Holidays like Thanksgiving can be challenging when you or your guests have celiac disease, food allergies, or intolerances. But they don’t have to be. Below you’ll find a full, tried-and-true allergy-friendly Thanksgiving menu with turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, sides, drinks, and a variety of pies and desserts. These recipes avoid common allergens—gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts—and many are vegan. I tested each recipe myself and regularly serve them to my family during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Use this as a complete plan to host a delicious, safe, and stress-free holiday meal.
If you need something simple for guests to nibble on while you finish the meal, a veggie platter is always a good option. I used to avoid veggie platters because I missed ranch, but I discovered a dairy-free ranch made from only three store-bought ingredients—simple and game-changing.
Crock Pot Herb Turkey Breast with Blender Onion Mushroom Gravy (Allergy-friendly!)
The centerpiece of the meal: a slow-cooked herb turkey breast. Choose a bird that fits your slow cooker and thaw it in the fridge 1–2 days before. Start it in the crock pot at least seven hours before dinner. The gravy is blended for a smooth, flavorful, allergy-friendly finish.
Dairy-free Garlic Parsley Mashed Potatoes (Top 8 free, vegan too!)
Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes are essential. These dairy-free garlic and parsley mashed potatoes are rich in flavor and texture, and they work well alongside the turkey and gravy. Boil the potatoes toward the end of the turkey’s cooking time so everything is ready together.
Asparagus with Bacon and Red Onion Vinaigrette (GF, DF, Egg, Soy, Peanut/Tree nut free, Top 8 Free)
For an elegant vegetable side, try asparagus. If you love bacon and don’t mind a little extra hands-on cooking, this asparagus with bacon and red onion vinaigrette is flavorful and impressive.
Roasted Garlic Balsamic Asparagus (Top 8 Free, Vegan)
If you prefer something simpler, roasted garlic balsamic asparagus is an easy, delicious alternative. Both asparagus recipes are winners—choose the one that fits your schedule and tastes.
Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts with Craisins (GF, DF, Egg, Soy, Peanut/Tree nut Free, Top 8 Free, Vegan)
For a green side with a sweet twist, caramelized Brussels sprouts with craisins and brown sugar convert skeptics into fans. This stovetop dish cooks quickly and leaves your oven free for other dishes.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole (GF, DF, Top 8 Free, Vegan option)
Sweet potato casserole is a family favorite and practically a dessert on the side. This slow-cooker version is effortless—dump ingredients in, mash at the end, and top with marshmallows if desired. Use a second slow cooker if you have one to free up oven space.
Oven Roasted Garlic, Bacon & Brown Sugar Green Beans
If you want green beans with texture and flavor, roast them. A bacon, garlic, and brown sugar glaze transforms them into a grown-up side—no canned, mushy green beans here.
Gluten Free Vegan Green Bean Casserole
If you prefer the classic casserole, this gluten-free, vegan version delivers creamy, comforting flavors with an optional gluten-free topping. A great choice for guests who miss traditional sides.
Apple Bacon Spinach Salad with Sweet Red Onion Vinaigrette (Peanut & Tree nut Free, Top-8-Free)
This salad is a staple for our holidays: crisp apples, crunchy bacon, salty pumpkin seeds, and a sweet pink vinaigrette. Make it ahead, adding apples and dressing just before serving to keep the spinach fresh.
THE Best Top 8 Free Cornbread (GF, Vegan)
A bread option is always welcome. This gluten-free, vegan cornbread is a reliable choice to round out the meal. If you prefer rolls, there are store-bought options and other homemade gluten-free roll recipes to explore.
Cornbread Cake
If you want a thicker, sweeter cornbread—almost cake-like—try this gluten- and dairy-free cornbread cake for a comforting side that feels indulgent.
Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider (Top 8 Free, Vegan)
Make a warm, spiced apple-pear cider in the slow cooker the day before and keep it in pitchers to serve warm or cold. It’s kid-friendly, non-alcoholic, and very seasonal—perfect for welcoming guests.
Gluten & Dairy-free Triple Chocolate Pie (Peanut & Tree nut free; Vegan)
Dessert doesn’t have to be limited by allergies. This no-bake triple chocolate pie satisfies chocolate cravings without common allergens. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for chocolate lovers who need allergy-friendly options.
Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Crumble Pie
This layered pumpkin crumble pie features a gingersnap-style crust, a custardy pumpkin filling, and a crisp crumble topping. It’s vegan and free of top allergens, making it a perfect autumn centerpiece.
Frozen Raspberry Pie (Peanut & Tree nut free; Vegan)
For a cool make-ahead option, this frozen raspberry pie is like raspberry ice cream in a chocolate cookie crust—perfect for warm weather or when you want to skip the oven.
Gluten-free Vegan Apple Tart
If you need a quick, last-minute apple dessert, this simple gluten-free, vegan apple tart uses few ingredients and delivers big apple flavor. Flat and easy to slice, it’s a great alternative to a traditional pie.
Strawberry Chocolate Galette (Peanut & Tree nut free; Top-8-free; Vegan)
If you prefer a rustic crust, this cornmeal-enriched galette has a hearty, scone-like crust folded over a strawberry and chocolate filling. It’s rustic, impressive, and great for guests who appreciate a unique dessert.
Allergy-friendly No Bake Strawberry Jello Pie (Peanut & Tree nut free; Top-8-free)
This no-bake strawberry jello pie has a cinnamon-sugar cookie crust and a light, fluffy strawberry filling. It’s easy to make ahead and a great option when you want a lighter dessert.
Allergy-friendly Peach Pie (Peanut & Tree nut free; Top-8-free)
This peach pie uses a flavor-boosting hack to ensure perfectly sweet filling even when peaches aren’t ideal. A shortbread-style crust and fruity filling make a delightful, allergy-safe dessert.
Gluten-free Vegan Lemon Pie Bars (Gluten, dairy, egg, peanut & Tree nut free)
For a bright, tangy dessert that’s easy to serve, try these lemon pie bars. They skip eggs in the filling and use a dairy-free cream cheese topping to balance the tart lemon flavor—great for those who want bars instead of a pie.
Allergy-friendly Pumpkin Mousse Pie (Peanut & Tree nut free; Vegan)
A Thanksgiving menu isn’t complete without pumpkin. This pumpkin mousse pie is a no-bake, airy alternative to traditional pumpkin pie—flavorful and allergy-friendly.
Poor Man’s Pecan Pie / No Nut Pecan Pie (Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie)
If nut allergies keep you from pecan pie, try this mock pecan pie that swaps oats for nuts. It keeps the sticky caramel filling and flaky crust feel without any nuts—add a chocolate layer on the crust for extra decadence.
No Bake Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake
For cheesecake lovers, this no-bake vegan chocolate cheesecake is rich, creamy, and intensely chocolatey—made without dairy or eggs and easy to adapt to be gluten-free. It has even placed in a pie contest against traditional entries.
Peppermint Pie (Gluten & Dairy Free Option)
Cool, creamy, and minty, this peppermint pie features a chocolate cookie crust and a refreshing filling. The recipe includes versions for guests with gluten and dairy allergies.
Gluten-free Vegan Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you prefer cake over pie, this spiced gluten-free vegan pumpkin cake with dairy-free cream cheese frosting is moist, flavorful, and a great alternative to traditional desserts.
I don’t typically make cranberry sauce, but if you’d like a low-carb option, there are great recipes available from other bloggers to suit specific diets.
You don’t have to make every dish listed—pick the ones that fit your schedule, number of guests, and preferences. Whether you’re hosting or attending, this menu shows you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious, allergy-friendly dishes without sacrificing flavor or tradition.
From my family to yours—Happy Thanksgiving. With gratitude, the Lavins.
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