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The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate and enjoy delicious meals with loved ones. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating holiday gatherings can be quite stressful.

As Hy-Vee dietitians, we’re here to make entertaining for gluten-free guests simple and enjoyable! Let’s dive into the basics of a gluten-free diet and five must-have gluten-free foods perfect for holiday entertaining. Plus, I’ll share how to access a free “Foods That Fit” Gluten-Free Grocery Guide to make meal planning even easier!

The Basics of a Gluten-Free Diet

A gluten-free diet avoids gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and a wheat-rye hybrid called triticale. For those with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. Even trace amounts from cross-contamination can cause harm.

Gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, causes discomfort—such as bloating, stomach cramps and indigestion without causing damage to the intestines. It’s important to keep your gluten-free guests in mind, ensuring no cross-contamination occurs in the kitchen or at the table. Use separate cookware and utensils to prevent accidental exposure.

Five Gluten-Free Foods to Make Holiday Entertaining a Breeze

Here are five gluten-free options to help you easily accommodate your guests while still serving delicious food this holiday season:

Gluten-Free Chex Cereal: Chex cereals are made with whole grains and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. They come in various flavors: Rice, Cinnamon, Chocolate, Honey Nut, Blueberry, Peanut Butter, Apple Cinnamon and Corn. These versatile cereals make a perfect base for gluten-free party snacks, such as the popular Gluten-Free Original Chex Party Mix — an easy and tasty addition to any holiday gathering.

Sweet Loren’s Gluten-Free Cookie Dough: Holiday baking is a breeze with Sweet Loren’s gluten-free cookie dough. These cookies are simple to bake and are even safe to enjoy raw. Available in varieties with 40% less sugar than other leading brands, Sweet Loren’s dough is non-GMO, plant-based, gluten-free, and free from dairy, peanuts and tree nuts, making it a fantastic choice for a variety of dietary needs.

Good Graces Products: Good Graces offers gluten-free versions of holiday staples like gravy, stuffing, French-fried onions, and cream of mushroom soup—essential ingredients for many classic holiday dishes.

Available exclusively at Hy-Vee, these affordable products help take the guesswork out of gluten-free holiday cooking.

Popcorn: Popcorn is a naturally gluten-free, fiber-rich snack that’s easy to customize for your holiday spread. Whether you add it to a party mix, shape it into festive popcorn balls, or serve it on its own, this versatile snack is perfect for entertaining. Popcorn adds crunch and can be seasoned to fit any flavor profile.

In-Season Produce: Fresh, in-season produce is a wonderful way to incorporate fiber, flavor, and color into your gluten-free dishes. Pumpkins, pomegranate arils, cranberries, and Brussels sprouts are all naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients. Try a vibrant Raw Brussel Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate to impress your guests with a dish that’s as healthy as it is beautiful.

Make Holiday Meal Planning Easier

with General Mills ‘Foods That Fit’ Gluten-Free Guide

If you want more gluten-free food inspiration, download the free “Foods That Fit” Gluten-Free Grocery Guide from the General Mills Bell Institute of Health & Nutrition. This guide includes a list of gluten-free products that can help remove the guesswork of what to serve your gluten-free guests this holiday season.

Raw Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate

(Serves 8)

All you need

• 6 c. shredded Brussels sprouts

• 4 c. chopped kale leaves, ribs removed

• ½ c. shredded carrots

• 3 celery stalks, sliced on the bias

• ½ c. golden raisins

• 1 granny smith apple, seeds removed and diced

• ¼ c. hemp hearts

• ¼ c. roasted no salt sunflower seeds

• ¾ c. pomegranate arils, or seeds, divided

• 2 tbsp. maple syrup

• ½ c. lemon juice

• Salt to taste

All you do

1. In a large bowl, combine Brussels sprouts, kale, carrots, celery, raisins, apple, hemp hearts, sunflower seeds and 1/4 cup pomegranate arils or seeds.

2. Combine maple syrup and lemon juice and pour over salad. Toss salad and season to taste with salt.

Place in a serving dish and garnish with remaining 1/4 cup pomegranate arils.

Source: https://www.hy-vee.com/discover/recipes/raw-brussels-sprout-salad-with-pomegranate-(get-cooking)