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Gluten-free food has come a long way. As more of us are gluten-free (or have friends, family or co-workers who are), party food has evolved to include many gluten-free options that everyone will love. Some people believe that arranging a gluten-free party menu is difficult, but it’s really not. You can find interesting main dishes, sides and drinks that everyone will love, whether they’re gluten-free or not. Here are a few suggestions for a gluten-free party menu to please all your guests.
Try Salad without the Bowls
Everyone loves salad, but it’s really not the best party food. Did you know that you can serve your favourite salads and skip the bowls, and plates and cutlery? Save yourself the mess (and dishes!) and try salad skewers instead of traditional salads.
Waldorf salad skewers: grapes, apple chunks, celery slices, walnut halves
Greek salad skewers: cubes of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, kalamata olives
Chef salad skewers: cubed ham, cheddar cheese, wedges of hard-boiled eggs,
Flavoured spirits can be gluten-free
There are many options when you’re trying to stock up the drinks table. Did you know that pure distilled liquor, even if made from wheat, barley, or rye, is considered gluten-free? Most liquors are actually safe for people with celiac disease because of the distillation process.
However, be on the lookout for hidden gluten in liquors that add flavourings or other additives after distillation. If you are looking for Gluten Free Gin, read your label carefully and you’ll be surprised to discover that you can find gluten-free gin with interesting flavours like jasmine and mandarin orange, like those made by Barentsz.
Instead of mixed drinks, offer a variety of flavoured spirits served neat, over ice. Flavoured spirits make a bold statement just by themselves.
Hummus with a Twist
Everyone loves hummus dip, but have you ever considered it as a main course? Once you add meat, cheese or vegetables, it can be a satisfying main dish option that pairs well with corn chips, mini rice cakes, nut thins or gluten-free breadsticks. Traditional hummus dip is served with a drizzle of olive oil and a smattering of chickpeas, consider upgrading for the party season with the following ethnic-inspired options:
Greek hummus: feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, Greek spices and a drizzle of olive oil
Lebanese hummus: ground beef seasoned with onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, topped with pine nuts and parsley
Mexican hummus: black beans, guacamole, top with grated cheddar and a dollop of sour cream
Chef’s tip: Consider plating your hummus dip in ramekins for an elegant single-serving presentation
Takeaway
If you know you’ll be having gluten-free guests at your party, it’s not difficult to make an amazing menu that everyone will love. Gluten-free food can be flavourful, interesting and fun. If you’re looking for a main dish, upgrade your hummus dip with a variety of toppings and serve personal-sized hummus bowls. Serve with salad ingredients artfully arranged on skewers and finish with a drinks bar featuring flavoured spirits. Even your guests who eat gluten will be impressed.
