Planning to have a gluten-free crowd at Christmas dinner? You don't have to make two of everything or make sad gluten-free substitutes. With these fifteen recipes, you'll have much more than enough to cover the whole table of delicious cookies, side dishes, main dishes, and showstopper desserts. You have our word; no one will miss gluten.
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1) Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
Soft and buttery, and ready for all the sprinkles your kids can add!
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Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies are almond flour based and hold their shape beautifully for decorating!
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Stir in almond flour, baking soda, and salt until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then roll out between two sheets of parchment.
- Cut into shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just golden.
- Cool completely before decorating with icing.
Notes
Chilling is non-negotiable — warm almond flour dough spreads.
2) Pecan Pie Bars
The grab-and-go square is all about that gooey magic of pecan pie.
Pecan Pie Bars
You can cut these buttery shortbread bars into squares, which are topped with sticky caramel and pecans.
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the cold butter into the gluten-free flour and 0.25 cup brown sugar until crumbly.
- Press into a parchment-lined 9x13 pan and bake at 350F for 18 minutes.
- Whisk the remaining brown sugar, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt together.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and pour over the warm crust.
- Bake 30-35 minutes until the topping is set.
- Cool fully, then lift out and cut into bars.
3) Cranberry Orange Shortbread
These are buttery, citrusy, and include little ruby pops. They melt in your mouth!
Cranberry Orange Shortbread
Cranberry and orange zest shortbread that is gluten-free and super crunchy.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the orange zest, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir in the gluten-free flour and chopped cranberries until a dough forms.
- Roll into a log, wrap, and chill 30 minutes, then slice into rounds.
- Bake at 325F for 12-15 minutes until the edges are pale gold.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring.
4) Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men
The classic Christmas cookie is gluten-free and just as much fun to decorate!
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread cut-outs that have a snap and can stand up to royal icing as well as pack icing and a careful build.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the molasses and egg.
- Whisk the gluten-free flour, ginger, cinnamon, and baking soda together.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a stiff dough forms.
- Chill 1 hour, then roll out and cut into gingerbread men.
- Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes until set at the edges.
- Cool completely, then decorate with royal icing.
Notes
A full hour of chilling keeps the shapes crisp.
5) Flourless Chocolate Cake
It's naturally gluten-free and so rich and fudgy that no one would guess!
Flourless Chocolate Cake
A rich, truffle-like chocolate cake that is flourless, featuring a glistening top and an unbelievably fudgy center.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F and line a springform pan with parchment.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together until smooth, then stir in the sugar.
- Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla and salt.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and fold until glossy and combined.
- Pour into the pan and bake 28-32 minutes until the center is just set.
- Cool completely, then chill at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Chill thoroughly for clean, fudgy slices.
6) Quinoa Stuffing
All the cozy stuffing vibes without bread and without the dryness.
Ingredients
Method
- Saute the onion and celery in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa and toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 15 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and fold in the cranberries, pecans, and sage.
- Season to taste and serve warm.
7) Sweet Potato Casserole
Mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping — everyone wants this dish!
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Sweet Potato Casserole
Casserole of velvety sweet potatoes, with a topping of buttery brown sugar pecan crumble.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F and grease a baking dish.
- Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with 0.25 cup brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
- Combine the pecans, remaining brown sugar, gluten-free flour, and cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake 30-35 minutes until set and the topping is golden.
8) Pumpkin Spice Scones
Perfectly spiced and cozy. This is great with a hot cup of coffee on Christmas morning.
Pumpkin Spice Scones
Gluten-free pumpkin scones that are tender and spicy with warm flavors and a nice maple glaze.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the gluten-free flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and baking powder together.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and egg until a soft dough forms.
- Pat into a circle, cut into 8 wedges, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400F for 18-20 minutes until golden.
- Whisk the powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle over the cooled scones.
9) Eggnog Cheesecake
Silky, boozy-tasting (but safe for kids!) and the true showstopper of your dessert table.
Eggnog Cheesecake
A nutmeg-dusted cheesecake with a gluten-free crust and spiced eggnog cream.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the graham crumbs and melted butter, press into a springform pan, and bake at 325F for 10 minutes.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Blend in the eggnog, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg until silky.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake at 325F for 55-60 minutes until the center is just set.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door cracked.
- Chill at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.
Notes
The overnight chill is what gives it that perfect sliceable texture.
10) Coconut Macaroons
These chewy and golden treats disappear very quickly. Plus, they are naturally gluten-free!
Coconut Macaroons
These macaroons are soft and chewy, with a golden brown edge, and are optionally dunked in chocolate.
Ingredients
Method
- Stir together the coconut, condensed milk, vanilla, and salt.
- Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks and fold them into the coconut mixture.
- Scoop small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 325F for 18-20 minutes until golden on top.
- Cool completely, then dip the bottoms in melted chocolate if desired.
11) Zucchini Lasagna
Layers of cheesy comfort and sauciness with zucchini instead of noodles.
Zucchini Lasagna
A rich gluten free lasagna crafted with zucchini ribbons, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Method
- Salt the zucchini slices and let them drain on paper towels for 15 minutes, then pat dry.
- Mix the ricotta, egg, parmesan, basil, and salt together.
- Spread marinara in a baking dish, then layer zucchini, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara and mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 15 more minutes until bubbly, then rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Drawing out the zucchini water keeps the lasagna from getting soggy.
12) Glazed Ham with Bourbon-Peach Glaze
Booze-Glaze transforms your classic ham into a show-stopper! Sweet, smoky, and a hint of alcohol – what's not to love?
Glazed Ham with Bourbon-Peach Glaze
A spiral ham covered with a bourbon-peach glaze that caramelizes in the oven.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 325F and place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour to warm through.
- Simmer the peach preserves, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon, and vinegar until syrupy.
- Brush half the glaze over the ham and bake uncovered 20 minutes.
- Brush with the remaining glaze and bake 15 more minutes until sticky and caramelized.
- Rest 10 minutes before serving.
13) Spinach Artichoke Dip
An appetizer that disappears before dinner… gooey and warm!
Spinach Artichoke Dip
A cheesy and creamy dip with baked spinach and artichokes that everyone will love and is gluten-free.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375F and grease a baking dish.
- Beat the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and salt until smooth.
- Fold in the spinach, artichokes, mozzarella, and half the parmesan.
- Spread into the dish and top with the remaining parmesan.
- Bake 22-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
Notes
Squeeze the spinach really dry or the dip turns watery.
14) Hazelnut Crusted Salmon
It is an elegant, speedy, and beautiful lighter main for the gluten-free audience.
Hazelnut Crusted Salmon
Salmon fillets are flaky and have a crunchy toasted hazelnuts and Dijon crust.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk the Dijon and honey together and brush over the salmon tops.
- Press the chopped hazelnuts firmly onto each fillet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and the crust is golden.
- Serve right away with lemon wedges.
15) Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Light, fluffy, creamy, and just as cozy as the original!
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Mashed cauliflower with butter, garlic, and parmesan, yields a creamy delicious low carb side.
Ingredients
Method
- Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until very tender, about 12 minutes.
- Drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Add the cauliflower, butter, parmesan, garlic, cream, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down as needed.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm with an extra pat of butter.
Notes
Drying the cauliflower keeps the mash thick instead of soupy.