Deliciously Festive Gluten-Free Sides for the Holidays

The holiday season is here, and with it comes an abundance of delicious food! Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to try something new this year, gluten-free sides are a great way to add variety to your holiday menu. Read on for some of Pop’s holiday favorites and delicious recipes that will make your gluten-free friends and family feel right at home.

Roasted Carrots with Maple Glaze

This sweet and savory roasted carrot dish is easy to make and sure to impress. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. On a large baking sheet, spread 1 ½ pounds of peeled baby carrots in an even layer. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking time. When the carrots are tender and lightly browned, remove them from the oven and drizzle with another tablespoon of maple syrup before serving warm. 

Mashed Cauliflower

Who said mashed potatoes were the only option? This creamy mashed cauliflower recipe is sure to be a hit at your holiday table! Begin by bringing 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium pot over high heat. Add 1 head of cauliflower (cut into florets) and reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered until the cauliflower is fork-tender (about 10 minutes). Drain the cauliflower and place in a food processor along with ¼ cup of butter (melted), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ½ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley. Process until smooth; adjust seasoning if desired before serving warm.

Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic & Lemon

This simple yet flavorful side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant. Add 1 pound of green beans (fresh or frozen) and cook for 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender; season with salt & pepper as desired. Reduce heat to low before adding 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice; stir gently before removing from heat and serving warm.

Whether you’re looking for something quick & easy or something more complex—there’s something here for everyone! From roasted carrots with maple glaze to sautéed green beans with garlic & lemon—these gluten-free holiday sides are sure to please everyone at your next gathering! Don’t wait any longer—grab your ingredients today so you can start whipping up these festive dishes tomorrow! Happy holidays!