Your Complete Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Plan: Recipes, Tips & Holiday Favorites

Celiac.com 11/25/2025 – Thanksgiving is one of the most food-centered holidays of the year, and for anyone who needs to avoid gluten, planning ahead is the key to enjoying the celebration safely. This year’s updated gluten-free Thanksgiving guide brings together fresh recipe ideas, trusted holiday favorites, safe product lists, and helpful strategies for hosting or attending a meal in a home that isn’t entirely gluten-free.

Below you’ll find new gluten-free appetizers, side dishes, cocktails, desserts, and essential tips for navigating the big day with confidence. We’ve also included links to many of Celiac.com’s most loved recipes, along with updates to our list of certified gluten-free holiday products.

• Updated gluten-free appetizer ideas
• New gluten-free dessert and baking inspiration
• Classic and new gluten-free side dish options
• Holiday main dish tips, including safe turkey brands
• Guidance for celebrating in a non-gluten-free home
• A large list of GFCO-certified Thanksgiving foods

Seven Steps to a Stress-Free Gluten-Free Thanksgiving

• Step One – Choose a gluten-free turkey
• Step Two – Prepare a fantastic gluten-free stuffing
• Step Three – Serve gluten-free appetizers everyone will enjoy
• Step Four – Make rich, flavorful gluten-free gravy
• Step Five – Add great mashed potatoes and gluten-free sides
• Step Six – Finish with holiday desserts like pumpkin pie
• Step Seven – Offer gluten-free drinks, coffee cocktails and eggnog

Step One – Selecting a Gluten-Free Turkey

Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
Not all turkeys on the market are gluten-free, so checking labels is essential. Some brands use injected flavorings, seasoning packets, or processing agents that contain gluten. Read every label carefully and avoid any turkey that includes gravy packets or seasoning blends unless verified gluten-free.

To make shopping easier, you can review Celiac.com’s guide to gluten-free turkey brands. Even with brands known to be gluten-free, always double-check packaging at the store.

Step Two – Delicious Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipes

Choose from several tried-and-true gluten-free stuffing recipes that bring the flavors of Thanksgiving to your table:

• Brown and Wild Rice Savory Mushroom Stuffing
• Celiac.com’s Best Gluten-Free Holiday Stuffing
• Whole Foods Market Classic Gluten-Free Stuffing
• Food Network Gluten-Free Stuffing

Step Three – Gluten-Free Appetizers to Start the Meal

These easy, elegant appetizers set the tone for a memorable holiday meal:

• Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
• Baked Brie with Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
• Baked Brie with Fig Jam
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears
• Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Step Four – The Best Gluten-Free Gravy

A homemade gluten-free gravy transforms the whole meal. Below is a flavorful recipe that pairs perfectly with turkey and mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound turkey giblets and neck
• 1½ quarts gluten-free chicken stock
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cups water
• 1½ cups pan drippings
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

Simmer giblets, vegetables, water, and stock for three hours. Strain and skim. Toast cornstarch in turkey fat, whisk in stock, tomato paste, and cranberry sauce, and season well.

Step Five – Mashed Potatoes and Gluten-Free Sides

From classic mashed potatoes to bold vegetable dishes, side dishes bring color and comfort to the holiday table. Start by browsing Celiac.com’s gluten-free recipe collection for creative ideas.

Roasted Garlic Chive Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 5 large russet potatoes
• 1 head garlic, roasted
• 1 cup cream
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon chives
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

Roast garlic, boil potatoes, mash together with cream, butter, herbs, and seasonings until smooth and fluffy.

More Gluten-Free Side Dishes

Here are some favorites for brightening your Thanksgiving spread:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pears

Ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts, halved
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Pear slices
• Walnuts
• Balsamic vinegar
• Rosemary

Directions: Roast sprouts, add pears and walnuts, drizzle with balsamic reduction, and toss with rosemary.

Gluten-Free Biscuits

These tender biscuits pair well with any holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• Gluten-free flour blend
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cold butter
• Buttermilk

Directions: Mix dry ingredients, cut in butter, add buttermilk, form dough, cut biscuits, and bake until golden.

More Holiday Sides

Make buttermilk at home or try creative vegetable dishes like cider-baked squash, winter fruit salad, or brown sugar glazed carrots—all naturally gluten-free favorites.

Step Six – Gluten-Free Holiday Desserts

End the meal with a classic holiday pie or one of Celiac.com’s many dessert favorites. You can adapt most of these with King Arthur Gluten-Free Multi-Purpose Flour for excellent results.

Dessert Breads:

• Banana Nut Bread
• Gingerbread
• Holiday Pumpkin Bread

Cookies:

• Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• Molasses Spice Cookies
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pies & Desserts:

• Pumpkin Pie
• Three-Ingredient Pie Crust
• Traditional Apple Pie

Step Seven – Holiday Drinks, Wine, and Gluten-Free Beer

With the FDA and the TTB confirming that distilled spirits are gluten-free unless gluten is added later, holiday cocktails are easier than ever to enjoy.

Try these:

• Hot Gluten-Free Bailey’s Drinks
• Kahlúa Cocktails
• Rum Cocktails

For gluten-free beer ideas, browse our Oktoberfest Beer Guide. And remember, wine is gluten-free.

Planning Tips

Plan your menu early, shop ahead, and prepare dishes in stages. Many Thanksgiving favorites can be made a day or two before the holiday.

Dining in a Non-Gluten-Free Home

Communication is everything. Talk to your host ahead of time about your needs, offer to bring safe dishes, and provide your own serving utensils to prevent cross-contact. Bringing food labels or small table cards can also help keep things organized and safe.

With a little preparation and the right recipes, you can enjoy a safe and delicious gluten-free Thanksgiving celebration.