While turkey may be the star of the meal, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the sides. And these Gluten Free Side Dishes will give you classic and new recipes that are sure to impress. They are great for Christmas too!
Make a Gluten Free Thanksgiving
We know it isn’t Thanksgiving without a perfect Roast Turkey. Or maybe you are having a smaller gathering and just want to make an Air Fryer Turkey Breast or Slow Cooker Turkey Breast.
But so many people really look forward to the side dishes! While a gluten free turkey is pretty much a no-brainer, the sides can be a gluten minefield.
With food being the centerpiece of the holiday, it can feel scary, isolating, or frustrating for those who are gluten free. So it’s time to take the sides into your own hands. Make some gluten free Thanksgiving side dishes to share with family and friends!
Thanksgiving Side Dishes Made Gluten Free
Before we get into the collection of gluten free side dish recipes, let’s talk about some of your options.
- Salads: Veggie-based salads are a great gluten free option, as long as you avoid things like croutons. Also, read the labels on any bottled dressings. In fact, making your own is easy. Something like Creamy Maple Dijon Dressing or Gluten Free Hot Bacon Dressing are great with seasonal ingredients.
- Potatoes: Most mashed potato recipes are gluten free. And sticking with mashed or roasted sweet potatoes is also usually a safe option, even when they are topped with marshmallows.
- Stuffing: You can buy a gluten free stuffing mix or bread to use in your recipe. Or make your own gluten free bread or cornbread. For a new idea, try a grain stuffing made with quinoa, rice, or even something like millet.
- Vegetables: From roasting to steaming to sauteeing, there are many gluten free vegetable side dishes. While you’ll have to avoid some traditional sauces, there are options such as using gluten free flours or starches to make gluten free cheese sauce. Or make creamy sauces with ingredients like Greek yogurt, sour cream, or cream cheese.
- Gravy and Sauces: Gravy can be made with alternative thickeners like rice flour or cornstarch. And cranberry sauce is typically thickened naturally just by cooking it down or adding gelatin.
- Breads: This requires a bit more time and some baking skills, but there are so many gluten free bread recipes out there now. There are even great gluten free mixes you can find in the grocery store.
Mouthwatering Gluten Free Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
Sure, the mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are naturally gluten free. However, gravy is usually thickened with flour, stuffing is a big pile of bread, and even the sweet potatoes might be covered with streusel. The veggies don’t escape, either. Whether it’s green bean casserole made with canned cream of mushroom soup or broccoli topped with cracker crumbs, gluten seems to lurk everywhere.
With these recipes, you can find ways to enjoy all of the classics you’ve loved your entire life. And maybe even discover some new dishes that will become part of your holiday traditions.
Soups and Salads
If you are looking for something light to start or accompany your meal, look no further than these classic soup and salad recipes
Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Thyme
A bowl of velvety smooth and savory soup is creamy and satisfying, and it’s easy to make on the stove or in your Instant Pot. The addition of sage and thyme perfectly complement all of the other holiday dishes.
Get The Recipe
Poached Pear Salad
This recipe is an elegant and simple side dish with blue cheese, glazed walnuts, blue cheese, and a creamy sherry dressing. It is easy, fresh, and delicious addition to the menu.
Get The Recipe
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad
The veggies are roasted until perfectly tender and toasty. Then they are piled on top of greens with creamy, warm, sweet, tangy, smoky hot bacon dressing.
Get The Recipe
Maple Dijon Apple Coleslaw
This crisp and creamy apple slaw is a healthy coleslaw recipe we can all love because it is sweet and savory and made without mayo! It is lightened up with Greek yogurt, plus the juicy apples, dried cranberries, and maple Dijon dressing give it a delicious flavor.
Get The Recipe
Apple Broccoli Salad
This healthier broccoli salad is a fresh addition to a holiday meal with seasonal flavors. Made with Greek yogurt plus walnuts and cheddar cheese, you get an extra burst of deliciousness, protein, and crunch.
Get The Recipe
Creamy Cauliflower Broccoli Cheese Soup
Just as cheesy and delicious as any other recipe or restaurant version, but it is better for you. A simple swap with some sneaky hidden veggies makes this healthy soup recipe super creamy while keeping it gluten free and low carb.
Get The Recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Tossed with a simple balsamic dressing and pomegranate seeds for a colorful, flavorful, and healthy side dish. You can enjoy it hot or cold, and even add goat cheese to dress it up. It can even be made in advance.
Get The Recipe
Turkey Pot Pie Soup
While you may want to wait to make this with leftovers, if you have some turkey or even a rotisserie chicken, you can make this hearty soup loaded with vegetables and topped with gluten free pie crust crackers.
Get The Recipe
More Soups and Salads
- Autumn Harvest Salad from Tasty Yummies
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad from The Kitchen is My Playground
- Potato Soup from Wheat By the Wayside
Gravy and Sauces
Gravy for the turkey and taters, and cranberry sauce on the side are absolutely essential. Yes, you can make gluten free gravy. And there are even other sauces to enjoy besides just cranberry.
Gluten Free Turkey Gravy
This is the easiest gravy recipe, made with sweet rice flour and chicken or turkey broth for a flavorful make-ahead holiday side dish. Perfectly smooth with no lumps!
Get The Recipe
Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce
Sweet and tart Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce adds citrus and warm spice to the all-time favorite holiday side dish. Simmer fresh cranberries with orange juice and cinnamon sticks to take a classic jellied cranberry sauce recipe to the next level and make your house smell amazing while it cooks.
Get The Recipe
Apple Cider Gravy
This is an easy make ahead gravy recipe for your Thanksgiving turkey. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, plus a pop of tart cranberry, this is a delicious addition to a holiday meal.
Get The Recipe
Apple Chutney
This apple chutney recipe is a sweet and savory mixture of apples, cranberries, and thyme, with the tang of vinegar, and a splash of sparkling cider. Serve it with turkey or even add it to an appetizer platter.
Get The Recipe
More Gravy and Sauce Recipes
- Cranberry and Pear Sauce from NeighborFood
- Applesauce from The Stay at Home Chef
- Gluten Free Mushroom Gravy from The Bojon Gourmet
Mashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving isn’t complete until s bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes hits the table. Whether you like them super creamy, homestyle, basic, or flavored, there is a version for everyone. You can even find a sneaky low carb alternative.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
If you’re a fan of creamy, savory and fluffy mashed potatoes that don’t take hours to make, this quick and easy Instant Pot recipe is for you. These potatoes have the fluffiest texture you can imagine with a tangy, buttery flavor from sour cream.
Get The Recipe
Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potatoes
With plenty of cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, everyone will be asking for seconds. But even a holiday meal can be fast and easy with only five ingredients, and even lightened up a bit with Greek yogurt.
Get The Recipe
Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
A tasty way to change up your traditional mashed potatoes recipe with sweet onions caramelized in balsamic vinegar and a nice dose of parmesan cheese.
Get The Recipe
Horseradish Cheddar Whipped Cauliflower
This fluffy side dish is a veggie-packed and low carb alternative to mashed potatoes with the creamy texture you love. Plus, they are kicked up with horseradish cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe
Bacon Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower
Easy and cheesy, and fully loaded with plenty of cheddar cheese and bacon. With only five ingredients, a few minutes of work, and a couple of tricks, you can whip up this easy low carb side dish recipe.
Get The Recipe
More Mashed Potato Recipes
- Make-Ahead Garlic Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes from Baked By Rachel
- Mashed Potato Casserole from A Mind “Full” Mom
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes from Spend With Pennies
Sweet Potatoes
From glazed to scalloped to mashed to casseroles, this tasty veggie always finds a place on the Thanksgiving menu.
Maple Cinnamon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These maple cinnamon mashed sweet potatoes are a family favorite Thanksgiving and holiday side dish at my house. They’re light, fluffy, and creamy, but not too sweet. Cinnamon adds a touch of warming spice to balance out the sweetness of maple syrup.
Get The Recipe
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes and Apples
With sweet and savory flavors, a rich and creamy sauce, and plenty of cheddar cheese, this cheesy casserole will be a tasty addition to the holiday meal. It’s a delicious gluten free twist to the classic potatoes au gratin, and not as sugary as your usual sweet potato casserole.
Get The Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Spice Melting Sweet Potatoes
Crispy and buttery on the outside, tender on the inside, and literally melt in your mouth! These roasted sweet potatoes with pumpkin spice butter topped with maple syrup-glazed pecans are a delicious and easy Thanksgiving side dish.
Get The Recipe
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Basic baked sweet potatoes are turned into something extra special. THey are roasted until soft and tender, and all those slices allow the honey butter to soak into every bite.
Get The Recipe
Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Gratin
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes and sweet potatoes with goat cheese are baked until tender, creamy, and golden brown. Easy to make, but sure to impress, with the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Get The Recipe
More Sweet Potato Recipes
- Candied Sweet Potatoes from Sally’s Baking Addiction
- Honey Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes from Buns in My Oven
- Pecan Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes from Real Food By Jessica
Gluten Free Breads and Stuffings
It’s always nice to have some sort of bread, biscuit, or roll to slather with butter or soak up the gravy. You can also crumble up that bread and turn it into stuffing or try a grain stuffing too for a gluten free option.
Gluten Free Thanksgiving Stuffing
This incredible stuffing is made with cubed sandwich bread. It has a soft texture from eggs and broth on the inside, plus perfectly crispy edges and plenty of fresh flavor from mixed herbs.
Get The Recipe
Gluten Free Crescent Rolls
If you miss the ones you pop out of a can, you'll love these deliciously buttery crescents. They are as soft and flaky as you remember and, and brushed with a honey-milk wash for a hint of sweetness.
Get The Recipe
Wild Rice Stuffing
Try something different for the holidays with this naturally gluten free alternative to the usual bread stuffing. This savory side dish is flavored with pork sausage, studded with apples, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans for texture.
Get The Recipe
Gluten-Free Cornbread
Easy, fluffy, and made with yogurt, cornmeal, honey, and butter, this is a crowd-pleaser. Stir it together in one bowl and bake it to a perfect golden brown in minutes!
Get The Recipe
Gluten Free Buttermilk Biscuits
There’s something about a Southern-style biscuit that just hits all the right notes. They’re soft and flaky on the inside with a crisp exterior, and they taste amazing with a pat of melty butter or a drizzle of honey on top.
Get The Recipe
Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing
A popular Thanksgiving side dish with comforting classic flavors from fresh thyme and sage, along with apples, carrots, and celery. It’s moist and fluffy in the center with perfectly crispy edges.
Get The Recipe
Gluten Free Breadsticks
These soft breadsticks are just what you need to scoop up any gravy left on your plate after you eat your turkey and mashed potatoes. They are simple to make and baked until perfectly golden.
Get The Recipe
Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins
Buttery and tender, these corn muffins are the perfect addition to your meal. These have an extra level of earthy flavor with a hint of sage that pairs well with the corn and the other side dishes.
Get The Recipe
Gluten Free Hawaiian Rolls
Slightly sweet and so fluffy, these little rolls add something special to the holiday meal. You'll love that they are enriched with butter and brown sugar.
Get The Recipe
Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread
Maybe you just want a simple slice to soak up the gravy. Make this easy gluten-free bread leavened with yeast for a fluffy, tangy, and delicious loaf.
Get The Recipe
Apple Butter Gluten Free Corn Bread
This cornbread gets a little extra fall flavor with the addition of apple butter. Tender and slightly sweet, it will be the perfect addition to a holiday meal.
Get The Recipe
More Bread and Stuffing Recipes
- Wild Rice Stuffing from Iowa Girl Eats
- Herbed Wild Rice and Quinoa Stuffing from Kitchen Treaty
- Easy Quinoa Stuffing from Simply Quinoa
Green Beans
That traditional green bean casserole is a gluten minefield with the canned cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. But there are so many other options that might even be more delicious.
Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole
You don't need that canned soup to make this classic Thanksgiving dish. With simple, fresh ingredients, this version is not only gluten free, it's healthier and maybe even more delicious.
Get The Recipe
Cranberry Orange Glazed Green Beans
Green beans are tossed in a sweet and tangy glaze made of Dijon mustard and orange marmalade, along with dried cranberries. This easy side dish has just a few ingredients and is ready in about 20 minutes. It is a fresh alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving green bean recipe to lighten up your holiday meal.
Get The Recipe
Bacon Green Beans
Boiled till crisp-tender then added to a skillet sizzling with bacon goodness, this recipe is a surefire way to get everyone eating their vegetables. It’s an easy side dish that can be added to a holiday dinner menu!
Get The Recipe
Creamy Green Beans and Mushrooms
All the flavors you love of the classic green bean casserole but made with simple, fresh ingredients in one skillet. That’s right, no canned cream of mushroom soup, making it fast, healthy, and naturally gluten free!
Get The Recipe
Air Fryer Green Beans
Save space in the oven or on the stove and use your air fryer. Enjoy them served simply roasted or topped with toasted almonds and lemon juice.
Get The Recipe
Pineapple Pecan Glazed Green Beans
These fresh green beans have crunchy pecans for texture, a little zing from ginger, and the bright green and yellow that make it gorgeous on a serving dish. That means it’s certainly special enough to show up on any holiday menu.
Get The Recipe
Lemon-Butter Green Beans and Mushrooms
A simple vegetable side dish of slightly buttery green beans and mushrooms, with crisp lemon and white wine to balance and lighten the flavors.
Get The Recipe
Cranberry Balsamic Green Beans
Balsamic green beans get an added festive touch when glazed with shallots and dried cranberries. You also have the option to top them with creamy goat cheese for a deliciously tangy touch.
Get The Recipe
More Green Bean Recipes
- Green Beans Almondine from Rachel Cooks
- Balsamic Green Beans with Walnuts from Healthy Seasonal Recipes
- Sauteed Garlic Green Beans from Recipe Tin Eats
Other Vegetable Side Dishes
If you like to add more veggies to the menu, then you find lots of fall favorites right here. From squash to Brussels sprouts, carrots to cauliflower, and more.
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
With just a few simple ingredients, it doesn’t get any easier to make these roasted butternuts and Brussels. You will go crazy for the hint of sweetness that balances the earthy flavor of those sprouts from both the maple syrup and the butternut squash.
Get The Recipe
Brown Butter Peas and Carrots
Buttery peas and carrots are a classic staple on many dinner tables. Now give the veggies a simple flavor upgrade by tossing them in browned butter and nobody will be able to resist them.
Get The Recipe
Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
When you roast them in the oven, the caramelized balsamic vinegar adds amazing flavor to this easy side dish recipe. And the best part is that you can add your favorite veggies to the mix.
Get The Recipe
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cinnamon
- This easy recipe has the rich, caramelized flavor that is brought out from roasting in the oven. It is enhanced with the warm spice of cinnamon and an optional bit of heat from a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Garlic Roasted Mushrooms with Balsamic Vinegar
These tasty mushrooms are baked with garlic, rosemary, and a balsamic vinegar glaze for an easy side dish recipe that has tons of flavor. You only need a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time.
Get The Recipe
Roasted Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
Simple roasted asparagus becomes holiday-worthy with a drizzle of this creamy sauce. It's truly simple to make but adds a touch of decadence.
Get The Recipe
Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Cauliflower Wings
Everyone will adore this sweet, tangy, sticky glaze on these cauliflower bites. Baked till crispy and coated in a cranberry balsamic sauce, it'll add something new and unexpected to your holiday spread.
Get The Recipe
Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas
The carrots are caramelized in butter to bring out their natural sweetness, and a bit of honey gives it that glazed goodness. But it’s all balanced out with a dollop of Dijon mustard and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Get The Recipe
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Save space in the oven by making these perfectly crispy and caramelized Brussels sprouts in your air fryer. They are tasty with just salt and pepepr, but a little bacon makes them extra crave-worthy.
Get The Recipe
Oven-Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Just a few minutes of prep work and a handful of ingredients will have you on your way to this simple side dish. Oven baked carrots plus a honey marinade adds delicious caramelized sweetness to a vegetable everyone already loves and makes it even better.
Get The Recipe
Brown Butter Mashed Butternut Squash
Mashed butternut squash is a healthy gluten free side dish recipe with a bit of brown butter to make it rich, nutty, and delicious. Just a touch adds to the velvety texture, while still keeping it light.
Get The Recipe
Air Fryer Asparagus
No need to heat up the oven to make roasted asparagus. You can get perfectly crisp-tender results using the air fry method. Keep it plain and simple, or add the optional gluten free parmesan crust for more flavor and texture.
Get The Recipe
More Vegetable Side Dishes
- Garlic Butter Parsnips from Diethood
- Brussels Sprouts with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts from The Cookie Rookie
- Gluten Free Creamed Peas from Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen
Side Dish Casseroles
Casseroles are so comforting, and always deserve a place on the Thanksgiving table. But many of the classics aren’t gluten free. With these recipes, you can enjoy delicious baked sides again.
Corn Pudding
This homemade corn pudding recipe is a family-favorite! Made without corn muffin mix, this creamy, savory, and slightly sweet casserole is naturally gluten free.
Get The Recipe
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
A gluten free, baked macaroni and cheese that has all the tangy, cheesy flavors of everyone’s favorite. But the butternut squash adds a perfect hint of fall flavor and makes a creamy sauce without flour for thickening.
Get The Recipe
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
It doesn't get much better than golden brown and crispy potatoes with plenty of cheese. That's why this makes a perfect side dish.
Get The Recipe
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole with Rice
Golden brown on top and packed with plenty of cheddar cheese, this zucchini bake is so delicious. The rice makes it hearty, but it's also full of veggies.
Get The Recipe
Pumpkin Penne with Cream Sauce
This penne pasta baked in a velvety, creamy pumpkin sauce is the ultimate fall comfort food. While it can be a meal on its own, it's a tasty alternative to the usual mac and cheese.
Get The Recipe
Cheesy Cauliflower Hash Browns Casserole
This deliciously cheesy casserole is an easy side dish recipe that’s packed with veggies and plenty of cheddar cheese. With a golden brown top and crispy edges, everyone will be ready to dig in.
Get The Recipe
More Side Dish Casserole Recipes
- Cinnamon Maple Squash Casserole from Recipe Runner
- Fall Roasted Vegetable Casserole from From My Bowl
- Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole from Mama Gourmand
And whether you choose apple pie, pumpkin pie, or something else, don’t forget the Gluten Free Thanksgiving Desserts!