Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Sides

Delicious, Allergy-Friendly Sides Everyone Will Love

Thanksgiving is a celebration of abundance and comfort food, but for those who eat gluten-free—whether by necessity or choice—it can feel limiting. Traditional side dishes often rely on ingredients like breadcrumbs, flour, or canned soups that contain gluten. But there’s no need to sacrifice flavor or festivity when there are plenty of naturally gluten-free and allergy-friendly alternatives that everyone at the table can enjoy.

These gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes are hearty, flavorful, and crafted to bring joy to the holiday table—without the gluten. From fluffy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to stuffing made with gluten-free cornbread and a silky dairy-free gravy, each recipe is full of nostalgic flavors and made from simple, wholesome ingredients.

This roundup includes:

• Garlic Chive Mashed Potatoes

• Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing

• Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Maple Glaze

• Green Beans with Toasted Almonds and Lemon Zest

• Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Gravy

• Cranberry-Orange Sauce (Naturally Gluten-Free)

• Harvest Sweet Potato Mash with Pecans

• Herbed Quinoa and Roasted Veggie Pilaf

Whether you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, or simply want to explore gluten-free eating, these sides offer comfort and tradition—with none of the worry.

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Garlic Chive Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, fluffy, and loaded with flavor, mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving must-have—and naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 3 tablespoons olive oil or dairy-free butter

• ½ cup unsweetened almond or oat milk (or milk of choice)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

2. While potatoes cook, gently sauté garlic in 1 tablespoon olive oil until fragrant.

3. Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Mash until smooth.

4. Stir in garlic, olive oil or butter, milk, and chives. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Tip

For an ultra-creamy texture, use a potato ricer before adding other ingredients.

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Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing

A hearty, savory stuffing made with gluten-free cornbread, fresh herbs, and sautéed vegetables. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up gravy.

Ingredients

For the cornbread (make a day ahead):

• 1 cup gluten-free cornmeal

• 1 cup gluten-free flour blend

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• ¼ cup olive oil or neutral oil

For the stuffing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1½ cups vegetable broth (gluten-free)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube the cornbread and toast in the oven for 10–15 minutes until lightly crisp.

2. In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, and carrot in olive oil until soft. Add herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. In a large bowl, combine toasted cornbread and veggie mixture. Slowly pour in broth, mixing gently to coat.

4. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden.

Make Ahead

Bake the cornbread up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container.

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Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Maple Glaze

Naturally sweet and beautifully colorful, these roasted carrots are elevated with a maple-thyme glaze for a simple yet elegant side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb rainbow carrots, peeled and trimmed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once, until tender and caramelized.

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Green Beans with Toasted Almonds and Lemon Zest

A crisp, vibrant side dish with a fresh twist, these sautéed green beans are topped with crunchy almonds and lemon zest.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup slivered almonds

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.

2. In a large skillet, toast almonds until golden, then set aside.

3. Heat oil in the same skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add green beans. Cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through.

4. Toss with almonds and lemon zest before serving.

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Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Gravy

Silky, savory, and totally free of flour and dairy, this gravy uses arrowroot or cornstarch for thickening and vegetable broth for depth.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch

• 2 cups gluten-free vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon tamari or coconut aminos

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté onion until golden and soft.

2. Whisk in arrowroot or cornstarch and cook for 1 minute.

3. Slowly whisk in broth, then add tamari and thyme.

4. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened. Blend for a smooth texture, if desired.

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Cranberry-Orange Sauce

Tangy, bright, and naturally gluten-free, this cranberry sauce is a breeze to make and adds a pop of color and flavor to any plate.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

• ½ cup orange juice

• ¼ cup water

• ⅓ cup maple syrup (or to taste)

• Zest of one orange

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and sauce thickens.

3. Let cool and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Harvest Sweet Potato Mash with Pecans

A smooth, naturally sweet mash topped with crunchy toasted pecans. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and pairs well with everything on the plate.

Ingredients

• 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or dairy-free butter

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• Salt to taste

• ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash.

2. Stir in olive oil or butter, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Top with toasted pecans before serving.

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Herbed Quinoa and Roasted Veggie Pilaf

This gluten-free grain dish brings lightness and earthiness to your table with roasted vegetables and fragrant herbs.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free)

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 small red onion, sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

• 1 teaspoon rosemary or thyme

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Toss veggies with olive oil, salt, and herbs. Roast for 20–25 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, cook quinoa in vegetable broth until fluffy.

3. Combine quinoa and roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or room temperature.

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Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Hosting Tips

• Label dishes clearly: This helps guests with dietary needs feel safe and included.

• Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate utensils and cutting boards for gluten-free prep.

• Prep ahead: Many of these dishes can be made the day before and reheated.

• Offer variety: Mix creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory to balance your table.

• Don’t skip the gravy: A great gluten-free gravy ties the whole meal together.

FAQs About Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Sides

Can I use store-bought gluten-free bread for stuffing?
Yes, but be sure it’s certified gluten-free. Toast it before mixing with broth to avoid sogginess.

Is cornbread gluten-free?
Not always. Make sure to use certified gluten-free cornmeal and flour blends when baking from scratch.

How can I thicken gravy without flour?
Arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or even mashed potatoes can thicken gravy without gluten.

What should I avoid for a gluten-free Thanksgiving?
Watch out for canned soups, store-bought dressings, seasoning mixes, and breadcrumbs—many contain hidden gluten.

Are oats safe for gluten-free guests?
Only use oats labeled “certified gluten-free,” as regular oats are often cross-contaminated during processing.

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Final Thoughts

With the right ingredients and a bit of planning, creating a gluten-free Thanksgiving menu is easier than you might think. These flavorful side dishes are so delicious and festive, no one will notice what’s missing—they’ll only ask for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting someone with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or just want to explore allergy-friendly recipes, these gluten-free Thanksgiving sides offer all the comfort and celebration of the holiday season.