Top 10 gluten-free Thanksgiving dishes

Eating gluten-free is a common trend currently. Whether for health purposes or medical conditions, many people are eliminating wheat from their diet. This change is not simple, but can be adapted to with some problem-solving and creativity.

During the holidays, however, avoiding gluten can be even more difficult because it is many traditional dishes. Christmas cookies, Thanksgiving turkeys with gravy, Fourth of July hot dogs in buns and St. Patrick Day soda bread all are examples of this.

Family and friends might not know how to accommodate a person with dietary restrictions. According to Huffington Post, a 2013 study found that 30 percent of adults are at least trying to eliminate gluten. Yet, some people continue to be uninformed about what that means and how to prepare a meal without wheat. Energy Times states that simply using gluten-free products is not enough. For example, a cook must be careful not to cross-contaminate food by using the same spoon in the wheat and wheat-free dishes.

Instead of assuming gluten-free food will be present at family functions, many on this diet will bring their own dishes. These recipes can even be shared with others to show that eating without gluten can be possible, healthy and delicious. Here are few Thanksgiving favorites that are adapted to the gluten-free diet. Now everyone can enjoy the holiday food!

[ new page = 10. Bacon, Leek and Mushroom Risotto ]
10. Bacon, Leek and Mushroom Risotto from Iowa Girl Eats

Some people assume that eating without gluten means that one only dines on salads and light foods. However, meals without wheat can still be filling. This side dish has a delicious mixture of bacon, rice, mushrooms, vegetables, parmesan cheese and herbs with a hint of white wine. This will warm up everyone at the table.

[ new page = 9. Cranberry Orange Glazed Green Beans ]
9. Cranberry Orange Glazed Green Beans from Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Want an interesting but healthy side of vegetables? These green beans have a harvest flair with the addition of orange marmalade, dried cranberries and Dijon mustard. Sweetness and tartness are blended wonderfully in this recipe.

[ new page = 8. Quinoa Stuffing ]
8. Quinoa Stuffing from Oh My Nosh!

Stuffing is a dish that many people with gluten intolerance or allergies cannot eat. This quinoa recipe is a great alternative. Vegetables and fruit are mixed with herbs, quinoa and vegetable broth. The result is a dish that even those used to normal stuffing will enjoy.

[ new page = 7. Sweet Potato Soufflé ]
7. Sweet Potato Soufflé at Nestle Very Best Baking

Another Thanksgiving staple is a potato dish. Thankfully, potatoes naturally have no gluten in them. In 50 minutes, this recipe can be easily ready to serve to family and friends. Sweet potatoes taste great with pumpkin pie spice and pecans. Perhaps this side dish is so delicious that it is almost more of a dessert.

[ new page = 6. Fall Harvest Butternut Squash Chicken Salad ]
6. Fall Harvest Butternut Squash Chicken Salad with Maple Dressing from Peanut Butter and Peppers

Instead of boring greens, salads can be full of flavor and nutrition. For example, this chicken salad has ingredients like apples, butternut squash, cranberries and a maple-balsamic dressing. With only a half of an hour needed to prepare, the recipe can be a great source of protein, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables.

[ new page = 5. Smoked Sausage, Kale and Cider Quinoa Skillet ]
5. Smoked Sausage, Kale and Cider Quinoa Skillet from Iowa Girl Eats

The fall harvest might be nearly over, but there is still a bit more time to enjoy apples, pumpkins, squashes, nuts and more. This recipe has a wonderful blend of that autumn taste with smoked sausage, cranberries, apple cider, quinoa, sage and more. Now is the time to be thankful for each season including the departing fall.

[ new page = 4. Mango-Glazed Ham ]
4. Mango-Glazed Ham from Today’s Parent

Sometimes, delicious recipes are surprisingly simple to make. This mango-glazed ham is an example of this. Only four ingredients are needed for this: mango chutney, Dijon mustard, Asian chili sauce and smoked ham. Thankfully, easiness does not equate with deliciousness because this recipe is both scrumptious and simple.

[ new page = 3. Turkey and Gluten Free Gravy ]
3. Paleo Turkey and Gluten Free Gravy by Gutsy by Nature

Gluten can be found in unexpected foods. Who would guess that most gravy has gluten in it? However, this recipe uses a pressure cooker to make gravy that has no wheat in it. Now, more people can enjoy the main Thanksgiving dish.

[ new page = 2. Sweet Potato Wild Rice Stuffing ]
2. Sweet Potato Wild Rice Stuffing from The Pretty Bee

Another great stuffing alternative, this recipe has heartiness with many traditional autumn ingredients. Two types of rice (brown and wild) are mixed with sweet potatoes, onions, mushrooms, spinach and many spices. The result will make even wheat-eaters want more.

[ new page = 1. Sweet Potato Pie with Maple Quinoa Crust ]
1. Sweet Potato Pie with Maple Quinoa Crust from Nosh and Nourish

Missing out on pumpkin pie might be the hardest part of eating gluten-free. This sweet potato pie is a wonderful substitute. Potatoes in a pie might sound odd, but the result is wonderfully sweet with hints of vanilla, coconut and cinnamon. The crust is completely gluten-free and not too difficult to make. Now all can relish a slice of pie.