7 Gluten-Free Comfort Foods to Try This Weekend
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| Gluten-Free Comfort Foods |
When it comes to comfort food, everyone deserves the chance to indulge—even those with dietary restrictions. Gluten-free comfort foods can be just as satisfying, hearty, and delicious as their traditional counterparts. Whether you’re craving a warm dish on a cold evening or a nostalgic treat from your childhood, these gluten-free options will hit the spot.
1. Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
A steaming bowl of creamy mac and cheese is the epitome of comfort food. Luckily, it’s easy to make this dish gluten-free:- What You Need: Gluten-free pasta (made from rice, corn, or chickpeas), shredded cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- How to Make It: Cook the pasta as directed. In a separate pot, melt butter, whisk in gluten-free flour, and gradually add milk to create a roux. Stir in cheese until melted and combine with pasta for a decadent meal.
- Pro Tip: Add crispy gluten-free breadcrumbs on top and bake for a golden crust.
2. Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty dish, featuring layers of seasoned meat and mashed potatoes, is naturally gluten-free with a few adjustments.- What You Need: Ground beef or lamb, onions, carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free), and mashed potatoes.
- How to Make It: Cook the meat and vegetables, then layer them in a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top and bake until golden and bubbling.
- Pro Tip: Sprinkle shredded cheese on the potatoes for extra indulgence.
3. Gluten-Free Fried Chicken
Crispy, juicy fried chicken doesn’t have to be off-limits if you’re gluten-free.- What You Need: Gluten-free flour blend, buttermilk, chicken pieces, and spices.
- How to Make It: Soak the chicken in buttermilk to tenderize. Coat in a seasoned gluten-free flour mixture and fry until golden brown.
- Pro Tip: Use a dedicated fryer or skillet to avoid cross-contamination.
4. Gluten-Free Pizza
Pizza night is always a comforting treat, and gluten-free crust options make it possible to enjoy.- What You Need: Gluten-free pizza crust mix, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- How to Make It: Prepare the crust according to the package instructions, spread on the sauce, and layer with cheese and toppings. Bake until the crust is crisp and the cheese is bubbling.
- Pro Tip: Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings to ensure it’s not soggy.
5. Chicken and Dumplings
This southern classic is perfect for cozy weekends and can easily be made gluten-free.- What You Need: Chicken, gluten-free biscuit mix, chicken broth, and vegetables like celery and carrots.
- How to Make It: Simmer chicken and vegetables in broth. Drop spoonfuls of gluten-free biscuit dough into the pot and cook until fluffy.
- Pro Tip: Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for a flavorful twist.
6. Gluten-Free Lasagna
Layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce create a comforting dish that’s worth every bite.- What You Need: Gluten-free lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and ground beef or turkey.
- How to Make It: Cook the noodles as directed. Layer noodles with meat sauce and cheeses in a baking dish, then bake until bubbly.
- Pro Tip: Use no-boil gluten-free lasagna noodles to save time.
7. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
No comfort food list is complete without dessert. Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are the perfect sweet treat.- What You Need: Gluten-free flour blend, butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and chocolate chips.
- How to Make It: Cream the butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips, scoop onto a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F until golden.
- Pro Tip: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for a chewier texture.
Tips for Making Gluten-Free Comfort Foods
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Gluten-free substitutes like flour blends and pasta can vary in quality. Experiment to find your favorites.
- Double-Check Labels: Ensure all ingredients, including sauces and seasonings, are gluten-free.
- Embrace Leftovers: Many of these dishes taste even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extra.
