This is the time of year when everyone goes all out to impress their family and friends with their holiday cooking skills. This can be a challenge for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, as many traditional dishes are off-limits. However, there are some delicious gluten-free meals you can make for your guests that will leave them feeling just as full and satisfied as they would if they had eaten regular wheat-based foods. Here are five of the best gluten-free holiday dishes you could serve at your next gathering:
1. Gluten-Free Holiday Spice Granola
If you’re looking for a healthier option to snack on during the holiday season, look no further than this gluten-free holiday spice granola. This granola is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Use this recipe from Sarah Bakes to make your homemade holiday spice granola. The best part about this granola? It’s vegan and gluten-free! Add festive sprinkles to the top of your batch to make this granola even more festive. When you’re done baking this wholesome snack, your entire house will smell like the holidays.
2. Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad
This colorful, savory, sweet, tangy, smoky, and salty salad doesn’t contain common allergens, but it still packs a ton of flavor. It’s also an easy, healthy dish you can whip up in minutes.
This recipe from One Lovely Life uses shredded kale, Brussels sprouts, diced apple, savory minced onion, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and crispy bacon. The salad is topped with a balsamic herb dressing made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
For a fuller salad, you can try adding some leftover chicken, white beans, avocado, pomegranates, pumpkin seeds, or roasted squash.
3. Gluten-free Crispy Fried Oysters
Oysters are a popular gluten-free food, and frying them is an excellent option for entertaining. You can serve them as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal. You can also make these in your air fryer, which makes them extremely simple to prepare.
The ingredients used in this recipe from Gluten Free Easily include 1 cup gluten-free cornmeal and 1 gluten-free, all-purpose flour mix and baking powder, salt, milk (dairy or non-dairy), raw shucked oysters, and cooking oil. Serve with a salad.
4. Gluten-Free Baked Beans
Have baked beans chilling in your fridge? Use them to make an awesome gluten-free side dish everyone will love. It’s a classic dish that you might remember from your childhood.
This recipe from Mama Gourmand is easy to follow and uses ingredients you might already have. These include beans (navy beans, pinto beans, cannellini, great northern, Lima, or kidney beans), brown sugar, bacon, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. You can also use canned beans from trusted brands that disclose their ingredient list to save time during your meal prep.
5. Gluten-Free Cheese Fondue
Cheese fondue is a classic dish that can be used in many different ways. It’s versatile, so it can work as a gluten-free appetizer, dip, or even part of a cheese buffet. This versatile recipe from My Gluten-Free Kitchen is also non-alcoholic, making it a family-friendly option. The recipe uses Gruyère and sharp cheddar cheese, but others that melt well, like Swiss and Colby Jack, work just as well.
Serve up the fondue with vegetables and fruits like apples, carrots, grapes, celery, and peppers. You can also include gluten-free bread or gluten-free pretzels for dipping.