This season, when you’re planning a Thanksgiving party for the office, remember that a holiday meal can be a headache for the gluten-averse. Some of our favorite Thanksgiving dishes are chock-full of gluten, including stuffing, green bean casserole, and, sadly, pumpkin pie. But it’s still easy to create a gluten-free Thanksgiving menu that satisfies all those cravings. Here are eight gluten-free Thanksgiving food ideas to get you started. While the Thanksgiving food ideas below are naturally gluten-free, always notify the caterer about your guests’ food allergies or dietary restrictions.
1. Classic Roasted Turkey
A roasted turkey is a great Thanksgiving tradition that happens to be gluten-free. Just make sure the turkey isn’t stuffed with bread or flavored with additives or spice mixes with a hidden source of gluten. If your guests demand savory stuffing, ask for a gluten-free version or serve it on the side.
2. Tart Cranberry Sauce
There’s no reason for the gluten-free to forgo this holiday favorite. It’s unlikely you’ll find gluten in this classic dish, whether it’s the canned Ocean Spray variety or homemade sauce dotted with whole pieces of cranberry. If you want to bring new Thanksgiving flavors to the table, opt for gluten-free relish alternatives such as spiced dried-fruit chutney.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, mashed potatoes made from scratch and thickened with milk and butter is gluten-free. Just beware of pre-made mashed potatoes that could contain flour. If you’re willing to splurge on a richer gluten-free dish, a classic potato gratin with nutty gruyere cheese makes a special Thanksgiving side.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Buttery sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping are a match made in heaven. And, since many brands of marshmallows are gluten-free, you also won’t have to pass on the warm and toasted crowning glory.
5. Stuffed Acorn Squash
As long as there are no bread crumbs in the stuffing, winter squashes stuffed with delicious treats like dried fruits, melted cheese, and even sausage make a perfect gluten-free Thanksgiving side dish. The dish might even rival the turkey as the main event.
6. Roasted Carrots
The simplicity of this dish, carrots tossed in fresh herbs and roasted until candy-sweet, conceals its deliciousness. And with ingredients like butter, salt, and black pepper, it’s also naturally gluten-free.
7. Rich Butternut Squash Soup
Made from chicken or vegetable stock and blended with sweet onions and celery until silky-smooth, this striking soup shouldn’t contain any gluten. If you’re on a budget, serve this soup to start, to make everyone feel (almost) too full for the turkey, which is better for your wallet.
8. Caramelized Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
While your favorite pumpkin pie contains gluten, you won’t miss it after tasting this custard dessert. Smooth pumpkin puree is stirred into a custard base and baked. A blowtorch creates the glass-like, caramelized topping. This extravagant dessert is sure to create a great last impression at your Thanksgiving party.
We understand that delivering a multi-course feast that’s delicious and piping hot at the table is not going to be easy. With so much work involved in planning a full-blown Thanksgiving meal for your entire workforce, you may need to call in for some backup. At ezCater we’ve got you covered with over 60,000 restaurants nationwide that offer business catering. Many of our partner restaurants can help you to create a gluten-free (or an allergy-free) Thanksgiving menu.
Planning a Thanksgiving meal for the office?