Here is a Gluten Free Holiday Recipes Meal Plan complete with appetizers, soups, main dishes, sides, desserts, and more for a show stopping holiday meal! Made with simple ingredients, these recipes are nourishing, allergy-friendly, and full of festive flavors. Keep reading to create your perfect holiday menu.
Printable Grocery List Included.
Disclosure: Lindsay Cotter is a certified nutrition specialist, and does not have a medical degree. The information in this post comes from reliable medical resources, but should not be taken as medical advice. We recommend that you consult with your doctor before starting any new eating program or making changes to your diet.
Happy (Gluten Free) Holidays!
Are you cooking a big holiday feast? Maybe you’re bringing a side dish to a party? Or, are you just looking for gluten free holiday recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth? Whether you’re cooking big or small, preparing gluten free meals for the holidays can be hard! Gluten free holiday shopping lists can make the process easier. However, purchasing allergy-friendly ingredients won’t create a meal plan or do the cooking for you. How nice would that be?
Don’t worry, though! You don’t have to spend hours experimenting in the kitchen or searching the internet for recipes that can be adapted to fit your needs. I’ve already done the work for you! That’s right, I’ve gathered a handful of all of my favorite gluten free dairy free holiday recipes, and I’m giving them to you along with a printable meal plan and grocery list! Think of it as an early gift, but you can thank me later. Right now, we’ve got recipes to make.
How to Plan a Gluten Free Holiday Meal
The first steps to creating a gluten free holiday recipes meal plan are to pick out the recipes you plan to make and gather your ingredients. However, to speed up the process there are a few staples I like to keep on hand at all times. From common baking ingredients, to condiments, and more, the foods below can be used to create recipes in a pinch or add flavor to any meal.
Kitchen Staples
Before you get cooking, you’ll want to make sure you have a few gluten-free cooking essentials on hand including:
- Gluten Free Flour
- Gluten Free Pasta
- Gluten Free Bread Crumbs
- Tamari (Gluten Free Soy Sauce)
- Gluten Free Broth
Spices, Sauces, Condiments
Who doesn’t love a little extra seasoning? By keeping store-bought options like Primal Kitchen ketchup, mayo, and more! Or, keep your own ingredients on hand such as Nomato Sauce, Dairy Free Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce, or Spicy Vegan Ranch!
Gluten Free Holiday Recipes
Appetizers
Almond Flour Pumpkin Bread with Rosemary – Give classic dinner rolls an upgrade with pumpkin puree, fresh rosemary sprigs, and almond flour!
Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes – Ready in 20 minutes, steamed artichokes are a unique appetizer full of health benefits and super tasty when paired with aioli.
Easy Cranberry Basil Shrimp Cocktail – A light and refreshing appetizer, this recipe is so much more than your average shrimp cocktail thanks to the inclusion of homemade cranberry basil cocktail sauce!
Soups
Curried Cauliflower Rice Kale Soup – Warm and hearty, this Curried Cauliflower Kale Soup is loaded with veggies for a light appetizer or comforting meal.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup – This Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup is a lightened-up version of classic cream of mushroom soup that is gluten free, dairy free, and vegan!
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup with Apple (Vegan) – This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup is made with fresh produce and warm spices for a crowd-pleasing recipe everyone will love.
Mains
Honey Mustard Chicken with Brussels Sprouts or Cranberry Chicken– This Honey Mustard Chicken with Brussels Sprouts is an incredibly easy 1-pan meal full of vitamins, nutrients, and flavor! Or, serve Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken for a sweet and tangy dish everyone will love.
5-Ingredient Maple Dijon Salmon – This Maple Dijon Salmon is made with just 5-ingredients on 1 pan in just 15 minutes for the easiest holiday dinner ever.
One Pot Bacon Braised Lamb Stew – Made with minimal ingredients and super easy to make, this Braised Lamb Stew is full of veggies for a hearty,filling, crowd-pleasing meal.
Bonus Gluten Free Recipes! Vegan Mains
Vegan Mushroom Meatballs in Pepper Sauce – These baked meatballs are an easy oven-baked option ready in under an hour for a high-protein vegan option!
Gluten-Free Cauliflower Gnocchi – A warm comfort food option, this cauliflower gnocchi can be baked, boiled, or cooked in the air fryer!
Sides
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese – Everyone’s favorite side dish is given an upgrade with the inclusion of baked cauliflower and dairy-free options.
Baked Pears with Vegan Stuffing – These Baked Pears are a unique way to serve holiday stuffing for picture-worthy plates!
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Mustard Sauce (Vegan) – Super quick to make, this Brussels sprouts recipe features a creamy cashew mustard sauce that even veggie-haters love!
Dessert
White Chocolate Peppermint Rum Balls (No Bake, Vegan Option) – A fun and festive dessert, these no-bake Rum balls are made with pure dark and white chocolate, coconut, spiced rum, almonds, and peppermint for a crazy-good treat in minutes!
Mexican Hot Chocolate Sugar Cookies (Vegan Option) – Unlike traditional sugar cookies, this recipe is given some Mexican flair with the use of hot cocoa, cinnamon, cocoa, and a pinch of chile spices!
Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie – Gluten and dairy free, this pumpkin pie is the perfect addition to any holiday meal and is best served with a dollop of coconut whip on top!
Cocktails/Mocktails
Hot Toddy with Spiced Rum – The perfect festive fall or winter drink to soothe the body or to simply enjoy with good company, this Hot Toddy is sweet, spicy, and delicious. There’s an alcohol-free option for the kids, too!
Yuletide Moon Red Cocktails – Made with cherries, spices, and a bit of maple on the rocks, drink recipes don’t get any more festive than these Yuletide Moon Red Cocktails!
Dairy Free Mexican Hot Chocolate – Rich and creamy without any dairy, this Mexican Hot Chocolate takes the classic cozy drink to the next level with a hint of Mexican flair!
Note: Try pairing it with your favorite alcohol such as vodka or tequila for a spiked option.
Bonus Christmas Brunch!
4 Healthy Charcuterie Board Ideas for Brunch – Making brunch? Take a look at these 4 charcuterie board ideas, and set your table with protein-rich eggs, delicious cheeses, sliced meats, nourishing fats, and wholesome gluten free grains. Pick your favorite, or serve them all!
Easy Spiced Hot Fruit Bake – Made with fresh fruit and warm spiced, this fruit bake is a tasty topping for pancakes and waffles or just as delicious served on its own!
Gluten Free Holiday Recipes Meal Plan Grocery List + PRINTABLE
We did the hard work for you and broke these gluten free holiday recipes into a single convenient grocery list to get you in and out of the grocery store in no time! Take a look below to see what you’ll need. Printable PDF HERE!
HOLIDAY MEAL PLANNING PRINTABLE
Need a handy dandy way to organize your meals? We got you covered with this free printable.
And don’t forget to use the Holiday Gluten Free Shopping Guide as you start planning!
If you try any of these recipes and love them, let me know in the comments below. Have happy holidays, y’all!
Cheers,
LC
thank you, another great resource, holidays or really any time, starting with the rum balls!
You’re welcome, Sabrina! Nice!!! The rum balls are the perfect place to start lol!!
Hi Lindsay, do you have a recipe for delicious gluten free butter tarts?
Like a bread pudding? Or coffee cake sort of dish? Butter tart is Canadian eh? 😉
Hi Lindsay,
Thanks for the reply and the smile.
It’s a pastry. Similar to a pecan pie but a miniature version. It’s a holiday treat usually served at Christmas but hard to find in a gluten free option where I live. If you ever get around to testing this out I’d very much appreciate a shout out 🙂 Can I provide anything further to entice you to try creating this tasty treat?
ahh almost like a minced pie! I see. Well, I do have a mini pecan pie version here. 😉 https://www.cottercrunch.com/coffee-pecan-pie-bars-easy-paleo-recipe/