Counting down the days until Turkey day, holidays like this can make you cringe.  Maybe you get nervous about what you’re going to eat.  Maybe you worry that someone in your family will accidentally contaminate every single dish making you a victim of being glutened (even in your own home!).  Or perhaps you fear getting thrown WAY off the wagon because so much of what’s served at holiday meals like this is what many would describe as “heavy, fattening, and loaded with sugar”.

Though I haven’t yet convinced my family to make the meal 100% gluten-free, my mom has definitely incorporated some incredibly delicious new takes on old favorites that won’t bust your waistline that… wait for it… happen to be gluten-free.

That’s always the trick, right?  You’ve got to please everyone at the table and if no one notices that the dishes are gluten-free, then you’ve really got a winning meal on your hands.  So to help you out on this endeavor, I want to share some recipes that are Gluten Free School and Jen-approved to brighten up your holiday meal that won’t send you off the diet rails in search of a larger belt.

Sounds good?

Sounds good!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Gluten Free Gravy – very few ingredients and perfect for those looking for a tasty, but low starch option

Sweet Potatoes – nix the OJ and brown sugar!  This recipe is a winner through and through.  I don’t add the ginger, macadamia nuts, or shredded coconut, nor do I bake it a second time.

Balsamic-glazed Brussels Sprouts – roasted brussels sprouts are awesome and add some really good quality balsamic just makes everyone happy!

Roasted Pumpkin Salad – I make this every year and every year people want to know the recipe.  Even though you might think the dressing sounds a bit strange, it’s extraordinary over top of this dish.

Sweet Potatoes with Pecans and Goat Cheese – this recipe totally proves that you can say good-bye to the bread and use sweet potato slices in a bruschetta-style appetizer.  Incredibly tasty!

Quinoa Stuffing – why buy expensive GF bread crumbs when you can just whip this up using some quinoa which is way better for you

Pumpkin Pie Custard – a divine dessert that perfectly ends your meal single-serving style! Or you could also make the pumpkin bread…

White bean & Escarole Soup – Italians love escarole… it reminds us of wedding soup.  Such a lovely starter that you could make and freeze any leftovers for a cold winter’s day!

Roasted Carrots – forget all the crazy carrot recipes and go with this simple, 4-ingredient recipe which you can make with lovely carrots from your local grocer or farmer’s market

Green Beans with Shallots & Pancetta – bacon with your green beans?  Yes please!  (Boar’s Head makes a GF pancetta!)

Roasted Beets with Thyme – the perfect mix of sweet and savory!  Incredibly easy and makes great leftovers to top salads with after the festivities are over!

Roasted Asparagus – though totally not in season, I know this is a favorite for some.  This is my all-time favorite asparagus recipe!

Garlicky Cauliflower ‘Mashed Potatoes’ – simple to make over the stovetop and requires 6 ingredients which include salt and pepper.  A way healthier choice than those white starchy potatoes!

Roasted Chestnuts – …over an open fire!  Easy to make, rich and delicious, you can easily add them to dishes, enjoy them as an appetizer or eat them post-holiday

Faux Rice – looking for a starch to go with your meal, but trying to keep the carbs low?  How about cauliflower ‘rice’!

Roasted Pumpkin Soup – so tasty and easy to make before the big holiday!

What are YOU making for the holidays?