How to Host a Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Holiday Gathering: Tips and Recipes for an Inclusive Celebration
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and delicious food—but for those with gluten and dairy sensitivities, they can also be a bit of a minefield. Navigating dietary restrictions while still creating a festive atmosphere and a spread everyone will love may seem daunting, but with a little planning, it’s absolutely doable (and feels so good!).
Whether you're hosting a holiday party, a family meal, or a cozy gathering, here’s how to make sure your gluten-free, dairy-free holiday gathering is a success. With some thoughtful adjustments, you can cater to everyone’s needs without sacrificing flavor or holiday spirit.
First things first—something to note—leveraging an online marketplace to help plan and grocery shop can be a game changer when preparing for holiday events and parties. We like to use Thrive Market because it lets you filter groceries by dietary restrictions. (Honestly, game changer.) You can check it out here for a discount using my affiliate link.
Okay, let’s get into it.
How to Host a Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Holiday Gathering: Tips and Recipes for an Inclusive Celebration
1. Know Your Guests' Needs
First and foremost, make sure you understand the specific dietary needs of your guests. Some people may be fully gluten-free and dairy-free, while others might have only one of those restrictions. If you’re unsure, don't hesitate to ask your guests about their preferences or sensitivities in advance. Being clear on what foods are off-limits will help you avoid any potential cross-contamination and ensure that everyone feels included and safe.
2. Create a Menu of Crowd-Pleasing Dishes
The key to a successful gluten-free, dairy-free holiday gathering is creating a menu that works for everyone. Fortunately, many holiday favorites can be easily adapted to be both gluten-free and dairy-free (and some are ALREADY GFDF), so you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Here are some ideas:
Appetizers:
Stuffed Mushrooms: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Add spinach, garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs for extra zest.
Vegetable Platter with Hummus: A colorful platter of raw vegetables paired with a variety of hummus (be sure to check the labels for dairy-free options).
Guacamole and Salsa with Tortilla Chips: A classic, naturally gluten-and dairy-free option. You can even make a homemade salsa if you’re feeling wild!
Deviled Eggs: Honestly, these could just be the main course. Most deviled eggs are mayonnaise based, so you should be good to go. Just double-check the seasonings you use for gluten or milk products. My personal favorite take on a classic: top with crumbled bacon and sriracha. They’re fancy, spicy, and savory!
Main Course:
Herb-Roasted Turkey or Chicken: A simple, flavorful option that’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Just ensure that any stuffing or gravy is free from gluten and dairy, as some store-bought versions may contain hidden culprits.
Stuffing with Gluten-Free Bread: Swap out regular bread for gluten-free bread or use a grain like quinoa, rice, or GF cornbread for a hearty, flavorful stuffing. Use olive oil, ghee, or dairy-free butter for moisture.
Roasted Vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are perfect for roasting and naturally gluten-and dairy-free. Toss with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Side Dishes:
Mashed Potatoes: Traditional mashed potatoes can be made dairy-free with the use of olive oil, coconut/almond milk, or dairy-free butter. Add roasted garlic or chives for extra depth.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper (and BACON) creates a delicious, crispy side dish everyone will enjoy.
Green Bean Casserole: I’m from the Midwest, and let me tell you—if there’s not green bean casserole, it’s not a holiday. Sub gluten free French fried onions and—here’s the kicker—make your own GFDF cream of mushroom soup. (It’s a little work up front but so worth it.)
Cornbread Corn: Yet another Midwest staple I’d be remiss to suggest, we buy GF cornbread mix, dairy free sour cream, and use nondairy butter to make this delicious 9x13 pan of heaven.
Desserts:
Coconut Macaroons: These sweet coconut treats are naturally gluten-and dairy-free, and they’re easy to make.
Flourless Chocolate Cake: A rich, decadent dessert that doesn’t require flour. Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate and a dairy-free butter substitute.
Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing option for dessert, fruit sorbets are typically dairy-free and come in a variety of flavors.
Pumpkin Pie: Listen, everything listed above is great, but if you’re sleeping on gluten-free pie crust, you’re missing out. You CAN have your old favorites—they just crumble a little differently now LOL.
Sourdough Poptarts: These are my current hyper fixation. Using my GLUTEN FREE sourdough starter discard, I’ve been making pop tarts like it’s going out of style. I’ve made brown sugar cinnamon, strawberry, blueberry, and have even went savory with sausage, eggs, vegan cheese, and dairy-free gravy. (Emphasis on GLUTEN FREE sourdough—regular sourdough is not suitable for folks with a wheat allergy or celiac. My starter has been fed with rice flour ONLY.)
3. Double-Check Ingredients for Hidden Dairy or Gluten
When you're shopping for ingredients, be diligent about reading labels—many packaged foods contain hidden dairy or gluten. Look out for ingredients like casein, whey, or milk solids, which indicate the presence of dairy, and check for wheat, barley, or rye if you're trying to avoid gluten.
Some common culprits to watch out for include:
Broth or Stock: Some store-bought broths contain gluten and/or dairy. Look for gluten-free and dairy-free certified brands, or make your own at home. We like to make our own bone broth at home in large batches and freeze it to use for months.
Condiments: Some condiments like soy sauce (which often contains wheat) and salad dressings can contain gluten or dairy. Choose gluten-free alternatives like tamari or make your own dressings from scratch.
Seasonings: My blessed mother-in-law used to really love this Greek seasoning called Cavendar’s, and she put that shit on everything. It tasted great, but I felt awful for months until we figured out what it was. Always check seasonings—especially blends—that might use flour as an anti-caking agent.
4. Avoid Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination can be a real concern when preparing food for people with gluten and dairy sensitivities, so take extra care to keep gluten-free and dairy-free foods separate from those that contain these allergens. Here are a few tips:
Use Separate Utensils and Cutting Boards: Designate specific kitchen tools for preparing gluten- and dairy-free foods. Even a small amount of gluten or dairy can cause discomfort for sensitive guests.
Label Dishes Clearly: If you’re serving a buffet-style meal, use labels or place cards to clearly mark which dishes are gluten-free and dairy-free. This way, everyone knows what they can safely enjoy.
5. Offer Beverages That Everyone Can Enjoy
Don’t forget to think about drinks! While many alcoholic beverages (like wine, beer, and spirits) are naturally gluten-free, beer is typically made from barley, so opt for gluten-free beers or hard ciders if you're serving alcohol. For non-alcoholic beverages, offer sparkling water, herbal teas, and fruit juices. You could even create a fun mocktail for the occasion!
6. Make Sure to Have Something for Everyone
The holidays are about more than just food—they’re about spending time together and creating memories. Make sure your gathering includes foods that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy. If you're having a more formal sit-down dinner, consider serving both a gluten-free and a regular version of dishes where appropriate. For example, offer a dairy-free option for mashed potatoes and a gluten-free option for stuffing, so no one feels left out.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a gluten-free, dairy-free holiday gathering doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing simple, delicious, and inclusive recipes, you can create a celebration where everyone feels welcome and well-fed. A little creativity in the kitchen can go a long way, and with the right planning, you’ll have a holiday feast that’s memorable and enjoyed by all.
Happy holidays, and happy cooking!
Psst—need a grocery list of some GFDF favorites? Check out this blog post.