8 Gluten-Free Recipes for a More Enjoyable Thanksgiving

Dr. Kathleen Scala, AP DOM

Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for many people. Folks enjoy the time away from school and work, seeing extended family, and of course, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that many watch religiously every year. However, for many people, food is the best part of Thanksgiving. Holiday dinners include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, different kinds of gravy, potato salad, steamed vegetables, fruit salad, cranberry sauce, and fresh dinner rolls. Let’s not forget the several different varieties of pies and other desserts. Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner as freely as others. For example, many have dietary restrictions due to medical conditions or personal preferences. When medical conditions come on suddenly, they may be unable to indulge in their favorite dishes. Fortunately, today, there is a greater awareness of restrictive diets and many food companies produce products that cater to these restrictions. For example, modern dieters can indulge in various gluten-free Thanksgiving dishes that are just as delicious as the ‘real thing’. Here are some recipes you may want to try this holiday season.

8 Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

1. Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing with Curried Apples and Cranberries

Plain old cornbread stuffing can be pretty boring, don’t you think? This recipe from Gluten-Free Goddess gives cornbread some major flavor by mixing in curried apples and cranberries. It might seem a little weird to have Thanksgiving stuffing with fruit, but you’ll love this dish! The best part is that this recipe works with gluten-free bread! Get the recipe from Gluten-Free Goddess.

2. Goat Cheese Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are great. What’s Thanksgiving without them? While potatoes are generally gluten-free, this recipe from Tasty Yummies adds more flavor! Beth takes delicious baby red potatoes, smashes them up, and adds chives, garlic, and goat cheese for an amazing twist on the classic holiday staple. Get the recipe from Tasty Yummies.

3. Cranberry Raspberry Relish

Cranberry relish can be hit-or-miss with many families. But this great-tasting relish recipe from Fork and Beans will be a hit every time. Cara uses fresh cranberries, adding green apple and raspberry. It’s the perfect mix of flavors, especially for those who aren’t fans of the sometimes bitter and overwhelming cranberry taste. If you’re in the mood for a new relish this year, give this one a try. Get the recipe from Fork and Beans.

4. Gluten-Free Gravy

Gravy is a favorite holiday staple. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find gluten-free gravy that tastes good. This recipe from Simply Gluten-Free changes that. Carol’s gravy, with a dash of brandy or wine, adds delicious flavor to any dish! Don’t settle for packaged gravy mixes and gamble on flavor this Thanksgiving. Try this easy recipe instead. Get the recipe from Simply Gluten-Free.

5. Gluten & Grain-Free Apple Pear Crisp

Who doesn’t look forward to dessert on Thanksgiving? Pumpkin pie is a staple for most people, but apple and pear crisp from So Let’s Hang Out is the perfect alternative. It’s light and packed with fruit, and you’ll also get cinnamon in the mix. Finish it off with homemade whipped cream (if you so choose), and you’ve got a real winner. Get the recipe from So Let’s Hang Out.

6. Massaged Kale & Blood Orange Winter Salad

Is salad a part of your Thanksgiving meal? Some people love it and others don’t. But this recipe from With Food and Love takes salads to a new level. Kale can be hard for many people to love, but in this salad, it’s delicious. Blood oranges give it an even better flavor, and when you top it all off with a poppy seed vinaigrette dressing, you’ve got a great new addition to your Thanksgiving meal tradition. Get the recipe from With Food and Love.

7. Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

What would Thanksgiving be without dinner rolls? However, this holiday meal classic is off the table for people with Celiac Disease and other anti-gluten conditions. Many resort to store-bought gluten-free rolls, but this recipe from Food 52 is a game-changer. The rolls are simple, soft, and moist, and go great with everything from cranberry relish to gravy. The whole family will love them. Give them a try this year and see the difference homemade rolls can make. Get the recipe from Food 52.

8. Balsamic Roast Turkey (with Apple Stuffing)

Turkey–the most important part of the meal, right? Right. If you’re not one for the traditional oven-roasted bird and want a bit more flavor (that’s gluten-free), you need to try this recipe from Elana’s Pantry. Its simple balsamic and olive oil flavors change the taste in the best way possible! The apple stuffing provides a unique twist. Try these two together this year for a truly delicious taste. Get the recipe from Elana’s Pantry. How’s that for some great gluten-free Thanksgiving dishes? We hope you’ll try them and love them.
Back to Blog
About the Author

Dr. Kathleen Scala, AP DOM

Dr. Kathleen Scala, AP DOM, is an NCCAOM FL Board Certified Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She graduated with honors from East West College of Natural Medicine in Sarasota, FL and received NCCAOM diplomas for both acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. Through her acupuncture and herbal training she also became skilled in nutrition and homeopathy. While a medical student Kathleen managed the herbal clinic at East West College. She brings extensive supplement knowledge from over twenty-four years in the natural health and wellness industry.

Related Articles