If you are entertaining a guest who is on a gluten-free diet or if you are not able to consume gluten, it does not meant that your food will be tasteless. There are plenty of gluten-free recipe ideas out there that provide plenty of dining pleasure. Here are some ideas for your next dinner party.

Gluten-free Starters

If you are looking for the perfect gluten-free recipe for your first course, you are in luck because shrimp is on the menu! For those who enjoy shell fish, this is always a winner.

Ingredients:

  • 20 large shrimp (thawed, deveined, and peeled)
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon of lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 10 thin slices of prosciutto
  • 8-inch skewers (to hold the shrimp in place)
  • Cooking spray to prevent sticking
  • Lemon wedges for serving.

Directions:

  • Place the shrimp, oil, basil, salt, red and black pepper along with the zest in a bowl.
  • Mix together and set aside.
  • Place your prosciutto slices side by side on a flat surface.
  • Cut the prosciutto slices in half so that there are 20 pieces.
  • Wrap each shrimp in prosciutto and allow the tail to stick out.
  • Slide the skewer through the shrimp to hold it in place.
  • One skewer can hold five wrapped shrimp.
  • Coat your broiling pan with cooking spray.
  • Broil the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side.
  • Serve warm with lemon wedges.

The Main Course

Now it’s time for a gluten-free recipe for your main course! If you love the idea of a stew but you are worried about the gluten-filled ingredients that usually go along with it, not to worry. This recipe has you covered!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
  • 2 cans of white beans (rinsed thoroughly and drained)
  • ½ cup of water
  • 4 canned, plum tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 can of fat-free chicken broth
  • 3oz of baby spinach leaves (roughly chopped)
  • 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken breast (remove skin and bones)
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

Directions:

  • Heat your oil in a medium saucepan.
  • Add the onion and cook until softened.
  • Now add thyme and garlic to the pan and cook for another minute while stirring.
  • Add your tomatoes, beans, broth and water to the pan.
  • Increase the heat and watch for bubbles to form.
  • Reduce the heat once the pan is boiling and allow to simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
  • Break up the tomatoes using a wooden spoon while cooking.
  • Add spinach and stir while cooking. Add more water if needed.
  • Add your chicken and cook for another 2 minutes
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Something Sweet

If you thought gluten-free recipes stopped at the main course, think again! There are some delicious sweet treats that everyone can enjoy! Here is a scrumptious dessert idea and it is particularly loved by pumpkin fans!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of milk (2% reduced-fat)
  • ¾ cup of brown sugar
  • ¼ cup of cornstarch
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup of canned pumpkin
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin-pie spices

Directions:

  • Whisk together the milk, cornstarch and sugar in a large saucepan.
  • Slowly bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Boil for approximately 3 minutes while whisking constantly.
  • Beat your eggs in a separate bowl and slowly add half of the boiling milk mixture to the eggs.
  • Now return the egg and milk mixture to the mixture in the saucepan, slowly while mixing.
  • Continue whisking the mixture until it thickens. This usually takes about 3 minutes.
  • Now remove the mixture from the heat and add your pumpkin, pumpkin spice and salt.
  • Spoon this mixture into separate cups or bowls.
  • Allow to cool and set. Usually, this takes about 30 minutes.

There you have it – three delicious gluten-free recipes that will keep your guests happy from starters to dessert! The key to making gluten-free food is selecting the right ingredients and gluten-free alternatives to the ingredients we have become accustomed to using in our dishes.