Celebrating the holidays with gluten-free recipes doesn’t have to mean missing out on your favorite festive flavors. Whether you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity or simply choosing lighter meals, these 21 gluten-free holiday recipes make it easy to serve dishes everyone will enjoy. From savory roasts to indulgent desserts, each recipe brings the warmth and comfort of the season — no gluten required.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, buttery, and naturally gluten-free — mashed potatoes are a holiday must. Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with roasted garlic, butter, and a splash of milk. Add salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, use sour cream or vegan butter if you’re dairy-free. This side pairs beautifully with nearly any main dish.
2. Gluten-Free Stuffing
You can still enjoy classic stuffing without gluten. Use your favorite gluten-free bread, toasted and cubed. Sauté onions, celery, and herbs in olive oil, then mix with veggie broth and bake until golden. For a budget-friendly twist, add diced apples or cranberries for sweetness. It’s flavorful, hearty, and just like the traditional version.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Crispy and caramelized, these sprouts steal the show. Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt, then roast until golden. Finish with balsamic glaze for tangy flavor. Add pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. They’re quick, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
4. Gluten-Free Gravy
Skip the flour and make gravy with cornstarch or arrowroot instead. Simmer turkey or vegetable drippings with broth, herbs, and a cornstarch slurry until thickened. The result is smooth, flavorful, and perfect for topping mashed potatoes or roasts.
5. Herb-Crusted Roasted Chicken
If turkey feels too big, try this simple roasted chicken. Coat it with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before roasting. The skin turns crispy while the inside stays juicy. It’s naturally gluten-free and easy to make for smaller gatherings. Serve with roasted veggies for a complete meal.
6. Quinoa Cranberry Salad
This colorful side dish adds brightness to the table. Mix cooked quinoa with dried cranberries, almonds, and chopped kale. Toss in olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It’s light yet satisfying — perfect for balancing rich holiday dishes.
7. Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy sweet potatoes topped with a nutty crust — a classic with a gluten-free twist. Use almond flour for the topping instead of regular flour. Add maple syrup and cinnamon for natural sweetness. It’s comforting and easy to prep ahead of time.
8. Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and crispy onions (store-bought or homemade). Mix with blanched green beans and bake until bubbling. This dish tastes like the traditional version but works for gluten-free guests without compromise.
9. Roasted Root Vegetables
Simple and rustic, roasted roots make a colorful addition to any meal. Combine carrots, parsnips, and beets with olive oil and salt. Roast until caramelized. They’re budget-friendly, easy to scale for any crowd, and naturally gluten-free.
10. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Simmer cranberries with orange juice, zest, and sugar until thick. This homemade version beats canned sauce every time. It’s tangy, vibrant, and stores well for days. Make it a day ahead to save time on cooking day.
11. Gluten-Free Cornbread
Made with cornmeal and gluten-free flour, this cornbread is moist and lightly sweet. Bake in a cast-iron skillet for crispy edges. It’s great with soups, chili, or alongside your holiday mains. Serve warm with honey or dairy-free butter.
12. Butternut Squash Soup
This velvety soup feels indulgent but is incredibly simple. Roast butternut squash, blend with vegetable broth, coconut milk, and spices. The result is smooth and comforting. Garnish with pumpkin seeds or herbs for color.
13. Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
Use gluten-free pasta and make a creamy cheese sauce with cornstarch as the thickener. Bake with a topping of crushed gluten-free crackers for crunch. It’s comfort food that everyone at the table will love — gluten-free or not.
14. Garlic Roasted Cauliflower
This easy side is both healthy and flavorful. Toss cauliflower with garlic, olive oil, and paprika, then roast until golden. Sprinkle with parsley for freshness. It’s simple enough for weeknights but fancy enough for holidays.
15. Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Sweet apples and a crunchy oat topping make this dessert irresistible. Use gluten-free oats and almond flour for the crumble. Add cinnamon for warmth and serve with ice cream or whipped cream. Perfect ending to any meal.
16. Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
These truffles look fancy but take minutes to make. Mix melted chocolate with coconut cream, chill, then roll into balls. Coat with cocoa or crushed candy canes. Store in the fridge — they make great edible gifts too.
17. Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these festive cookies. Cut into shapes and decorate with icing or sprinkles. Kids love helping with this one. The dough keeps well in the fridge, so you can bake ahead of time.
18. Flourless Chocolate Cake
Made with eggs, chocolate, and butter — no flour required. It’s rich, dense, and tastes like a fancy restaurant dessert. Serve with berries or whipped cream for balance. It’s simple, elegant, and always a winner.
19. Gluten-Free Gingerbread
Warm spices make this dessert feel like Christmas. Use a gluten-free flour blend and molasses for that signature flavor. It’s soft, fragrant, and pairs perfectly with a hot drink. Bake extra — it disappears fast!
20. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
Bright and zesty, this cake brings freshness to your dessert table. Use almond flour and cornstarch f20. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
or a light, fluffy texture. Drizzle with lemon glaze once cool. It’s great for brunch or afternoon tea during the holidays.
21. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups
These mini cheesecakes are effortless and mess-free. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, then spoon over a crust made from gluten-free cookies. Chill for a few hours before serving. They’re creamy, festive, and portion-perfect.
Conclusion
These 21 gluten-free holiday recipes prove that festive food can be simple, affordable, and completely satisfying. Each dish brings comfort and celebration without compromising taste or texture. Whether you’re cooking for a full gluten-free crowd or adding a few options to the menu, these recipes make the holidays more inclusive — and every bite more memorable.
Hannah Collins is a passionate home cook and food storyteller who believes every recipe tells a little love story. At TastyWriter, she shares simple, delicious recipes made for real kitchens and busy days — from cozy comfort dishes to creative new favorites. When she’s not cooking, you’ll find her photographing food, testing family recipes, or sipping tea while dreaming up her next tasty idea.
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