Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes
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If you or somebody you love has decided to ditch gluten, you’re going to have to do your absolute best to make sure this year’s Thanksgiving dinner is a gluten-free one. That may seem like a bummer at first glance – and kind of tricky. After all, your average, run-of-the-mill Turkey Day classics like stuffing, thick gravies, and pumpkin pie are all filled to the brim with gluten.
But don’t stress. There are loads of clever workarounds and 100% gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes that are dripping with holiday flavor and taste.
Let’s start from the top and work our way down. If this is your first gluten-free Thanksgiving, you’ve probably got just one question on your mind -- and luckily, there’s an answer you’re desperately hoping to hear.
Is Thanksgiving Turkey Gluten-free?
Thanksgiving turkey is naturally 100% gluten free, but that doesn’t mean every turkey you see in the supermarket is gluten free.
You have to read the labels really carefully when you’re shopping for your bird, because a lot of big brands pre-baste (or inject their turkeys with brines or solutions during the processing stages) that do contain some form of gluten. You’ll also get pre-made gravy packs that come with Thanksgiving turkeys that include gluten-laden ingredients.
How to Find a Gluten-free Turkey
The best way to find a gluten-free turkey is to make sure you’re reading store labeling top-to-bottom. At the end of the day, you should be able to find a gluten-free turkey in any large supermarket or butcher shop, but do yourself a favor and avoid any bird with words like “enhanced” or “basted” on the packaging as these products will most likely include gluten-based ingredients.
When in doubt, you can ask for help at the meat counter to make sure you’ve picked up a gluten-free bird. As long as you’ve got a fresh, unbasted turkey on your hands, it should be naturally gluten free.
Gluten-free Turkey Recipes
After selecting a gluten-free turkey in the run up to Thanksgiving, you’ll need a couple of fool-proof, gluten-free turkey recipes -- and we’ve got you covered. Our recommendations for gluten-free turkey recipes are:
- Dry Brine Traeger Turkey
- Roasted Citrus-Herb Spatchcock Turkey
- Spatchcocked Maple Brined Turkey
Dry Brine Traeger Turkey
Rub down your turkey with kosher salt and spices, wrap it tightly, and let the dry cure seal in all those juicy flavors over the course of four days. Then cook to perfection on your Traeger.
Prep time: 4 days
Cook time: 6 hours
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Turkey
Pantry Ingredients: Kosher salt, thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley
Smoking wood: Hickory
See Dry Brine Traeger Turkey Recipe
Roasted Citrus-Herb Spatchcock Turkey
Spatchcocking your turkey helps it cook faster and more evenly. A citrus brine and herb butter rub will ensure the meat is incredibly tender.
Prep time: 4-24 hours
Cook time: 3 hours
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 4/5
Main Ingredients: Turkey, onion, celery, carrots, chicken or turkey stock, oranges, lemons
Pantry Ingredients: Bay leaves, thyme, oil, salt, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, butter, garlic, pepper
Smoking wood: Maple
See Roasted Citrus-Herb Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
Spatchcocked Maple Brined Turkey
For a sweet take on Thanksgiving, consider this recipe. You brine the bird in a salt solution enhanced with this terrific trio: maple syrup, brown sugar, and bourbon.
Prep time: 8.5 hours
Cook time: 3 hours
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Turkey, bourbon, maple syrup, oranges
Pantry Ingredients: Kosher salt, onion, bay leaves, black peppercorns, whole cloves, butter, Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub, sage, thyme
Smoking wood: Maple
Gluten-free Gravy Recipes
Many gravy recipes call for gluten-packed flour as a thickener. One easy fix to make these recipes gluten-free is to use cornstarch as a thickener instead. Our recommendation uses the heat of your wood pellet grill to reduce down so everyone at the table can enjoy.
Ultimate Scratch Gravy
A Thanksgiving masterpiece made the old-fashioned way, from poultry bones. Prep is a snap, then you simmer low and slow on your Traeger.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 hours
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 4/5
Main Ingredients: Turkey bones / chicken bones / chicken feet, carrots, onion, garlic, celery
Pantry Ingredients: Bay leaves, black peppercorns, cider vinegar, parsley, thyme
Smoking wood: Pecan
Gluten-free Stuffing Recipes
We all love a pile of stuffing on Thanksgiving, but it is probably one of the most glutinous items on Turkey Day. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out, though. All you need to make it work for you and your guests is gluten-free bread or cornbread to substitute.
For gluten-free stuffing recipes, we suggest:
- Baked Cornbread, Bacon, and Pecan Stuffing
- Classic Sausage Stuffing
- Thanksgiving Sausage Leek Stuffing
Baked Cornbread, Bacon, and Pecan Stuffing
This recipe pairs cornbread with salty bacon, seasonal spices, and toasted pecans to create a rich and flavorful stuffing that’ll disappear from the table in a matter of minutes.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Day-old cornbread (made from gluten-free mix), pork sausage, onions, garlic, celery, low-sodium chicken broth, pecans
Pantry Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, eggs
Smoking wood: Pecan
See Baked Cornbread, Bacon, and Pecan Stuffing Recipe
Classic Sausage Stuffing
A hearty stuffing with classic from-scratch ingredients like celery, pecans, and herbs. To make this gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free bread for the sourdough called for in the recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 70 minutes
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Gluten-free bread, celery, onion, bulk sausage, dried sour cherries, pecans, chicken stock
Pantry Ingredients: Unsalted butter, olive oil, herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage
Smoking wood: Cherry
See Classic Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Thanksgiving Sausage Leek Stuffing
Feeling a little bold? This recipe incorporates leeks, apples, and spicy sausage for a unique sweet/spicy combo rarely found in stuffing. Be sure to use gluten-free bread cubes.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Gluten-free bread cubes, leek, onion, celery, Granny Smith apples, sweet or spicy Italian sausage, chicken stock,
Pantry Ingredients: Butter, parsley, kosher salt, black pepper
Smoking wood: Maple
Gluten-free Side Dishes
There are plenty of gluten-free side dishes worth checking out in order to accompany your turkey and complete your Thanksgiving feast. Here are our top picks:
- Roasted Carrots with Parsley Vinaigrette and Pomegranate Seeds
- Roasted Crispy Potatoes
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower
- Do-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Smoked Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
- Grilled Winter Succotash
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Prosciutto Wrapped Dates with Marcona Almonds
- Roasted Mushrooms with Sherry & Thyme
Roasted Carrots with Parsley Vinaigrette and Pomegranate Seeds
You'll top wood-fired carrots with a bright, crunchy relish studded with ruby-red pomegranate, This zesty side brings variety to a table filled with rich dishes.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 1/5
Main Ingredients: Carrots, garlic, lime, pomegranate seeds, pistachios, mint, flat-leaf Italian parsley
Pantry Ingredients: Kosher salt, fennel seed, sugar, coriander, cumin, extra-virgin olive oil, flake salt
Smoking wood: Cherry
See Roasted Carrots with Parsley Vinaigrette and Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
Roasted Crispy Potatoes
Bake tri-colored potatoes in your Traeger for those amazing autumn hues, then fry them to crispy perfection.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Tri-color marble potatoes, peanut oil, lemon, fleur de sel, red onion, Aleppo pepper
Pantry Ingredients: Kosher salt, black pepper, parsley
Smoking wood: Mesquite
See Roasted Crispy Potatoes Recipe
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
A head of cauliflower lovingly coated with butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese, then slow-roasted in your Traeger. Naturally gluten-free, and an easy meat-free centerpiece for vegetarian guests.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, garlic, parmesan cheese, parsley
Pantry Ingredients: Olive oil, salt, pepper
Smoking wood: Pecan
See Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Do-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Save time on the big day when you prep this recipe a day or two ahead, then smoke with alder flavor on your Traeger for unmatched flavor.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, garlic, parmesan cheese, parsley
Pantry Ingredients: Olive oil, salt, black pepper
Smoking wood: Alder
See Do-Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Smoked Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
A gorgeous, gourmet salad that adds brightness to your Thanksgiving table with fresh mint, oranges, and pomegranate seeds. Roast the veggies, toss, and serve.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Sweet potato, parsnips, shallots, oranges, goat cheese, champagne vinegar, Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, mint
Pantry Ingredients: Olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper
Smoking wood: Hickory
See Smoked Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe
Grilled Winter Succotash
A hearty roasted vegetable dish that both your gluten-free and vegetarian guests will appreciate. After roasting in alder smoke, the veggies are lightly dressed for extra flavor.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Butternut squash, asparagus, bok choy, mixed mushrooms, shallot
Pantry Ingredients: Lime juice, sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, herbs, kosher salt, black pepper
Smoking wood: Alder
See Grilled Winter Succotash Recipe
Roasted Root Vegetables
Craveable root veggies like carrots, beets, and yams are lightly dressed and roasted with hickory smoke. The kiss of hickory enhances the natural flavor of the harvest bounty.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Difficulty Level: 1/5
Main Ingredients: Beets, butternut squash, yam, parsnips, carrot, red onion, garlic, honey
Pantry Ingredients: Thyme, cinnamon stick, olive oil, salt, pepper
Smoking wood: Hickory
See Roasted Root Vegetables Recipe
Prosciutto Wrapped Dates with Marcona Almonds
A fancy-sounding recipe that's no harder to make than an elementary school crafts project. (And it's a lot tastier.) Just pit the dates, wrap them with prosciutto, and sear on your Traeger.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 1/5
Main Ingredients: Medjool dates, prosciutto, Marcona salted almonds, limes
Pantry Ingredients: Extra-virgin olive oil, honey, flake salt
Smoking wood: Oak
See Prosciutto Wrapped Dates with Marcona Almonds Recipe
Roasted Mushrooms with Sherry & Thyme
This rich, retro side might just be the talk of the table. Mushrooms simmer with butter-softened shallots, then with sherry and thyme to make a composed, tender dish. Add heavy cream to make it even more rich.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Difficulty Level: 1/5
Main Ingredients: Assorted mushrooms, shallot, heavy cream, dry sherry
Pantry Ingredients: Unsalted butter, extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, thyme
Smoking wood: Oak
Gluten-free Casseroles
Gluten-free casseroles can be hard to find. Most incorporate some form of bread or flour, either to thicken or to add body. If you prefer these types of casseroles, you could use gluten-free bread to add body, and cornstarch as a thickening agent. But we've got you covered with a couple of tasty ideas.
Our top ideas for gluten-free casseroles are:
- Baked Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots
- Baked Potatoes & Celery Root Au Gratin
Baked Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots
A contemporary riff on grandma’s classic -- but instead of canned fried onions you'll be making freshly fried shallots that ooze smoky goodness. Max flavor, zero gluten.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Serves: 10-12
Difficulty Level: 4/5
Main Ingredients: Green beans, shitake or king trumpet mushrooms, shallot, rice flour, chicken stock, sherry cooking wine, heavy cream, parmigiano reggiano, almonds, shallots
Pantry Ingredients: Kosher salt, olive oil, unsalted butter, canola or vegetable oil
Smoking wood: Pecan
See Baked Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots Recipe
Baked Potatoes & Celery Root Au Gratin
Stacks of smoky, creamy, and cheesy layers of Yukon gold potatoes and celery root make absolute magic on your Traeger.
Gluten-free Thanksgiving Desserts
Every gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner has to end with a selection of sweet, gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts. These sweet bites are our top choices for Thanksgiving desserts:
- Gluten-Free Baked Fruit Crisps
- Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce
- Smoked Chocolate Pudding
Gluten-Free Baked Fruit Crisps
A classic crisp made with apples, pears, and lots of butter. This decadent dessert is baked in your Traeger, fired by cherry wood pellets.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Gluten-free rolled oats, gluten-free flour, almond flour, apples, pears, creme fraiche or whipped cream
Pantry Ingredients: Brown sugar, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, ground nutmeg, unsalted butter, vanilla, raw cane sugar
Smoking wood: Cherry
See Gluten-Free Baked Fruit Crisps Recipe
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce
Moist, dense, and bursting with wood-fired flavor. Add our homemade raspberry sauce, and you’ve got a light and tart finish to a devilishly decadent dessert.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Semi-sweet chocolate, raspberries (fresh or frozen), lemon
Pantry Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray, cocoa powder, unsalted butter, salt, vanilla extract, eggs, granulated cane sugar
Smoking wood: Cherry
See Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce Recipe
Smoked Chocolate Pudding
Creamy, smoky, and topped with sea salt and whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Just 15 minutes of prep, 40 minutes in your Traeger, and you’ll have a line of guests waiting for a slice.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Main Ingredients: Bittersweet chocolate, whole milk, whipped cream
Pantry Ingredients: Sugar, salt, corn starch, cocoa powder, eggs, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, olive oil
Smoking wood: Maple
Thanksgiving Cocktails
Most beers and some wines are not gluten-free. A cocktail may be your best choice for a gluten-free adult beverage on Turkey Day. Most spirits are gluten-free and many cocktail mixers are as well.
Two excellent choices for your Thanksgiving cocktail list are:
- Cran-Apple Tequila Punch with Smoked Oranges
- Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Cran-Apple Tequila Punch with Smoked Oranges
Cranberry and apple juice bring that autumnal blast while smoked, fresh orange juice, tequila, Grand Marnier, and sparkling wine give you a zesty kick.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2-4
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Main Ingredients: Tequila, apple juice, cranberry cocktail, fresh or thawed cranberries, oranges, orange-flavored liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau), sparkling wine.
Other Ingredients: Sugar, lemon juice
Smoking wood: Hickory
See Cran-Apple Tequila Punch with Smoked Oranges Recipe
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
This simple recipe mixes blackberries, thyme leaves, and grilled limes for a wood-fired bourbon drink that’s bright and beautiful.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 8-12
Difficulty Level: 1/5
Main Ingredients: Blackberries, bourbon, limes, soda water
Other Ingredients: Sugar, thyme leaves, Traeger Smoked Simple Syrup
Smoking wood: Apple
See Blackberry Bourbon Smash Recipe
Ready, Set, Smoke!
So, what are you waiting for? You now have all the tools you need to plate up a cornucopia of mouth-watering, smoky, and 100% gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes that will go down in the history books.
And if you’re looking for more options, we’ve got you covered. There are hundreds more Thanksgiving recipes to try, and loads of them contain absolutely zero gluten. Check out our collection of Traeger Thanksgiving recipes, tips, and tricks, fire up your Traeger, and prepare to conquer Turkey Day.
Ultimate Scratch Gravy
by Traeger Kitchen
Prep Time
20 Min
Cook Time
14 Hr
Serves
8
Pellets
Pecan
Be sure to make plenty, because you’ll be smothering your entire Thanksgiving plate with it.
Ingredients
main
| 4 Pound | Turkey bones, chicken bones, chicken feet |
| 2 Tablespoon | olive oil, divided |
| 1 Medium | onion, quartered |
| 2 | celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces |
| 2 Medium | carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| 1 Tablespoon | apple cider vinegar |
| 1 Head | garlic, halved crosswise |
| 2 | Bay leaves |
| 2 Tablespoon | Black peppercorns |
| 1 Bunch | Fresh parsley, leaves and stems |
| 2 Sprig | thyme |
| As Needed | cold water |
1
When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 450˚F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
2
Lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet using 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and spread the bones and chicken feet out evenly.
3
Place the baking sheet on the grill grates. Close the lid and roast for 90 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bones are golden brown.
4
Place the onion, celery, and carrots on a separate rimmed baking sheet and toss with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
5
Place the baking sheet with the vegetables directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and roast alongside the bones for 25 minutes, until lightly caramelized.
6
Remove the roasted bones and vegetables from the grill. Reduce the temperature on the grill to 250˚F.
7
Place the bones and vegetables in a large roasting pan, making sure to scrape up all the browned bits. Add the vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, parsley, and thyme to the pan and fill with enough cold water to cover the contents. Partially cover the roasting pan with a lid or foil.
8
Place the roasting pan directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 6-8 hours, occasionally skimming excess oil off the top.
9
Remove the roasting pan from the grill. Using a large slotted spoon or spider skimmer, gently remove the bones and discard. When all the large pieces have been removed, strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into another large roasting pan.
10
Place the roasting pan directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook an additional 3-4 hours or until reduced and thickened enough to cover the back of a spoon.
11
Remove the gravy from the grill and serve. Enjoy!
