Gluten-Free Holiday Side Dishes
Need some gluten-free inspiration for your holiday feasts?
Have I got some side dishes for you. From Quinoa Mushroom Pilaf to Pomegranate Glazed Green Beans, from Sweet Potato Cornbread to Cranberry Applesauce and more, I've gathered together my favorite gluten-free side dish recipes. One glance at these offerings should convince even the most die hard skeptics that living gluten-free can be more than delicious.
It can be beautiful.
The newly washed ashore New Englanders of lore might have raised an eyebrow to this kicked up non-traditional recipe for acorn squash spiked with mild green chiles. But what did they know? As H.L. Mencken quipped, Puritanism was the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.
If you're looking for a fresh idea to liven up your holiday table, Babycakes, this quinoa recipe is for you. Light, vegan, and packed with protein, this is no ordinary side dish. And did I mention, in a bowl licking maple vinaigrette? Studded with nutty, buttery chick peas and crunchy toasted pecans and succulent jewels of ripe, juicy pears, this quinoa dish is truly company worthy.
My first Thanksgiving side dish way back when, in the old school days, cooking in my twenties, was this simple, easy maple roasted acorn squash. Pure maple syrup makes all the difference. This recipe page also features my family recipe for cornbread stuffing.
This gorgeous quinoa side dish is the go-to recipe if you want to wow your vegan guests. It is drop dead stunning. Colorful. Flavorful. Different. Not your average country squash or T-day stuffing offering. Make it ahead and taste test on the big day to adjust seasonings. Reheat the quinoa and squash in a covered casserole dish till warmed through. (Warning: Your vegetarian guests will fall in love with you.)
In case you were snoozing and missed this cornbread stuffing recipe, I'm including it again, here. Make it as moist or as toasty as you like. Serve it in roasted acorn squash halves, or pile it all into a casserole dish. It's all good. For any holiday gathering.
Add vivid ruby color and a sweet-tart kick to your Thanksgiving plate or Christmas Eve roast dinner, with this gently tangy and sweet applesauce. Very kid-friendly- it doesn't have the texture issue of those pesky whole cranberries.
No doubt about it, people do like their mashed potatoes and gravy, but. You know me. I like to change things up. I crave potato salad year round. Especially this one, featuring sweet potatoes and Yukon golds. The red onion gives the sweet potato a kick in the pants (just say no to mini marshmallows). Serve it warm or chilled.
Cornbread is a classic bread to serve with cozy holiday fare. And this one is special. Not only is it gluten-free, it is made with sweet potato puree, giving it a rich, tender texture that is moist and downright fabulous. They will ask you for the recipe.
This simple green bean side dish cozies up to a lot of Thanksgiving and Christmas flavors. I used Trader Joe's pomegranate glaze as a base for the easy sauce. It's lip smacking good. So ditch the canned Cream of Mushroom Soup and shake things up a bit. These green beans are fresh, tart, and lively, with a tang that wakes up your taste buds.
Gotta have bread. Yeah, it's not technically a side dish, but. Who's keeping score? A slice of this tender zucchini bread makes any holiday plate just that much more special. And you get to show off a little bit. Because folks will ask you, incredulous, This is gluten-free? Really? And you get to say, Yep. Gluten-free, Baby.
Baked mac and cheese. It's a winter holiday tradition, right? This gluten-free macaroni and cheese recipe is based on my pre-celiac go-to cheesy mac favorite with cheddar cheese. I kicked it up with chopped jalapeños and crunchy gluten-free bread crumbs and dressed it up all pretty with halved sweet grape tomatoes.
Feeding a lot of people can feel intimidating. Here's an easy side dish to help get you through. Zucchini and sweet corn and tomatoes co-mingle with green chiles. It's the New Mexico version of succotash. Make it as mild or as spicy as you like.
Traditional cole slaw is heavy with mayo and in truth, a tad old school. Ho-hum. So why not dress it up with a fresh peanut dressing? You don't even have to mention the change to your guests. Just serve it. Their taste buds will thank you. And thanks is what Thanksgiving is all about, right? Not to mention Christmas. And New Year's Eve... and...
Rice is often considered yawn worthy. We celiacs get served rice more than other dish, after all. Next to potatoes. It's safe. It's easy. And it's bland. So why am I including a rice recipe for your holiday menu? Because, Darling Baby, this is not yawn worthy. Or bland. It's full of subtle flavor and texture and goes perfectly with winter squashes and gravies and the ubiquitous roasted bird or ham or broiled salmon... you name it.
