Gluten Free Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

Whether you're hosting a gluten-free guest for the first time or cook gluten-free on the regular, you'll find some fresh suggestions for the gluten free Thanksgiving menu in this post!

I've made suggestions for your menu below, with my favorite choices of dishes that include appetizers, mains, sides, and of course, desserts. Mix and match from my lists, or branch out on your own.

Gluten Free Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

When I'm cooking Thanksgiving (most years!), my menu is simple, wholesome, and naturally gluten-free. My holiday table features simply-prepared vegetables, a hearty vegetarian main course dish, and of course, a turkey served with gluten-free gravy and gluten-free stuffing.

It doesn't need to be fancy, but it's always seasonal, fresh, and delicious. Check out the recipes below to jump-start your own gluten-free Thanksgiving planning.

And, if you're in the mood for more on this topic, see my NPR story on the gluten-free (and vegan) holiday table. Other NPR pieces that may be of interest include my article on vegetarian/vegan Thanksgiving and a piece on Thanksgiving on the lighter side. And, my Easy Thanksgiving Sides article, published in the Press Democrat, has some nice vegetable options. It's so easy to incorporate gluten-free and vegetarian dishes that everyone will enjoy.

Appetizers

• Butternut Squash Soup - Creamy and spiked with a little maple syrup, this fall-forward soup is a wonderful way to open your feast.
• Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup - If you love sweet potatoes as much as I do, you will enjoy this creamy, vegan, and gluten-free soup!
• Gluten Free Honey Cornbread Muffins - Perfect to dip into a bowl of soup or just to spread with a bit of butter, honey-sweetened gluten-free cornbread muffins are always welcome/
• Gluten Free Sweet Potato Biscuits - I love mixing a classic biscuit with pureed sweet potatoes for a gluten-free take on a Southern tradition.

Main Dish

• Gluten Free Quiche - Vegetarians and omnivores alike will love this gluten-free quiche that you can pack with whatever seasonal veggies you like.
• Gluten Free Soufflé - A beautiful centerpiece or accompaniment to roast turkey, a gluten-free soufflé always makes an impression.
• Curried Chickpeas with Coconut Milk - Need a vegan and gluten-free option? Ginger-spiked chickpeas are swirled with creamy coconut milk and plenty of spinach.
• Marry Me Chickpeas - Another legume-heavy dish, this is easy to turn vegan if needed. Hearty and wholesome!

Side Dishes

• Roasted Cauliflower - I LOVE roasted cauliflower any time of year, and it's always welcome on the Thanksgiving table for a quick and delicious veggie side.
• Gluten Free Gravy or Vegetarian Gravy - Pick which one suits you best, or make a vegetarian and gluten-free gravy.
• Maple Butternut Squash Puree - This smooth and buttery squash puree has just enough salt to balance its natural sweetness.
• Gluten Free Pumpkin Cornbread - Go all in on pumpkin and mix it into a moist and satisfying gluten-free cornbread!
• Gluten Free Maple Cornbread - Or, make this cozy, maple-syrup sweetened cornbread.
• Gluten Free Cauliflower Cheese Casserole - This recipe can double as a main dish if needed - rich and hearty.

Desserts

Also see my delicious gluten free Thanksgiving desserts roundup!

• Maple Pumpkin Pie - An absolute staple every year at Thanksgiving, maple pumpkin pie can be made with my oat flour pie crust or gluten free all-butter pie crust.
• Oat Flour Pumpkin Cake with Maple Glaze - A nice change from pie, this soft and plush cake is topped with a perfect maple glaze.
• Gluten Free Spiced Pumpkin Blondies - Serve these fall-inspired blondies alongside the pumpkin pie!
• Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Cake - For something a little more special, this gluten and dairy-free pumpkin chocolate cake is so festive!
• Gluten Free Apple Crumble - Thanksgiving doesn't need to be limited to pumpkin desserts! A buttery, warmly spiced apple crumble is always welcome.
• Gluten Free Apple Galette - Fold sliced apples into a tender gluten-free crust for this beautifully rustic dessert.