Christmas is fast approaching, and for many, the highlight of the season is undoubtedly the Christmas dinner.
However, the festive period can be a tricky time for those with food intolerances, allergies, or specific dietary needs, especially for those who are gluten-free.
Many traditional Christmas treats and dishes are packed with gluten, making it challenging for gluten-free individuals to indulge in the festive feast.
If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t worry! According to experts, there are plenty of delicious gluten-free alternatives to all of your holiday favourites.
Retail expert and founder of Wethrift, Nick Drewe, has shared his top store-bought picks, as well as some alternative recipe suggestions to ensure everyone can indulge this Christmas.
Gluten Free Gravy
We all have different preferences when it comes to Christmas dinner, but one thing we can all agree on is that whatever is on your plate tastes better smothered in gravy.
Sadly, most homemade and store-bought gravies use wheat flour as a thickener. Here’s how to get around this issue:
Homemade: “Use a traditional recipe, but simply replace the wheat flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. This will give your gravy the same rich, thick texture.”
Store-Bought: “The ‘Free From’ sections at Tesco and Asda have gluten-free gravy granules that are perfect substitutes for regular ones.”
Gluten Free Mince pies
While not typically enjoyed as part of Christmas dinner, mince pies are still a festive essential in many households—perfect with a hot drink at the end of the night.
Feel like you’re missing out as a gluten-free eater? Here’s how to enjoy these delicious pies without the gluten:
Homemade: “Use ‘Jus-Rol’s’ gluten-free pastry instead of the usual kind. This offers a very similar taste to a classic mince pie.”
Store-bought: “M&S’s ‘Made Without’ mince pies are just as luxurious and delicious as their gluten-containing counterparts. Asda’s ‘Free From’ mince pies are also a standout option—they even won the ‘Good Housekeeping Christmas Award’ in 2022!”
Gluten Free Stuffing
What Christmas dinner is complete without stuffing? This festive favourite is undeniably delicious but traditionally packed with breadcrumbs, making it a no-go for gluten-free diners.
Thankfully, there are easy ways to work around this:
Homemade: “Asda’s gluten-free breadcrumbs are both accessible and affordable. If you can’t find these, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers instead.”
Store-bought: “PAXO, the beloved stuffing brand, offers a gluten-free sage and onion mix. For a more indulgent option, try Sainsbury’s ‘Free From Apple, Onion, and Herb Stuffing.’”
Gluten Free Yorkshire puddings
No Christmas dinner feels complete without a few Yorkshire puddings. Unfortunately, these are usually made with wheat flour, which is off-limits for gluten-free eaters.
Homemade: “Use a gluten-free flour blend in your usual Yorkshire pudding recipe, and you’ll achieve the same crispy, fluffy texture. A simple mix of gluten-free flour, eggs, and milk does the trick.”
Store-bought: “Aunt Bessie’s gluten-free Yorkshire puddings are a game changer. They’re readily available in most supermarkets and taste just like the real thing.”
Gluten Free Roast potatoes
Roast potatoes might seem safe, but some recipes call for flour to achieve extra crispiness. If not made with care, cross-contamination with gluten can also be a risk.
Homemade: “Skip the flour entirely and instead parboil your potatoes, shake them to roughen the edges, and roast them in hot oil or duck fat. For added crunch, sprinkle a little gluten-free cornmeal.”
Store-bought: “Most pre-made roast potatoes are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the packaging for hidden gluten or cross-contamination warnings.”