Overwhelmed by the thought of the holiday season? All of the hosting, parties, and potlucks.
After a decade of hosting gluten-free Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas parties, I am here to reassure you that it can be done... and done beautifully and simply!
This round up of gluten-free holiday side dishes will leave you and your guests wanting for nothing. Traditional holiday staples are on the list, including those that are usually packed full of gluten, from stuffing to dinner rolls and green bean casserole, you can have it all!
You'll also find flavorful vegetable recipes, colorful salads, and delicious potato side dishes.
You won't miss out on anything this year!
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Classic Holiday Sides
Going gluten-free does not mean having to skip your favorite traditional side dishes. You will love these flavorful twists on must-have holiday side dishes!
Cranberry sauce is naturally gluten-free, but this recipe for Spiced Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce is an easy, festive upgrade to the traditional version. It's full of seasonal flavors and warm spices. I make extra to use leftovers in gluten-free crepes and mini cranberry tarts.
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It doesn't get easier or more flavorful than this Gluten-Free Stuffing. Made with store-bought stuffing mix and dressed up with a few simple ingredients, this rich stuffing practically cooks itself in your slow cooker, saving valuable space in your oven during holiday meals. It's also perfect to take to a Thanksgiving or Christmas potluck!
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It's not unusual for individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity to need to avoid dairy, too. This scrumptious Cinnamon Maple Sweet Potato Casserole caters to both dietary needs and sacrifices none of the flavor. While naturally gluten-free, avoid cross contamination by choosing pecans and oats that are labeled gluten-free for the crunchy topping. I order pecans from nuts.com, specifically from its gluten-free category.
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With the introduction of Gluten-Free Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and gluten-free fried onions in stores everywhere from ALDI to Sprout’s, you can make your aunt’s green bean casserole gluten-free. But, even more amazing is this no-fuss Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole with Crunchy Fried Onions! It will be the easiest side dish you make on Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner!
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Potato Dishes
From mashed to smashed and roasted, these gluten-free savory potato side dishes will disappear at your next holiday dinner party.
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes are super quick, easy, crispy on the outside, and tender. The cousins may fight over who gets the last serving of these immensely flavorful roasted potatoes this Thanksgiving!
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Crispy Roasted Smashed Potatoes with Parmesan and Lemon are no ordinary potato side dish. They are the perfect dressed-up accompaniment to any main course, whether a Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham. These lovely potatoes are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Beautifully seasoned with chopped fresh rosemary, lemon zest and Parmesan cheese.
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Potatoes au Gratin with Pancetta and Leeks are an indulgent side dish that pairs beautifully with any holiday roast. Thinly sliced potatoes, crispy pancetta, sautéed leeks, and an extra layer of perfectly melted cheese take this add a special touch to your celebration!
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Mashed potatoes are typically gluten-free, but these Truffle Mashed Potatoes are sure to be your new favorite version. With just a few simple ingredients you can whip up this incredible side in no time.
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Roasted Vegetables
You'll see a common thread throughout this collection of gluten-free vegetable side dishes, roasting. The process brings out the intensity of flavor of each vegetable, caramelizes them for added sweetness, and developes a crisp texture.
In addition to being an easy, hands-off process while you busy yourself with all of the other holiday dishes, roasting vegetables creates a feel-good aroma and provides seasonal warmth to your celebration.
Roasted Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are the ultimate marriage of sweet and savory. Your kids may even learn to love vegetables when they try this delectable Thanksgiving side dish.
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So beautiful. So easy. So delicious. Roasted Parmesan Delicata Squash has only 3 ingredients! You'll love the simplicity of getting this veggie side on your holiday table.
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Looking for a beautiful way to serve roasted veggies to a crowd? Delicious Whipped Feta with Roasted Vegetables is an elegant, flavor-forward side dish with a unique and elegant presentation. Creamy whipped feta can be prepped up to three days before the big feast, and veggies can be chopped in advance, ready to roast just prior to serving.
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These Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bundles are a tasty, easy, and sophisticated vegetable side dish for any special meal this holiday season. Your guests will love the surprise twist, as there is a little dollop of spreadable cheese (I'm thinking of goat cheese, but choose your favorite!) wrapped in each bundle adding additional flavor with a touch of creaminess.
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Another Brussels sprouts recipe?! I simply could not resist including this hot honey take on a traditional side. These bold Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Crispy, caramelized sprouts tossed in a sweet & spicy glaze with a touch of orange zest.
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Honey Roasted Parsnips and Carrots are coated with a glaze of honey, rosemary and mustard for a tasty and easily prepared holiday side dish. They are visually appealing with warm fall colors, and can be further dressed up with rainbow carrots. Simple, elegant, and delicious.
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Gluten Free Bread & Carbs
This section has you covered with safe gluten-free breads and carb-filled side dishes, normally a gluten mine field at holiday potlucks. These recipes are delicious, satisfying your cravings for the gluten-filled sides of your childhood. Y
Whether your meal isn't complete without a slice of cornbread or you are searching for a delicious gluten-free cornbread recipe to make cornbread stuffing, this is the one! Gluten-free Homemade Cornbread, sweetened with honey, soft and fluffy in the middle with perfectly crispy edges is a must-have holiday side!
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Gluten Free Garlic Knots are next level amazing for gluten-free entertaining. Your guests will never know they are gluten-free. These homemade garlic knots are light & airy on the inside, chewy on the outside, and every bit as perfect as traditional garlic knots.
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Gluten-free baking does not have to be hard. These easy drop biscuits are a simple way to add a delicious side of bread of to your celebration. Enjoy with butter or use for soaking up every last bit of gravy on your plate!
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You're going to love this Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese recipe that’s incredibly easy to whip up in about 20 minutes. Enjoy this traditional holiday potluck dish straight from the stovetop or baked with a crispy gluten-free breadcrumb topping!
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Kale and Butternut Squash Quinoa Stuffing is a healthy addition to otherwise carb-heavy Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Full of veggies and festive color, you’ll love how tasty this beautiful stuffing recipe is. Gluten-Free shopping notes: Look for walnuts and quinoa with a gluten-free claim on the label, to avoid gluten cross-contact. Like pecans, I order walnuts from the gluten-free category at nuts.com. Also, choose vegetable broth that is gluten-free, as not all brands are.
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Add a cozy, rustic touch to your holiday gathering with Gluten-Free Jalapeño Cheddar Honey Cornbread. It is baked in a skillet for a soft, fluffy inside and perfectly crisped outside. Everyone will love the perfect combination of sweet honey and cornmeal, savory cheddar cheese, and just-the-right-amount of spicy jalepeño.
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These Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls have a lovely rise and soft texture. A favorite homemade staple at special meals, these rolls are easy to make with a store-bought flour blend. They are also dairy-free, so your gluten-free and dairy-free guests will feel especially welcome at your holiday table!
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Holiday Salads
While nap-inducing mains and sides make up the majority of traditional holiday dishes, these lovely salads have earned a place at holiday meals and potlucks.
Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate, Kale & Butternut Squash is such a healthy side! Make it in advance to allow the flavors to intensify and lighten your kitchen workload on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.Similar to the warm quinoa stuffing a few recipes above, this cold quinoa salad includes quinoa and vegetable broth. Make sure both are labeled gluten-free to avoid gluten cross contact and gluten-containing ingredients, respectively.
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Surprise your guests with a refreshing Mediterranean Cucumber Salad to balance out the hearty dishes at your next holiday gathering. Crisp cucumber slices in a creamy, Greek yogurt dressing bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors!
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This colorful and festive Sweet Potato Beet Salad is full of flavor and texture! Sweet beets & sweet potatoes, salty Feta cheese, and crunchy walnuts all come together with a honey balsamic dressing.As with the other nut-containing recipes in this round-up, I recommend buying walnuts with gluten-free on the label to avoid cross contact with gluten during packaging.
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This beautiful gluten-free Roasted Baby Carrot & Buckwheat Salad is a real showstopper. Despite the name, buckwheat is a seed, not a grain. The turmeric-infused buckwheat in this recipe is a nutrient-rich addition to your holiday salad. The roasted baby carrots bring a lovely sweetness, while the buckwheat adds a satisfying texture that makes this salad truly stand out.Confirm your vegetable broth and pistachios are gluten-free. Some broths contain gluten-ingredients. While pistachios are naturally gluten-free, nuts can be in cross-contact with gluten ingredients while packaging.
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