How to Pull off a Flawless Gluten Free Thanksgiving

How to Pull off a Flawless Gluten Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the biggest day of the year for you to showcase your culinary skills. Hopefully, by now you have mastered how to effortlessly get all the food on the table without the mashed potatoes getting cold (if you havent we wont tell). Just when you think this years holiday is going to be the best one yet, you find out the newest addition to the family is gluten free. But dont panic: just because you have to make a few adjustments doesnt mean you will have to sacrifice flavor! Even though we dont have to worry too much about the turkey having gluten (its always a good idea to read the ingredient list for fillers), most of the other side dishes and fixings are another story. This might seem like a daunting adjustment, but switching to a gluten free feast can be quite simple. Any classic Thanksgiving dish can easily be swapped to fit this diet. Below are easy and delicious recipes that are great for this years holiday meal. Keep reading as we dive into each category of a standard Thanksgiving dish to learn just how easy it is to pull off a flawless gluten-free feast!

Appetizers

From start to finish, every aspect of Thanksgiving needs to be perfectly executed. Dont settle for a boring fruit or veggie platter. Wow your guests with a gluten free appetizer thats packed with flavor. For a yummy starter, try making a spinach artichoke dip with everything bagel flax crackers. This delightful combo will definitely be a crowd pleaser! Making gluten free crackers from scratch will take any appetizer to the next level. Find the recipes here! [caption id="attachment_1070482" align="aligncenter" width="535"]16992115755_6d56b3235b_c juliasalbum.com[/caption]

Bread

Every Thanksgiving has some type of carb on the table. Just because it has to be gluten free, doesnt mean it has to be forgotten. Try making homemade gluten free biscuitsor cornbreadto complete the signature side. Is it stuffing or dressing? Either way, Thanksgiving just wouldnt be the same without it. Surprisingly, you can still have your stuffing/dressing, without gluten. For this years recipe, use gluten free store bought bread, or if you really want to take it up a notch, bake it from scratch. Grab the recipe here! [caption id="attachment_1070485" align="aligncenter" width="459"]1354-1_0 wholefoods.com[/caption]

Vegetables

Fresh and seasonal vegetables are the way to go. Make sure you have plenty of healthy and light veggies to go alongside your heartier side dishes. Try doing a green bean casseroleor garlic-herb roasted sweet potatoes. Both these traditional Thanksgiving sides pack plenty of flavor, while staying clear of any gluten. [caption id="attachment_1070467" align="aligncenter" width="682"]img_0987a1-682x1024 hummusapien.com[/caption]

Gravy

This sauce is an absolute staple for any Thanksgiving meal. Normally, gravy is made with flour, but with so many gluten free alternatives on the market, you can still make a delicious gravy that everyone can enjoy. Whether you do turkey gravyor a leek and herb gravy, the possibilities are endless! [caption id="attachment_1070477" align="aligncenter" width="550"]pritikin-thanksgiving-gravy mommayoungathome.com[/caption]

Desserts

Using the words gluten free and desserts in the same sentence just doesnt seem right to some. But surprisingly, almost any dessert can be made gluten free with just a few simple adjustments. Save the best for last and give your family a dessert they will crave year-round! Take advantage of falls seasonal produce by baking with ingredients like apple, pumpkin, and pear. With this fresh produce you have endless options to create a delicious Thanksgiving treat. Best of all, no one will ever be able to tell its gluten free! One of the most memorable experiences of Thanksgiving is the sweet aroma of a fresh apple pie baking in the kitchen. There is nothing more Thanksgiving than that. This year why not try a spin on the standard American pie by doing a gluten free caramel apple crispinstead. [caption id="attachment_1070462" align="aligncenter" width="747"]caramel-apple-crisp-with-easy-caramel-sauce-iowagirleats-11 iowagirleats.com[/caption] For another fall favorite, bake a seasonal pumpkin pie. Use a gluten free pie crust mixas your base, then follow a basic homemade filling recipe from there! No one will notice this simple swap, and you can still give that crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone loves. Dig out your culinary toolbox and wow your friends and family with a meal to remember this holiday season. With just a few simple changes, anyone can make their traditional Thanksgiving meal gluten free. All of your favorite recipes can easily be altered or modified to accommodate guests who might have restrictive diets. Dont worry if you are cooking a gluten free meal for the first time, its fun to embrace the challenge! By adding the recipes from above, youll have yourself a show-stopping Thanksgiving dinner in no time.
Bob's Red Mill
November 15 2016

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