Dietitian Tips for Gluten-Free Entertaining this Holiday Season

by Tara Sallee MS, RD, LD

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
 
Contact your local Hy-Vee dietitian for personalized nutrition advice on navigating a gluten-free diet. Whether you need help creating a gluten-free holiday menu or managing a gluten-free lifestyle year-round, we can offer tailored strategies to fit your needs and health goals. Visit Hy-Vee.com/Health for more information on our Individual Nutrition Consultations.
 
Gluten-Free Original ChexTM Party Mix (Serves 22)
 
All you need:
4 cups Corn ChexTM
4 cups Rice ChexTM
2 cups CheeriosTM
2 cups bite-size gluten-free pretzel sticks or twists
6 tbsp vegan dairy-free buttery vegetable oil spread
2 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
1½ tsp gluten-free seasoned salt
¾ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
 
All you do:

1. Heat oven to 250°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix cereals and pretzels until well blended. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave vegetable oil spread uncovered on High for 30 to 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated. Transfer to an ungreased roasting pan.
3. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool for about 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

 
Source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/gluten-free-original-chex-party-mix