Our GF Thanksgiving Menu

And other holiday dishes I want to make

This year, I’m attempting to be a little more relaxed with my approach to Thanksgiving. Last year I wanted to control all the food, and ensure absolutely everything served was 100% GF. While the meal was safe and delicious, it was also…A LOT of work :) Now I know what sides my kiddo will truly enjoy, and where to focus my efforts. Also, we aren’t hosting this year, so I will make our dishes ahead of time, and help to make sure the kitchen is a safe environment for the other dishes (but not make every single thing!)

Do not feel bad about only focusing on a few GF dishes, or outsourcing entirely! Thanksgiving is a lot of work, and so is taking care of kids!

The Menu

We’re pretty traditional when it comes to our menu, although I am eager to try two new recipes this year. We’ll have turkey, of course. Last year I followed this really simple recipe (below) from Caroline Chambers, including letting it sit in my fridge a few days, and it was amazing!

Turkey: Cover in salt, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Leave it uncovered in the fridge for 48 hours. Roast on 325F for 15 minutes per pound. It’s done when it’s 160°F when you stick a thermometer in the thigh and breast (it’ll keep cooking once you remove it from the oven to reach the safe 165°F).

Sweet Potatoes: I’m super excited to try this kid-friendly recipe from Serena Wolf, Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. It’s indulgent, appeals to littles, and has incredible flavor. I can’t wait to add this to our table this year.

Stuffing: A traditionally gluten-filled side dish, I stumbled upon Trader Joes boxed GF stuffing mix last year, and after dressing it up a little, found my favorite new Thanksgiving side dish. You can make the GFKC Boxed Stuffing (But Make it Fancy), or make it exactly how the instructions read on the box. Win-win either way!

Pie: I am the pumpkin pie maker in the family. I’ve long used the Ina Garten recipe (without the rum), however this year I’m curious to change it up with a GF graham cracker crust. I am planning to use this Mama Knows Gluten Free recipe, with the Ina Garten pie filling! And of course some fresh whipped cream, which is one of my favorite holiday treats.

GF Biscuits: My husband improves upon this Sugar Spun Run recipe by using 1 cup GF flour, 1 cup rice flour, and one cup of cheddar cheese.

Something Green: If you want to lighten up the fare just a little bit, you could definitely include The GFKC Massaged Kale Salad. My GF kiddo is probably the only kid in the world who loves kale, but maybe yours does too! In the case of a Thanksgiving side, I would omit the beans and starches, and keep it simple with kale, seeds, fruit and cheese.

Things My Kids Will Probably Skip: My husband is king of Brussels sprouts - he sautes them in broth and seasoning, and I’m pretty sure my kids will have zero interest. My family members love canned cranberry (I do not) and my guess is my kids will also skip this one. Lastly, my family makes a corn casserole that is GF but also likely a texture no-no for my littles. If you’re interested in making a similar version, this one again from Mama Knows Gluten Free looks like a hearty GF side dish!

I plan to put my kids in aprons and have them help in the kitchen, set out party crackers, and do some festive arts and crafts to keep busy. They also loved the Macys parade last year, which I am happy to put on for them!

What if your go-to side for Thanksgiving? Any tips for a safe and delicious GF meal? Lmk!