Thanksgiving is a period for coming together, spending time together, and enjoying big meals. But for those suffering from gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, Thanksgiving meals are difficult to work with. Fortunately, there are delicious gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes that are readily available today. Whether you have gluten free guests or you yourself are following the gluten free diet, this does not mean that you have to sacrifice flavor while preparing for a gluten free Thanksgiving feast. From traditional accompaniments to the centerpiece of the meal – turkey, this is how to prepare a holiday feast that everyone will love.
1. Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Turkey
The Thanksgiving turkey is, of course, completely gluten-free. A thorough examination of any seasonings, sauces, and stuffing is, however, required to make sure that gluten is not present. Here’s a simple recipe for turkey that is moist and enriched with wonderful flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-15 pounds)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Rinse the turkey and pat it dry. Rub the outside and inside with olive oil or melted butter.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and onion quarters.
- Roast for 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.
2. Gluten-Free Stuffing
Traditional stuffing often contains bread, which is high in gluten. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or substitute with grains like quinoa or wild rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf gluten-free bread, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (gluten-free)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in a skillet until soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the broth and mix until the bread is slightly moistened.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
3. Mashed Potatoes with Gluten-Free Gravy
Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving classic and naturally gluten-free. However, it’s the gravy that requires some tweaking to make it gluten-free. Here’s an easy mashed potatoes and gluten-free gravy recipe.
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- 4 tablespoons butter or dairy-free alternative
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups turkey drippings or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain.
- Mash the potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- For the gravy, combine cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry.
- Heat turkey drippings or broth in a saucepan and gradually whisk in the slurry until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Read More: Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
4. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
This gluten-free take on green bean casserole uses gluten-free fried onions and a homemade sauce instead of the traditional canned cream soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter or dairy-free substitute
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 1 cup milk or dairy-free milk
- ½ cup gluten-free fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes and then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in gluten-free flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper and mix in green beans.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with gluten-free fried onions, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
This sweet potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser with a crunchy pecan topping. It’s naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect addition to a gluten-free Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving essential and naturally gluten-free. Homemade cranberry sauce is easy to make and tastes far fresher than store-bought.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- ¾ cup sugar
Instructions:
- Combine cranberries, orange juice, and sugar in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
- Let cool before serving.
7. Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without bread rolls. Make them gluten-free with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 2 tablespoons butter or dairy-free substitute, melted
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Stir in warm milk and melted butter until dough forms.
- Roll into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
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8. Pumpkin Pie with Gluten-Free Crust
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple, and with a gluten-free crust, everyone can enjoy it.
Ingredients for Crust:
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup cold butter
- ¼ cup cold water
- 1 pinch of salt
Ingredients for Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup milk or dairy-free milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the crust, combine flour, salt, and cold butter until crumbly, then add water to form a dough. Press into a pie pan.
- For the filling, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and milk.
- Pour filling into the crust and bake for 45-50 minutes until set.
Thanksgiving is a time to come together, and a gluten-free menu ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy the feast. These gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes are not only inclusive but packed with the flavours and comfort of traditional holiday dishes.