It’s time to admit it, when it comes to holiday dinners, the side dishes are really the best part.

A moist piece of turkey is delicious, and we can’t knock a juicy ham, but the true joy in our bellies comes from the tasty side dishes like savory stuffing and creamy green bean casserole.

Unfortunately, a lot of those dishes tend to be forbidden territory for folks on a gluten-free diet.

But fear not! There are loads of mouth-watering gluten-free holiday side dishes to make your dinner as warm and satisfying as your holidays!

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Here are some of our favorite dishes to add to the holiday menu.

• Cauliflower puree

  A great alternative to mashed potatoes is this flavorsome (and much healthier) recipe for cauliflower puree. Not only does it taste very similar to the spud version, but it has way less calories. After all the eating that goes on during the holidays, a healthier side dish is a godsend to your waistline.

  The super easy recipe calls for cauliflower, olive oil, parsley, whole milk (or soy milk for our vegan friends), salt, butter (or margarine), and minced chives. Try it out for your holiday dinner. You won’t be disappointed.

• Brown Sugar Glazed Beets

  Beets tend to be a divisive veggie. Their earthy flavor isn’t for everyone, but with this recipe, beets get a sweet boost that compliments their sometimes off-putting taste. It calls for brown sugar, orange juice, unsalted butter (margarine or Earth Balance is okay to use), salt, fresh ground pepper and steamed beets. You basically just put it all in a skillet. This recipe comes with a few tips and tricks to ensure this side dish is a crowd pleaser. You can even add other root vegetables, like parsnip, to the mix.

• Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts

  Brussel sprouts had a major resurgence in the foodie world. It seems like every cutesy, farm-to-table eatery in the hip part of town has the little green cabbages on their menu. We’re not annoyed. For years brussel sprouts had a bad rap for being unappetizing, but we know how great they can taste.

  This recipe incorporates Veganaise , balsamic vinegar, gluten-free bread crumbs, onion, garlic, sea salt and black pepper. Not only is it savory and creamy, but also vegan and gluten-allergy friendly. It’s slightly more complicated than the other recipes, but not by much. Once you taste it, you’ll know it was worth the effort.

With these gluten-free holiday side dishes, your holiday dinner will be mouth-watering and memorable. There’s no need to feel left out of the yumminess. It’s all here, ready to make your holiday special.

What are your favorite gluten-free side dishes to enjoy during the holidays? Let us know in the comments!