5 Easy Gluten-Free Recipes for the Whole Family

Mohammed Zameer -

Sourcing and preparing gluten-free meals that every member of the family can enjoy is quite challenging. People struggling with celiac disease or gluten intolerance need to avoid consuming wheat, barley, and rye. It is also important to note that children are very fussy eaters. It means everyone in the family wants tasty and nutritious meals. These five gluten-free recipes have no fear of being bland or hard to follow for any of your guests.

1. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders 

Children and adults will love these tender, crispy chicken strips. The gluten-free breadcrumbs coupled with parmesan cheese eggs and spices give them their amazing crunch. Serve them with gluten-free honey mustard sauce for dipping.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup of gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup of grated parmesan 
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 tsp of each: garlic powder, salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Start from preheating your oven to 400°F and cover a baking sheet with a parchment paper.
  2. Set up three bowls: one with breadcrumb mixture, one with beaten eggs, and one empty. 
  3. Dip chicken tenders in eggs, then breadcrumb mixture pressing to adhere. Place on baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.

Pro Tip: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating. Let the oven do the work - no deep frying needed!

2. Veggie-Packed Gluten-Free Pasta Bake

This is a top-notch way to include vegetables in a meal without feeling it. Adding gluten-free brown rice noodles ensures that the food is safe for people who avoid gluten. It can be easily customized with your family’s favorite veggies.

Ingredients: 

  • 12 oz of gluten-free brown rice pasta
  • 1 jar of marinara sauce
  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup of ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups of spinach, roughly chopped  
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp of Italian seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta to the "al dente" condition according to the package. Drain and return to pot.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  3. Add remaining ingredients except 1 cup mozzarella to pasta and stir until well combined. 
  4. Transfer the meal to a prepared baking dish and top with reserved mozzarella.
  5. Bake the gluten-free pasta for 20-25 minutes until hot and cheese is melted.

Make it a meal by serving with a fresh green salad and gluten-free garlic bread.

3. Flourless Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies

These gluten-free chickpea blondies are the perfect sweet treat to satisfy those healthy(ish) dessert cravings. Chickpeas enrich them with moisture, and peanut butter makes them rich. These sugary yummies are filled with protein and fiber without anyone noticing it’s made of chickpeas.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15oz) can of chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup of peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup of maple syrup
  • 2 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp of baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp of baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp of salt
  • 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Instructions: 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and next grease an 8x8 baking pan.
  2. Use a food processor to blend chickpeas, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
  3. Add to the mixture baking powder, baking soda, and salt and pulse to combine. 
  4. Fold in chocolate chips.
  5. Spread batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until the meal is lightly browned on top. 
  6. Allow the chickpea blondies to cool completely before slicing into squares.

For an extra protein boost, use chickpea or lentil-based gluten-free protein powder.

4. Loaded Gluten-Free Nachos  

Savory, crunchy, gooey, spicy – these are a fully loaded gluten-free nacho dream come true. Make it your own with all the nacho toppings you love, and enjoy this as a group snack or side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag of gluten-free tortilla chips
  • 2 cups of Mexican cheese blend or shredded cheddar
  • 1 can of refried beans
  • 1 cup of salsa
  • 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)
  • Sour cream and cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread half the chips in an even layer on a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet.
  2. Top with half the beans, half the cheese, salsa, olives, and jalapeno if using.
  3. Add the remaining chips in an even layer and top with remaining beans and cheese.
  4. Bake the gluten-free nachos for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
  5. Remove from oven and top with avocado, green onions, sour cream, cilantro etc.

Make it a meal by serving with gluten-free Mexican rice and corn on the side.

5. Hearty Gluten-Free Chili 

This chili is perfect for a chilly night and has a thick, rich, gluten-free consistency. Add robustness using your favorite gluten-free beer. Serve the chili topped with shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and corn chips.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of ground beef or turkey    
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp of chili powder
  • 1 tsp of each: cumin, oregano, salt
  • 1 (28oz) can of diced tomatoes 
  • 1 (15oz) can of tomato sauce
  • 1 (15oz) can of kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (12oz) gluten-free beer or beef broth
  • Desired toppings like cheese, sour cream, green onions, chips

Instructions:

  1. Use a Dutch oven or a large pot to make the ground meat over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic. Cook the meal for 2-3 more minutes until fragrant.  
  3. Stir in the oregano, chili powder, salt, and cumin.
  4. Bring in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and beer/broth. 
  5. Bring the yummy chili to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer the dish for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Adjust seasonings as needed and serve warm with desired toppings.

Make the gluten-free chili ahead and let the flavors meld overnight for even better flavor!

Conclusion

These five crowd-pleasing gluten-free recipes are sure to bring a smile to every family member’s face. Whether it’s crispy baked chicken or indulgent chickpea blondies, gluten is not a requirement in these recipes. Save time by considering gluten-free pantry essentials. And don’t be afraid to make substitutions and additions to the meal to suit your family. Enjoy!