The 20 best gluten free Thanksgiving recipes I know are right here. Everything from mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, and spoon bread to cranberry bread, biscuits, rolls, and Dutch apple pie. No time to waste, so let's get started!
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The best gluten free Thanksgiving recipes
The 20 recipes below are the best gf Thanksgiving recipes I know. These are the classic recipes I plan to make for my family on the Big Day. These are the recipes that my family asks for as soon as November rolls around, just to make sure all is right in the world. And I'd like nothing more than to share them with you.
Gluten free recipes for Thanksgiving breakfast
I know you have a long day of cooking ahead of you, but it's important to start the day right!
Gluten free Thanksgiving dinner essentials
Whether you're making turkey, ham, or something else, these are the must-have Thanksgiving essentials you can't live without — all done gluten free!
Gluten free Thanksgiving sides
Here are a few more gluten free sides for Thanksgiving to satisfy anyone's tastes.
Gluten free Thanksgiving breads
If you haven't had bread in a while, I bring to you several of the best gluten free Thanksgiving sides. I've got traditional breads as well as some more special ones — all gluten free for the big day.
Gluten free thanksgiving dessert recipes
End your gf Thanksgiving meal with a bang: Try one of these irresistible gluten free desserts!
Moist and tender, filled with simple cream cheese, it's a delightful treat that's easy to make.
Tips for putting together the best gluten free thanksgiving menu
Read product labels carefully to find hidden gluten
Gluten can be quite sneaky, so it's important that you carefully read product labels to be sure it isn't hiding in ingredients and foods you'd never suspect.
Don't be afraid to keep things simple(r)
Look, I know that Thanksgiving dinner is one of the biggest and more important meals of the year, so no matter how much you prep and plan, you're going to have a stressful moment or two.
You can minimize your stress by keeping things simple. While you may need everything on your table to be gluten free, that doesn't mean you need to search out gluten free alternatives for every dish.
Remember, there are plenty of naturally gluten free foods that you can fall back on! Need a veggie side dish? Roast your favorites with a bit of olive, salt, and pepper, and that's one side you can cross off your list — without the need to buy any special ingredients or even to follow a recipe.
Check out my FAQs below for a longer list of naturally gluten free Thanksgiving foods that don't require a ton of preparation or a specific recipe.
Prep your gluten free Thanksgiving dishes the night before
There are only so many hours in a day, so steal some time from the previous day to make sure that your gluten free Thanksgiving dinner goes off without a hitch.
For example, many gluten free Thanksgiving dessert items can be prepared the night before. This includes all pies and cakes. You can also prep some of your gluten free Thanksgiving sides in advance by peeling and cutting veggies or making sauces.
Go for a test run before Thanksgiving
I know you'll be eager to please on Thanksgiving, but resist the temptation to try a brand-new recipe for this holiday meal.
I say all the time that if you follow my gluten free recipes exactly as written, you should have no problem — but more elaborate ones may take you longer or several re-reads before you get them right. Thanksgiving should be a time for celebration — not experimentation.
FAQs
Is Thanksgiving turkey gluten free?
Yes, fresh, plain turkeys are completely gluten free.
Where things start to get complicated is when ingredients like broth, spices, and stuffings get added. If you're making turkey this year, the best way to keep yourself, your family, and your guests safe is to buy a plain turkey and add your own fixings.
What Thanksgiving foods are gluten free?
There are tons of gluten free Thanksgiving foods, so even if you're short on time or just cooking for a few gluten free loved ones, it's easy to put together a menu that's safe and tasty. Here are a few examples of classic Thanksgiving foods that are perfectly safe for a gluten free diet:
- Plain turkeys, hams, and roasts with no gluten-containing breading, seasoning or stuffing
- Mashed potatoes made with milk, butter, and salt
- Sweet potatoes, whether baked or mashed
- Other roasted veggies with no gluten-containing sauces or seasoning
- Rice with no gluten-containing sauces or seasoning
- Cranberry sauce
What Thanksgiving foods are not gluten free?
Unfortunately, gluten tends to hide in many other popular Thanksgiving foods, even when they may seem safe.
- Cornbread: Traditional recipes include wheat flour alongside cornmeal
- Gravy: Many are made using wheat flour as a thickener
- Green bean casserole: Many canned mushroom soups contain gluten, and almost all breadcrumbs are made from wheat, except specifically gluten free bread crumbs.
- Pies: Unless they're made with gluten free crusts and fillings, they aren't safe
- Salad dressings and dips: You'll find gluten-containing malt vinegar and soy sauce in many of these, so read labels carefully or make your own gluten free salad dressings.
- Stuffing: It's made of bread, so unless it's specifically labeled gluten free, it's not going to be.
Originally published on the blog in 2016; more recipes, images, and resources added in 2022. Happy Thanksgiving from my gluten free family to yours!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, I’m Nicole. I create gluten free recipes that really work and taste as good as you remember. No more making separate meals when someone is GF, or buying packaged foods that aren’t good enough to justify the price. At Gluten Free on a Shoestring, “good, for gluten free” just isn’t good enough! Come visit my bio!
Jennyjsj says
Just had to let you know….. I just GOT THE NEW COOKBOOK!!!! I’m so excited! It’s like Christmas today at this house, ha ha :)
Jennifer says
I unexpectedly received mine today too. :) (The last email I got said it wouldn’t be here til next Wed.)
I’ve already got Ciabatta dough rising in the icebox but since you say it’s best to let it rise more than 12 hours I think I’ll try the English Muffins. I spent the summer obsessed over them so it’ll make a good post to show the difference between what I came up with using straight gluten-free flour vs a bread flour mixture.
Jennifer says
Nicole, I don’t know what happened there. I thought I’d deleted the 2 larger pics of the ciabatta recipe and replaced them with the cropped one so no one could see the recipe. I don’t know why they’re showing up. Only the front of the book and the cropped ciabatta were showing when I clicked the submit arrow.
Judy Morin says
Power went out at 10:30 am – didn’t restart until 4:30 pm. Did finish the pre-cooking by 7:45, and discovered that my copy of the Book arrived! Actually 2 copies – I thought I had deleted one of the orders so I could place the second order through smilesAmazon. Both arrived. Tried to return to Amazon, but they said “Keep the book AND get the refund”. So I have 2 copies and don’t know what to do with the second. Can you use it for a “give-away”?
Jennifer S. says
After a day of slaving away in the kitchen, I’m finally getting here….though I did peek very early to see what was up. No book for me yet but man the excitement is catchy!!!! Can’t wait to get it on Monday! Happy Turkey Day!!!!
burggirl says
WOOOHOOO I GOT MY BOOK TODAY!!
Donia Robinson says
Nicole, my book has NOT come! And I ordered it in April! But actually, Anneke felt (and I agree) that it is a little stressful for it to arrive Thanksgiving Eve! So thanks for making sure my book didn’t arrive tonight. Then I can truly enjoy it when it comes!! ;)
Randy Goss says
My first attempt at anything GF was your cranberry bread. It was the most amazing thing…ever!! The gobbled up half of it when it came out of the oven!! Thank you so much. Excited about our transition to wheat and Gluten free!! From my family to yours, happy thanksgiving!!
Julia says
Mines on the way!!! Can’t wait!!
Candice says
My book is here!!!! What a nice surprise! It is gorgeous!! So many beautiful photos!! I feel like I’m using too many exclamation marks, but I’m so excited!!!!!!
I just made my first gluten free pumpkin pie. It came out beautifully, thanks to your pie crust recipe. And I pre made the GF green bean casserole. I could eat it plain. I will be in heaven with GF bread crumbs and fried onions on top. It is light years better than canned green beans, canned soup and canned onions. My daughter is so excited to try pumpkin pie tomorrow!
I cannot wait to make her soft hot dog buns. My husband has his eyes on the monkey bread and the baguettes are too beauitiful not to try those too!!
I cannot thank you enough for all of your hard work. You must be so very proud of this book. My whey protein isolate arrived this morning and expandex is on its way. And I have a bunch of better batter coming and am stocked up on flours and starches to blend. So excited!!
Nicole Hunn says
Oh, Candice, your pie looks beautiful! I am so thrilled that you posted a photo. It is perfect!! And I’m so excited for you to get started on the book, and thrilled that you have all of your ingredients either in hand or on their way. The monkey bread would make a fabulous holiday treat. It makes a ton, as you can see! I can’t thank you enough for the kind words, and I’m honored to be represented in some small way at your holiday table. *mwah* Nicole
Anneke says
My book is here! Who cares about turkey when there is bread to be baked? You should be so pleased, Nicole, it looks beautiful! Congratulations to you, and thanks for all your hard work! Time to get baking!
Love, Anneke
Nicole Hunn says
That’s fabulous, Anneke! I can’t wait to hear how you do, and I’m so happy you like the book. It was certainly a labor of love!
xoxo Nicole
Karen says
The book was delivered today! I’m so excited! Thank you, Nicole, for your fabulous recipes. My husband is now inspired to make the kids breakfast every weekend after reading “Gluten Free on a Shoestring.” He’s an excellent baker, thanks to you! :)
Nicole Hunn says
Karen, that’s pretty much the best news for you ever, right? So glad he’s inspired and I hope that means that you get to put your feet up and relax. :)
Karen says
Mostly I sleep in! And if he makes cupcakes for their breakfast sometimes, I’m totally okay with that ;) He has mastered the lemon cupcakes and the boys LOVE THEM.
We now have all three of your books and visit your website often. My husband especially likes your no-nonsense approach. There are certain gf sites he won’t even read because the authors “ramble incessantly”.
And just an FYI, your white sandwich bread behaves very well in my bread machine (set on bake only 60 mins). I make at least one loaf a week and they are perfect every time. Way, way better than store-bought.
Thanks again! You are awesome!
zenja hyde says
I just received your new book! Ahhh! i’m so excited. Thank you! Thank you!Thank you! It’s beautiful. i <3 it. Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge. I'd be lost this first year without you. :)
Nicole Hunn says
I’m so glad you love it, zenja! Thank you so much for letting me know, and don’t worry. I’ll be here forever and ever. I’ve got nowhere else to go. ;)
Cyn71 says
My book came !!!! My 7yr old was even more excited then me! He wanted to get it out of the mail and open it ! I didn’t see the book for a good 15 mins! He and I are the only GF in the house and he adores all your recipes! When I make something new he always asks if it’s one of yours! So excited to use it! Congratulations!
Nicole Hunn says
Thank you so much for letting me know, Cyn! The bit about your 7 year old little gluten free boy nearly did me in. LOVE IT!
Brad G says
Question: If I cut brussels sprouts today, do I need to keep them in acidulated water? Or can I cut them and then put in a plastic bag and leave in the refrig until tomorrow? Thanks!!!
Nicole Hunn says
Hi, Brad,
Brussels sprouts don’t have a tendency to oxidize like, say, avocados, once cut, but they will begin to wilt. I would actually recommend preparing them completely today, letting them cool to room temp, then refrigerating them overnight. Just reheat them in a warm, not hot, oven before you are ready to eat tomorrow. Have a good one!
Brad G says
Ok, thanks so much – based on the recipe I’ll wait till tomorrow. PS Got an email from Amazon that Bakes Bread is on its way! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Kris says
I just got the book!! I’m so excited!!
Nicole Hunn says
That’s awesome, Kris! What do you think??
Kris says
I’m reading every word diligently in the opening chapters and making my amazon order as i go. :-) do you have a suggestion as to which recipe to try first? everything i’ve done of yours has worked out great, so i’m not worried at all!
Nicole Hunn says
Hi, Kris, I was hoping you would ask that question. I so wish I could just sit down with each and every reader and help them pick a first recipe. That would be so much fun! I would say, the closest to instant gratification you’ll get is the English Muffin Bread (but it doesn’t represent the “new” way of doing bread – it is by nature a very wet dough, gluten or gluten free) since it really only has 1 rise. But for a long slow refrigerator rise, I’d go for one of the sandwich breads. My favorite is the lean white sandwich bread, because before that I hadn’t had a lean white gluten free sandwich bread ever. They were always enriched to make them taste good. In that loaf, you really really taste the yeast development. Whatever you choose, I hope you love it! xo Nicole
Kris says
Thanks – it seems like the Expandex is really hard to find. any substitutes?
Nicole Hunn says
Hi, Kris, Please read this post for what you need to get ready to use the new book. The link to Navan Foods will allow you to preorder Expandex, as they are nearly back in stock. It is an essential ingredient.
Mare Masterson says
Amazon charged my account for the book…it is coming…yipee!!!!!
Nicole Hunn says
Hooray!!
Mare Masterson says
My first ever gf apple pie. There is a second one and a chocolate pie too. Next is butterscotch. Thank you Nicole for your crust recipe!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Nicole Hunn says
Looks amazing, Mare!!