Let Them Eat Cake (And Stuffing, And More): Gluten-Free & Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

The increasing prevalence of dietary restrictions can make planning your Thanksgiving dinner a nightmare. Keeping track of which guests can and can’t eat gluten, dairy, and meat gets complicated, and that’s before figuring out what you’re going to serve those who have to avoid certain ingredients. While we can’t simplify your diners’ preferences, we’ve got a list of delicious gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes that are sure to delight this Thanksgiving. These aren’t your average alternatives either – they might even tempt those without restrictions! Check them out below.

3 Stupendous Side Dishes:

1. Mushroom Stuffing - Ok, so this isn't technically stuffing because you aren't stuffing it in anything, but it tastes pretty darn close and will satisfy those around your table who have gluten allergies and/or don't eat meat.

Image via Tasty Yummies

Gluten-Free & Vegetarian

2. Corn Bread - If you have a gluten allergy, we've got good new for you: you still can't have a dinner roll (sorry!) but you have can this! Gluten-free corn bread is a great alternative that complements most of what's served at Thanksgiving.

Image via Babble

Gluten-Free & Vegetarian

3. Quinoa & Broccoli Casserole - Sure you could serve a lot of light salads for your vegan and gluten-intolerant guests, but that doesn't exactly scream Thanksgiving. Why not try making this hearty but healthy casserole instead? It's heavy, warm, and filling, just as the pilgrims intended.

Image via the pretty bee

Gluten-Free  & Vegan

3 Marvelous Main Dishes:

1. Meatless Loaf - The thing we love most about this dish is that it's not a pretender. A lot of faux meat dishes attempt the taste and texture of the meat they're imitating, but not this one! Instead, it simply features the flavors associated with Thanksgiving (sage, rosemary, thyme, etc.). It's seasonal and original.

Image via FatFree Vegan

Gluten-Free  & Vegan

2. Sheppard's Pie - Hearty and delicious, what else can we say? This could become a fall staple.

Image via One Ingredient Chef

Gluten-Free & Vegan

3. Mushroom, Chestnut & Cranberry Tart - First of all, how good does this look? It's a little more complex than the other recipes, but the finished product is amazing. This is definitely a crowd-pleaser, whether you do or don't eat meat, dairy, and gluten.

Image via Jamie Oliver

Gluten-Free & Vegan

3 Delightful Desserts:

1. Caramel Apple Pie - It's vegan and it tastes delicious, do you need any other reasons to serve this?

Image via Healthy. Happy. Life.

Vegan

2. Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Bars - Easy to serve and easy to make. The best part? No baking required!

Image via the kitchn

Gluten-Free & Vegan

3. Pumpkin Pie - It might not be as American as apple, but pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. With this recipe everyone can enjoy it, plus the praline and coconut pecan crust sounds divine.

Image via gluten-free goddess

Gluten-Free & Vegan

With Thanksgiving coming up we've got to ask: do you have your menu planned? Will there be several around your table with some sort of dietary restriction? How do you navigate food allergies? Let us know below.