The holidays are filled with family, friends, and—let’s be honest—food everywhere. But when you’re gluten-free, navigating the season can feel like walking through a gingerbread house full of traps. From stuffing to sugar cookies, gluten seems to sneak into every corner of the holiday table. Don’t worry—you don’t have to feel left out. With a little planning, creativity, and confidence, you can enjoy the season just as much as anyone else.
Here are some tips and tricks to keep up your sleeve during the holidays:
Bring Your Own Dishes
Always have at least one appetizer, main dish, and dessert that you know are safe (and delicious). Not only does this guarantee you’ll have something to enjoy, but it’s also a great way to show others how tasty gluten-free food can be.
Communicate Ahead of Time
If you’re going to a gathering, let your hosts know about your dietary needs. Most people appreciate the heads-up, and it helps avoid awkward moments at the dinner table.
Stick to Naturally Gluten-Free Foods
Roasted meats, vegetables, fruits, rice dishes, and salads are usually safe bets. You don’t always need a special gluten-free version—sometimes the simplest dishes are already perfect.
Watch Out for Hidden Gluten
Sauces, gravies, casseroles, and dressings are common culprits. Unless you know all the ingredients, it may be best to pass. Don’t feel bad about skipping a dish—your health is more important than being polite to Aunt Linda’s “secret recipe.”
Safe Swaps and Shortcuts
Many traditional holiday recipes can easily be made gluten-free with swaps like GF flour blends or GF stuffing mix. These days, even the big brands are catching on—so you can grab gluten-free rolls, pie crusts, and even biscuit mixes to save time.
Offer to Host
If it makes life easier, bring the party to your place. Hosting allows you to set the menu, control cross-contamination, and show off just how good gluten-free holiday food can be.
Focus on What Really Matters
At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t just about food. They’re about laughter, traditions, cozy evenings, and making memories. When you shift the focus away from what you can’t eat to what you can enjoy, the whole season feels brighter.
✨ Whether you’re enjoying gluten-free stuffing, decorating sugar cookies with the kids, or sneaking a second slice of flourless chocolate cake, remember: the holidays are meant to be celebrated—not survived.
👉 For more festive ideas and over 60 gluten-free comfort food recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas, check out my cookbook Gluten-Free Season’s Eatings. It’s filled with appetizers, main courses, side dishes, baked goods, and sweet treats that make the holidays feel both traditional and worry-free.
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