5 Best Gluten-Free Recipes That Actually Taste Good

Gluten-free doesn't have to mean tasteless! These 5 recipes are delicious and satisfying, even without gluten. Enjoy flavorful meals without sacrificing taste or texture.

Introduction to Gluten Free Cooking and Delicious Gluten Free Options

So, you're going gluten-free? Maybe you've got celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or you're just curious about the diet. Whatever the reason, you might be thinking, "Gluten-free food...is that going to taste like cardboard?" Fear not! Gone are the days of dry, crumbly gluten-free bread being the only option. We're diving into 5 gluten-free recipes that are seriously delicious and will make you forget all about gluten.

Why Go Gluten Free and the Benefits of Gluten Free Diet

Before we jump into the recipes, let's quickly touch on why people choose to go gluten-free. For individuals with celiac disease, avoiding gluten is essential for their health. Gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. Others may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, experiencing symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and headaches after consuming gluten. Some people simply feel better overall when they cut gluten out of their diet. Whatever your reason, these recipes are here to prove that gluten-free can be incredibly tasty!

Recipe 1 Gluten Free Pizza with a Crispy Crust The Best Gluten Free Pizza Crust

Pizza night doesn't have to be a thing of the past! A good gluten-free pizza crust is key, and this recipe delivers. We're not talking about those flimsy, cracker-like crusts. This one is crispy, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold all your favorite toppings.

Ingredients for the Gluten Free Pizza Crust

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions on How to Make Gluten Free Pizza Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes. The dough will be sticky.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled.
6. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
7. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half into a 12-inch circle.
8. Transfer the crusts to a baking sheet.
9. Top with your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Recommended Gluten Free Pizza Products and Accessories

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour is a popular and reliable choice. A 25-pound bag costs around $40 and can be found at most grocery stores or online. Using it ensures a consistent texture and good rise.
• Pizza Stone: Using a pizza stone helps to create a crispier crust. A good pizza stone, like the ones from Lodge (around $40-$60), distributes heat evenly.
• Pizza Cutter: A rocking pizza cutter makes slicing through pizza, especially gluten-free crusts, much easier. Check out the ones from OXO (around $15).

Comparison of Gluten Free Pizza Crust Options

There are many store-bought gluten-free pizza crusts available. However, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor. Store-bought options, like those from Schar or BFree, are convenient (around $6-$8 per crust) but can be pricey and sometimes lack flavor. Making your own crust using the recipe above is more cost-effective and results in a superior taste and texture.

Recipe 2 Creamy Gluten Free Mac and Cheese The Ultimate Gluten Free Comfort Food

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and it doesn't have to be off-limits when you're gluten-free! The secret is using a good gluten-free pasta and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is so good, even gluten-eaters will be begging for seconds.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Mac and Cheese

• 1 pound gluten-free elbow macaroni
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• 3 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions on How to Make Gluten Free Mac and Cheese

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour until smooth.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
5. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
10. Serve immediately.

Recommended Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Products and Accessories

• Gluten-Free Elbow Macaroni: Barilla Gluten Free Elbows are a great option. They hold their shape well and have a similar texture to traditional pasta. A pack of 8 boxes costs around $20 online.
• Cheddar Cheese: Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar is a flavorful choice. A 2-pound block costs around $15 and can be found at most grocery stores.
• Large Saucepan: A good quality saucepan, like the ones from All-Clad (around $150-$200), ensures even heating and prevents scorching.

Comparison of Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Options

Boxed gluten-free mac and cheese mixes are convenient, but often lack flavor and can be expensive. Making your own from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the cheese blend. Kraft Gluten-Free Macaroni & Cheese Dinner is a popular boxed option (around $3-$4 per box), but the homemade version is much tastier and more satisfying. For a vegan option, consider using a vegan cheese sauce and gluten-free pasta.

Recipe 3 Decadent Gluten Free Chocolate Cake The Best Gluten Free Dessert

Who says gluten-free desserts can't be amazing? This chocolate cake is rich, moist, and incredibly decadent. It's perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a chocolate craving.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups boiling water

Instructions on How to Make Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the sugar, oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the boiling water, beating until smooth. The batter will be thin.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before frosting.

Recommended Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Products and Accessories

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour is a reliable option for baking. A 3-pound bag costs around $15 and can be found at most grocery stores.
• Cocoa Powder: Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder is a high-quality choice. An 8-ounce can costs around $8.
• 9x13 Inch Baking Pan: A good quality baking pan, like the ones from Wilton (around $15-$20), ensures even baking.

Comparison of Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Options

Gluten-free cake mixes are available, but making your own allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor. Betty Crocker Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix is a convenient option (around $4-$5 per box), but the homemade version is richer and more flavorful. Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to your homemade cake for extra texture and flavor. For a vegan option, use plant-based milk and egg replacer.

Recipe 4 Easy Gluten Free Chicken Stir Fry A Quick and Healthy Gluten Free Dinner

Stir-fries are a great way to get a healthy and flavorful meal on the table quickly. This gluten-free chicken stir-fry is packed with vegetables and protein, and it's easy to customize to your liking.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Chicken Stir Fry

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• ¼ cup gluten-free soy sauce (tamari)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions on How to Make Gluten Free Chicken Stir Fry

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
5. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots and cook until tender-crisp.
6. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and chicken and cook until thickened.
7. Serve over rice.

Recommended Gluten Free Chicken Stir Fry Products and Accessories

• Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (Tamari): San-J Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce is a great option. It has a rich flavor and is widely available. A 10-ounce bottle costs around $6.
• Wok: A good wok, like the ones from Joyce Chen (around $40-$60), allows for even cooking and easy stirring.
• Rice Cooker: A rice cooker makes cooking rice foolproof. Zojirushi rice cookers are known for their quality and reliability (around $150-$200).

Comparison of Gluten Free Chicken Stir Fry Options

Pre-made stir-fry sauces can be convenient, but they often contain hidden gluten or high amounts of sodium. Making your own sauce allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor. Store-bought sauces, like those from Kikkoman (check labels carefully for gluten!), are convenient but homemade is healthier and tastier. Consider adding other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or water chestnuts to your stir-fry. For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu for chicken.

Recipe 5 Delicious Gluten Free Pancakes The Perfect Gluten Free Breakfast

Start your day off right with these fluffy and delicious gluten-free pancakes. They're easy to make and perfect for a weekend brunch.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Pancakes

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions on How to Make Gluten Free Pancakes

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
5. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
7. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Recommended Gluten Free Pancake Products and Accessories

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Pamela's Products Pancake & Baking Mix is a popular choice specifically designed for pancakes. A 4-pound bag costs around $20.
• Griddle: An electric griddle, like the ones from Presto (around $30-$40), makes cooking pancakes easier and more consistent.
• Spatula: A thin, flexible spatula is essential for flipping pancakes. Check out the ones from OXO (around $10).

Comparison of Gluten Free Pancake Options

Gluten-free pancake mixes are readily available, but making your own allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor. Bisquick Gluten Free Pancake & Baking Mix is a convenient option (around $4-$5 per box), but homemade pancakes are often fluffier and more flavorful. Consider adding blueberries, chocolate chips, or bananas to your pancakes. For a vegan option, use plant-based milk and egg replacer.