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If you’re hosting a holiday meal and are cooking up gluten free Thanksgiving sides, you’re in the right place. From cozy casseroles to classic veggies and make-ahead favorites, these recipes are full of flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd with mixed dietary needs or simply want wholesome dishes made from real-food ingredients, these sides will fit perfectly on your holiday table.
In this guide, you’ll find easy, tried-and-true gluten free Thanksgiving side dish recipes using simple ingredients—no odd substitutions required. Many are naturally gluten free, and others use accessible alternatives like almond flour, cassava flour, or gluten-free panko. These sides pair beautifully with turkey, ham, roasted chicken, or any main you’re serving for the holidays.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
More people are navigating food sensitivities, celiac disease, or simply trying to avoid gluten for better digestion (such as myself). Having gluten-free options ensures:
- Guests with sensitivities can enjoy the meal safely
- You avoid hidden gluten in traditional dishes like stuffing or casseroles
- Your holiday table feels inclusive and stress-free
- These dishes often highlight the best seasonal produce—sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, Brussels sprouts, and more.
Best Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Vegan Scalloped Potatoes | Gluten-Free
Gluten-free & vegan scalloped potatoes with thinly sliced potatoes & a creamy vegan cheese sauce so flavorful you won’t even realize it’s the healthy version!
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Creamy Pumpkin Risotto Recipe
If you're looking for a unique, but delicious recipe that screams comfort food this Fall season, it’s this pumpkin risotto! The creamy rice, warm spices, and savory crunch of bacon bits make it the perfect choice for a main dish or a festive side. Whether you’re cooking for your family or for Thanksgiving dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing
This crunchy and flavorful roasted brussels sprouts salad combines cranberries, almonds, and red onions with a sweet and tangy homemade maple balsamic dressing. This savory winter salad is a must-have, 30-minute side dish for any occasion. Serve warm or cold, even the leftovers are amazing! Paleo, vegan, and Whole30.
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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (Paleo, Whole30) + Stove Top Option
These paleo and Whole30 Instant Pot mashed potatoes (with stovetop option) are always a crowd favorite at every gathering, and you’ll be sad that there are no leftovers!
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Balsamic Garlic Roasted Mushrooms (Paleo, Whole30, Keto, AIP, Vegan)
These Balsamic Garlic Roasted Mushrooms are out-of-this-world delicious and flavorful, and they are a perfect side dish to any meal. Make them for the holidays because they cater to so many dietary needs and takes less than 20 minutes to make!
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Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
This Fall Harvest Salad is full of seasonal flavors from hearty veggies, greens, and fruit, then tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious and makes an excellent weeknight dinner or dish for your holiday spread.
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Gluten-Free Air Fryer Biscuits | Dairy Free Option
Warm, flaky biscuits with crispy edges and a soft chewy middle made right in the air fryer. These gluten-free air fryer biscuits have minimal ingredients and cook to perfection in just 20 minutes. Serve as a side dish or bring to a gathering. Dairy free biscuits option included.
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Creamy Pumpkin Risotto Recipe
If you're looking for a unique, but delicious recipe that screams comfort food this Fall season, it’s this pumpkin risotto! The creamy rice, warm spices, and savory crunch of bacon bits make it the perfect choice for a main dish or a festive side. Whether you’re cooking for your family or for Thanksgiving dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.
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Quick & Easy Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe
This comforting keto creamed spinach with bacon has a rich, creamy sauce made from cauliflower! You'll never know that it's way healthier than the traditional version when you taste how amazingly addicting it is! This keto version is a hit with my whole family (even the kids!).
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Savory Scalloped Sweet Potatoes (Dairy-Free & Whole30)
Creamy, garlicky, and crowd-pleasing, this savory take on Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is the perfect side dish for any holiday table. It’s paleo and Whole30-friendly, made without cream or cheese, and topped with crunchy pecans for a textural finish your guests will rave about.
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Keto Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Ranch
Crispy, tender brussels sprouts topped with cruchy bacon and tangy ranch. A restaurant quality side dish made right in your home kitchen. Insanely addicting and flavorful, these low-carb keto brussels sprouts are a super easy holiday side dish that the whole family will love.
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Spinach and Artichoke Baked Gnocchi Casserole (Paleo, Vegan)
Delicious and comforting spinach and artichoke baked gnocchi casserole recipe made with Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi! It's vegan and paleo, and tastes creamy and incredible.
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Whole30 Roasted Root Vegetables (Paleo, AIP, Vegan)
These Whole30 roasted root vegetables always turn out tender, caramelized, and amazing in the oven. They make an incredible side dish for any occasion!
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Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe (Kid-Friendly)
Super easy, hidden veggie mac and cheese for toddlers, kids, and picky eaters. Made with a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s packed with sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and sharp cheddar cheese. You can't taste the veggies at all, and it turns out so creamy and wonderful!
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Paleo Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto (Whole30, Vegan, AIP)
This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto is grain free by using cauliflower rice, but you'll never guess by how comforting and flavorful it tastes! You can cozy up with it as a main dish and it's also a perfect holiday side.
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Moist and Simple Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe
A simple twist on a classic cornbread recipe, this Sweet Potato Cornbread is a tasty addition to your holiday table! Classic homemade cornbread with aromatic spices and sweet potato puree for a fall-forward flavor and a deliciously sweet and savory treat.
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Winter Citrus Salad (Paleo, Vegan, Whole30)
Vibrant and refreshing winter citrus salad with toasted walnuts and pomegranate, drizzled with the most flavorful sesame lime dressing! It's paleo, vegan, and Whole30, and looks gorgeous on your holiday dinner table.
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Instant Pot Cauliflower Risotto (with Mushrooms)
If you are looking for a quick and comforting dish, this Instant Pot cauliflower risotto is so tasty and healthy and takes less than 30 minutes to make! The scent of sautéed mushrooms and garlic will fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma, and that first creamy bite will make you forget you're eating a grain-free version of traditional risotto. This delicious cauliflower risotto is a great way to enjoy comfort food while keeping things healthy!
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Easy Purple Cabbage Slaw with Parmesan Balsamic Dressing
Crunchy, healthy purple cabbage slaw that's loaded with texture, flavor, and colors! It's slightly sweet, tangy, and absolutely delicious with Medjool dates, mandarin oranges, parmesan, and walnuts.
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The Best Moroccan Carrots with Yogurt Sauce
If you’re looking for a veggie side dish that’s as bold in flavor as it is stunning on the table, these Moroccan carrots are here to wow. They’re roasted until caramelized and tender, coated in warm, aromatic Moroccan spices, and served with a creamy, herby yogurt sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner feel special or entertaining guests, this dish is the perfect combination of effortless and impressive.
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Creamy Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup
This creamy, savory, and spiced butternut squash and red pepper soup has simple ingredients, a delicious, roasted flavor (with a kick!), and is made right in your blender! The perfect soup for cozy nights, holidays, and family gatherings.
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Easy Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe – 15 Minutes!
This quick and easy Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is a perfect side dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s loaded with creamy Caesar dressing and the perfect mix of crunchy, crispy, and flavorful textures. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a holiday side, this salad delivers every time!
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Spinach and Artichoke Baked Gnocchi Casserole (Paleo, Vegan)
Delicious and comforting spinach and artichoke baked gnocchi casserole recipe made with Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi! It's vegan and paleo, and tastes creamy and incredible.
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The BEST Air Fryer Butternut Squash
If you love cozy fall sides, this air fryer butternut squash is about to become your go-to! Crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and infused with smoky bacon flavor, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a healthy vegetable recipe that fits right in with your Thanksgiving side dishes or easy weeknight meals.
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Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes (Perfectly Crispy + Fluffy)
Air fryer sweet potatoes are the easiest way to get perfectly crispy skin with a soft and fluffy middle – all in under 40 minutes. This stress-free method makes them a healthy side dish that works for quick weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings alike.
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Creating a delicious spread of gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes doesn’t have to be complicated. With naturally gluten-free ingredients, thoughtful swaps, and a bit of planning, you can build a holiday menu that everyone at the table will love, regardless of dietary needs!
