Gluten-free Christmas
Tips, ideas and recipes from Waitrose chefs and nutritionists
Eating gluten-free at Christmas doesn't have to be difficult, says Partner and nutritionist Nicola Selwood.
"We have delicious gluten-free choices for every course, such as buttered onion and herb stuffing, creamy bread sauce, fruity mince pies and traditional Christmas puddings. And new to our 2020 range for Christmas – panettone, the Italian favourite made gluten-free."
Take a look at Nicola's tips and suggestions to enjoy the full festive feast, minus the gluten.
Gluten-free mains
Cook's tip: check the stuffing ingredients
Many turkeys come with stuffing made with breadcrumbs that contain gluten. If you or a guest need to avoid gluten, you could choose one of our whole turkeys or turkey crowns without stuffing and try making your own gluten-free version from the recipe below
Gluten-free sides
A must-do Christmas side dish, roast potatoes often contain wheat flour in the coating, so always check the ingredients if you are buying ready-made ones. Any gluten containing ingredient will be highlighted in bold, along with other allergens, in the ingredients declaration on pack. Waitrose goose fat potatoes do not contain wheat flour so are suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Pigs in blankets are also a Christmas favourite, but some sausages may contain wheat. Lots of our pigs in blankets do not contain wheat flour so are suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Gluten-free desserts
Our Christmas range offers a tasty selection of gluten-free sweet treats including mince pies, Christmas cake and Christmas pudding
Watch Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella, make gluten, dairy and refined sugar free mince pies
Gluten-free drinks
Did you know, most beers, lagers and ales contain gluten? Wine and spirits are naturally gluten free, but if you plan to serve beer or lager, then opt for a gluten-free one like Peroni Nastro Azzurro Gluten Free
Eleni Tzirki
Partner & Cookery School Manager, King's Cross
Tips from Waitrose Cookery School
"Don't miss out on crackers with cheese this Christmas. Substitute the crackers with oatcakes. They also make a great canapé for New Year's Eve with goat's cheese and red onion chutney."
Homemade gluten-free stuffing recipe
Ingredients:
- 450g gluten-free pork sausages, skin removed
- 1 Bramley apple, peeled cored and grated
- 1 pack Cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
Method:
Preheat the oven to 200C. Mix all ingredients together, season well, then pack into an ovenproof dish. Bake for 40 minutes.