This gluten-free make-ahead meal plan will give you easy meal prep ideas for the holiday season, or any time of year. I’ll show you how to make a variety of gluten-free meals and egg dishes that are as delicious as they are nutritious! Better yet, they can be made ahead to save time, and they are easy to reheat and serve – even to a crowd!
This make-ahead meal plan post is sponsored by our friends at Eggland’s Best. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to keep cranking new recipes out of the Cotter kitchen!
Holiday Meal Prep
If you have ever hosted a holiday brunch at your house, you probably know how stressful it can be. I mean, think about this…
How much time do YOU have on Christmas Eve to put together a breakfast for Christmas morning? I have ZERO. ZILCH. NADA. Let’s be honest; I have way too much going on.
- Last minute shopping and wrapping of presents.
- Get ready for afternoon church service.
- Make dessert to take to Holiday Party, Christmas Eve dinner at the in-laws, or wherever you’re going.
My point is, I desperately need a make-ahead meal plan like this one. Without it, I spend majority of the holidays running around the kitchen like a crazy Cotter. Haha.
Thankfully, making meals ahead of time for meal prep or holiday prep can be easy! Even meals with eggs.
Tips for Freezing Casseroles
Okay, this tip is new to me but, oh so cool! Thanks to The Kitchn for their inspo!
- When assembling any make-ahead casserole, line your 9×13 pan with foil, with enough extra foil hanging over to cover the top. Prep the casserole, then freeze it in the pan.
- When the casserole is frozen, wrap the extra flap of foil over the top of the casserole and remove the wrapped meal from the pan. Seal and label it for later use. This way, you don’t need to keep it frozen in the pan!
- When you are ready to reheat the frozen casserole, simply place the foil-wrapped casserole back into a 9×13 pan and reheat in the oven. BAM!
More tips for reheating eggs and egg casseroles can be found in our last freezer meals meal plan. WOOHOO!
Fresh Eggs = Better Quality
So, now I think we should picture Eggland’s eggs wearing little capes. Because after all, they are nutritionally super heros! Haha.
Oh, and they’re STRONG, too! Let’s just agree that some brands of eggs break more easily than others. I can’t be the only one who has opened a carton of ordinary eggs and found a couple of them broken. Am I right?
The hen feed given to Eggland’s hens is SUPER high in minerals and vitamins.
As a result, the shells are stronger, so the eggs won’t break as easily. The fact that the hen feed has no animal fat or by-products is also helpful in this regard.
Other reasons why Eggland’s Best eggs are proven to stay fresher than their competition.
- Eggland’s Best eggs are placed in refrigerated storage within 24 hours of being laid.
- Also, they are packed and sent to stores within seven days after that!
This is way above and beyond the typical practices of the industry. That little “use by” date says a LOT. The industry standards allow for eggs to remain in storage for as many as 21 days before packing.
Gluten-Free Make-Ahead Meal Plan
Our make-ahead meal plan goes beyond a delicious, nutritious breakfast. I’ve got you covered for lunch, dinner, and even dessert!
Everything is easy to make in a slow cooker, instant pot, or get it done quickly with the oven/stove.
Plus, ALL of the meals shown below are FREEZABLE. Yay!
Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes
Tex-Mex Cauliflower Egg Casserole
Full of veggies and flavor, this Tex-Mex Egg & Cauliflower Casserole is ready in minutes and perfect for meal prep! Dairy Free Option.
Paleo Breakfast Egg Wraps
These Paleo breakfast egg wraps are rich in protein with the power of Eggland’s Best organic eggs! It’s a customizable, easy meal prep recipe with just 2 ingredients as the base.
Gluten-Free Breakfast Strata
Make mornings easy (and delicious) with this make-ahead gluten-free breakfast strata with ham or bacon, veggies, and cheese! Dairy-free option.
3 Ingredient Paleo Waffles (Pancake Recipe Option)
This Paleo waffles or pancake recipe is made using 3 real food, clean eating ingredients. A quick blender recipe for a delicious healthy breakfast that’s SO easy, even kids can make them!
Mini Frittata Egg Muffins
Whether you’re in need of new meal prep recipes, looking for easy ways to sneak in extra veggies, or just love egg recipes, these Mini Frittata Egg Muffins are just what you need! Dairy-Free and Vegetarian Options.
Gluten-Free Pancake Bread
This Gluten-Free Pancake Bread is an allergy-friendly quick bread made from your favorite pancake and waffle mix! Great for brunch or breakfast, it’s simple to make with wholesome ingredients. Freezer-friendly and vegan.
Easy Oven Baked Scrambled Eggs
Skip standing over the stove, and make this easy oven baked scrambled eggs recipe with just four ingredients and less than 30 minutes instead!
Make-Ahead Lunch Recipes
Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
Prepare this easy roasted vegan butternut squash soup recipe with a handful of healthy ingredients and minimal steps!
Instant Pot Gumbo (Vegetarian/Vegan)
Inspired by classic New Orleans gumbo, this Instant Pot Gumbo recipe is made with vegetarian ingredients and features fresh veggies, warm spices, and plenty of flavor!
Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup
Everything But the Kitchen Sink Soup is a HEALTHY soup recipe using holiday leftovers. This easy soup recipe has instructions for cooking in an Instant Pot or on a stove top. Gluten free, Dairy free option.
Pumpkin Frittata with Fried Garlic and Herbs
This Pumpkin Paleo Frittata is a delicious, healthy recipe you can make for any meal of the day. Make it with or without your leftover holiday turkey! This paleo frittata recipe is also gluten free, grain free and low carb friendly.
Make-Ahead Dinner Recipes
Gluten-Free Tuna Noodle Casserole
Not your average tuna noodle casserole, this version is gluten-free, dairy-free, budget-friendly, and bakes in minutes for an easy dinner the whole family will enjoy!
Honey Mustard Chicken And Brussels Sprouts
Honey Mustard Chicken with Brussels Sprouts is a delicious one pan wonder meal! Chicken thighs bake up to juicy perfection one the same pan with nutrient-rich Brussels sprouts. Gluten-free, and low-carb.
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Hawaiian Beef
Slow cooked Sweet and Sour Hawaiian Beef {Paleo friendly}
Instant Pot Chicken Potato Soup
Made with hearty vegetables and high in protein, this Instant Pot Chicken Potato Soup is a quick and comforting meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied! Stove Top Option.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
This Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe is made with frozen vegetables, a homemade stir-fry sauce, and riced cauliflower for a savory, nutritious, gluten-free meal that’s quick and easy to make! Dairy-Free.
Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde
Made in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stove top, this Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde is a wholesome, bean-less meal that is super kid-friendly and perfect for meal prep!
African Peanut Stew
This peanut stew is a wholesome dairy-free and gluten-free meal that’s packed with nourishment and warming flavors. It’s delicious over rice and feeds a crowd. Stove Top, Crock Pot, and Instant Pot options!
Freezer Friendly Holiday Desserts
Almond Flour Apple Cake
Spiced Apple Coffee Cake is a delicious gluten-free snack cake made with almond flour, apple cider vinegar, fresh apples, and warm spices! Dairy-free friendly.
Cranberry Sour Cream Almond Cake
Cranberry Sour Cream Almond Cake is a flavorful grain free almond cake that tastes just like favorite sour cream coffee cake, but healthier.
Almond Flour Cookies
These almond flour cookies will become your new favorite treat! This healthy cookie recipe is egg free, grain free and refined sugar free!
Boozy Chocolate Amaretto Cake Bites
Chocolate-Amaretto Cake Bites! A bite size dessert that requires no baking. Grain free and vegan option!
Grocery Shopping List
And because we’re all needing a little extra help this holiday season, I’ve put together a printable grocery list (below or PDF version here). Plus a PDF of all the recipes included in this meal plan —> =HERE!
Wow! So much great info Lindsay! I need to work on more make ahead meals!
Thanks, Mary Ann! Hope this helps get you started.