26. Slow Cooker Carrots
This is a dish that doesn’t require too much prep work but will help you to stay on your diet. All you need are some fresh fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.
Start by cutting the fruits in different shapes and sizes, so that they’re more appealing to the eye. Sprinkle them with a bit of lemon juice or lime zest to keep them from browning before serving.
Finally, add a dash of salt and sugar if you wish. Add fruit salads to your table as appetizers or gluten-free thanksgiving foods!
27. Gluten-Free Cornbread
Cornbread is a staple of the Thanksgiving table. It’s sturdy enough to use for stuffing, but it also makes great cornbread dressing for the turkey. The best part about this gluten-free cornbread recipe? It’s one bowl, no mixer is required!
28. One-Bowl Triple Apple Cider Spiced Muffins
These simple muffins are perfect for Fall. They’re made with brown sugar, applesauce, and spices and are the perfect gluten-free thanksgiving foods or treats to enjoy any time of day.
I love that they’re so easy to whip up in one bowl, and don’t require a mixer. It can be on your table in about 30 minutes. Plus, they’re gluten-free! You will need: unsalted butter, apple cider, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and baking powder
29. Healthy Sweet Potato Muffins
Making healthy treats for the holidays is not only festive. It’s also a great way to avoid all of the temptations that come with the season.
These healthy sweet potato muffins are made with pumpkin puree instead of oil and they’re sweetened with honey. Plus, they’re gluten-free!
30. Healthy Cranberry Muffins
You can find a variety of healthy recipes online, but here are some ideas to get you started. One of the most popular gluten-free thanksgiving foods at this time of year is healthy cranberry muffins.
Ingredients include mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, applesauce, coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
To start, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and add gluten-free flour or almond flour as well as a pinch of salt.
Pour batter into greased muffin pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This recipe makes 12 servings of 2 muffins each.
31. Pumpkin Muffins
These Pumpkin Muffins are moist and flavorful. They’ll make you think of fall as soon as you taste them. The best part is, they’re good for gluten-free thanksgiving foods!
32. Pumpkin Pie
The pumpkin pie is a must at any Thanksgiving dinner. This gluten-free version of the pumpkin pie might just be the best recipe for you to make this year.
The ingredient list is simple, it’s easy to make, and it tastes amazing. Your guests will be begging for more!
33. Healthier Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp
This recipe is a gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free version of an old-fashioned apple crisp. If you are looking for gluten-free thanksgiving foods to satisfy your sweet tooth while being healthy, this is the perfect recipe!
The dates give it just the right amount of sweetness while the cinnamon gives it that holiday flavor. This apple crisp will make you want to give thanks.
34. Crockpot Turkey Soup
Feeling too busy to cook this holiday season? Luckily, you can use your crock pot to whip up a hearty and healthy soup like our Crockpot Turkey Soup.
It’s super easy to make and makes for a great meal for the whole family. Plus, it won’t heat up the kitchen on those chilly days when it’s just not practical to turn on the stove!
Here is what you’ll need: chicken broth, water, chopped onion, salt and pepper, cloves of garlic, dried thyme leaves, bay leaf, and boneless turkey breast. Cut all into pieces that will fit into your crockpot.
Conclusion
Many of these foods are also vegan, so it is possible to make gluten-free thanksgiving foods. There’s no need to feel left out because you can’t eat bread or pie.
These recipes offer a lot of alternatives that will still taste delicious and fill you up. So, the next time someone says, What do you want for Thanksgiving? Tell them about some of these great gluten-free thanksgiving foods.
One thing I love about this list is that many of these dishes are not just gluten-free but also vegan. This leaves us with even more variety in our food options during the holidays.
