23 Dinner Recipes So Good You Won't Notice They're Gluten-Free

Following a gluten-free diet might mean saying goodbye to wheat, barley, and other grain-based foods, but it doesn't have to feel restrictive. With a few simple swaps and a little creativity, gluten-free dinners can still be packed with exciting flavors and textures. Cooking from scratch makes it easy to incorporate naturally gluten-free ingredients, or reach for non-gluten versions of staples like pasta, bread, and flour, so there's really no reason to miss out on eating what you love.

Fresh meat, fish, veggies, nuts, and countless sauces and seasonings are all safe for those following a gluten-free diet, and sometimes a little inspiration is all that's required to craft something delicious. Thankfully, we're here to help with a collection of our favorite dinner recipes. We've got cozy casseroles, elegant pasta dishes, crispy-coated meats, and hearty bowls, and they're all completely free of gluten-containing ingredients. This tasty lineup truly showcases the versatility that gluten-free eating can offer, proving that there's never any need to miss out on the meals you love.

This roasted duck breast brings elegance to the dinner table. It's filled with an umami-rich mushroom stuffing and smothered in a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce that's spiked with a generous glug of port for an extra dose of sophistication. Unlike many stuffing mixtures, the mushroom medley doesn't contain any form of breading; instead calling for aromatic shallots and a splash of white wine. This dish would pair beautifully with other gluten-free sides like mashed or roasted potatoes, or fluffy white rice and tender steamed veggies.

Recipe: Roasted Duck Breasts With Mushroom Stuffing

If you eat gluten-free, you might think that crispy fried chicken is off the cards, but that's certainly not the case. These Korean-style drumsticks call for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, which gets combined with an array of herbs and spices to make the coating. Deep-frying the meat yields the ultimate crunch, and a sticky gochujang sauce ensures every bite is packed with bold, spicy flavor. A sprinkling of chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and chile flakes makes the perfect finishing touch.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Korean Fried Chicken Drumsticks

A crispy layer of breadcrumbs is commonplace atop a homemade casserole, but this wholesome zucchini bake keeps things completely wheat-free. The carb element here is rice (a naturally gluten-free grain), which gets a delicious injection of flavor from turmeric, garlic, and lemon. On top are layers of tender chickpeas, herby sliced zucchini, and a generous scattering of crumbled feta cheese, which come together to create a vibrant, complete meal that's loaded with Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

Recipe: Layered Mediterranean Zucchini Casserole

Yes, you can buy gluten-free pasta at the store, but why not try crafting something a little more interesting? Rutabaga is the perfect candidate for spiralizing into spaghetti-like noodles, and this humble root veggie can help you build the ultimate hearty bowlful, with no gluten in sight. It is sauteed until tender-crisp and tossed with a tangy, balsamic- and chile-infused tomato sauce. The "pasta" is a nutrient-packed, elevated take on your average saucy spaghetti, perfect for topping with fresh basil leaves.

Recipe: Spicy Spiralized Rutabaga "Pasta"

A classic chicken cordon bleu comes with a layer of gluten-laden breadcrumbs on the outside. In this keto-friendly version, we ditch the carbs, instead coating the meat in a sharp and nutty mixture of Parmesan cheese, almond flour, and seasonings. As the ham- and cheese-stuffed chicken bakes in the oven, the coating becomes gloriously golden, providing just as much crunch as the traditional version. And there's plenty of moreish textural contrast with the garlicky, cheesy mustard sauce drizzled on top of the juicy slices.

Recipe: Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu

A true family favorite, lasagna is remarkably easy to make gluten-free. All you'll need to do is opt for gluten-free lasagna sheets, which can be found in most large grocery stores, and swap the flour in the bechamel sauce for a gluten-free version. Then, you'll prepare the meaty ragu as normal, loading it with the rich flavors of red wine, rosemary, and thyme, and packing in plenty of veggies. Layered up and baked with lashings of shredded cheese, this makes for an exceptionally satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Recipe: Classic Gluten-Free Lasagna

This comforting twist on tacos takes the beloved ground beef filling from a classic Sloppy Joes and pairs it with fresh, Mexican-style toppings in soft, gluten-free corn tortillas. They're saucy, spicy, and full of moreish savory depth, thanks to ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and fiery chile powder. We love piling them with sour cream, grated cheddar, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro, but you could easily customize the tacos with any extras as desired.

Recipe: Saucy Sloppy Joe Tacos

They may be gluten-free, but these herby, zesty crab cakes certainly aren't short of heartiness. Delicate white crab meat and fluffy mashed potatoes form the base of the patties, and we use polenta to create a glorious crispy coating. This gluten-free staple is made from ground corn, and it's used much like breadcrumbs here, browning up beautifully as the patties are fried. To top everything off, there's a creamy dill mayo that perfectly balances the richness of the cakes with its cool, tangy flavor.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Crab Cakes With Dill Mayo

Also making use of the trusty Parmesan-almond flour combo, these juicy fried pork chops deliver on crunch while skipping the gluten. The approach is simple, with each chop dunked in beaten egg, followed by the breading mixture, before it's pan-fried until golden all over. If desired, you could go all out and finish the pork with a sticky glaze. Or, serve it up with your favorite sides, such as cheesy potatoes au gratin, caramelized roasted veggies, or a crunchy slaw.

Recipe: Parmesan And Almond-Crusted Pork Chops

Ensure you're using corn-based tortillas, and these spicy jackfruit enchiladas will be completely safe for anyone following a gluten-free diet. They're vegetarian-friendly too, with the jackfruit providing an impressively meat-like texture that soaks up the warming flavors of the spices and aromatics brilliantly. Just fill and roll the tortillas, layer over the sauce and shredded cheese, and bake everything until gloriously melty and bubbly. Finishing with extra toppings, such as chopped cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream, is a great way to add more color and freshness.

Recipe: Vegetarian Jackfruit Enchiladas

Mac and cheese is a comfort-food classic for good reason, but it's also wonderfully adaptable. This version is not only gluten-free, but keto-approved, with the usual macaroni pasta swapped for nutritious cauliflower florets. And it still offers all of the cheesy, creamy richness you'd expect. Making this dish in the slow cooker keeps things super convenient, too. After a few minutes of prep, you'll simply leave the cauliflower and sauce to simmer away gently until everything is delightfully gooey and tender.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Keto Cauliflower "Mac" And Cheese

With its vibrant array of flavor-packed elements, you'd think there must be gluten snuck into this Mexican-inspired bowlful somewhere. But, in fact, it's fully gluten-free. This dish features a base of cilantro-lime rice, topped with spicy sauteed ground beef, hearty black beans, and a selection of colorful veggies, all drizzled with a zesty Greek yogurt dressing. The resulting dish is light yet satisfying, and wonderfully versatile, with the option to sub in other types of protein if desired.

Recipe: Loaded Ground Beef Taco Bowl

These Indian-style malai kofta require a little more effort than your average weeknight dinner, but as you take your first bite into a sauce-smothered dumpling, you'll soon realize the prep was all worth it. The fragrant kofta balls are made with paneer and butternut squash, offering a subtle sweetness and a pillowy texture that's perfect for soaking up the creamy, spicy cashew-cream sauce. There are layers and layers of punchy flavors here, with spices like cardamom, fenugreek, and smoked paprika building plenty of depth and complexity.

Recipe: Butternut Squash Malai Kofta (Paneer Dumplings)

Sweet and salty plantain chips aren't just for snacking; they're also an incredibly effective tool for breading meat. Crushed up and used to coat chicken tenders, they bring a seriously impressive level of crunch. Just make sure you're using gluten-free flour for the dredging step, and this dish will be free from gluten. We pair the crispy fried chicken pieces with a silky smooth avocado dip, made with lime juice, honey, and fresh cilantro for the ultimate balance of sweet, tangy brightness.

Recipe: Plantain-Crusted Chicken Fingers

A top dinnertime pick amongst Brits, fish and chips is another meal that's actually rather easy to adapt to a gluten-free diet. Traditionally, white fish fillets are dunked in a light and airy batter, then deep-fried until the coating is gloriously puffy and crisp. Here, we take the same approach, only opting for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create the batter. Served with rustic skin-on fries and a generous dollop of tartar sauce, you'd honestly never notice that anything was different about the crispy, flaky fish.

Recipe: Crispy Gluten-Free Fish And Chips

Tofu often comes in crispy breaded form, but this protein-packed, vegan-friendly dish takes a simpler approach, making it a win-win for gluten-free eaters. The cubed firm tofu and a medley of veggies are marinated in a spicy lemon-olive oil mixture, then baked on a sheet pan until tender and fragrant. We incorporate some fresh extras at the end to keep things bright and crunchy. These include tomatoes, olives, and basil, continuing the Mediterranean-inspired theme in the most delicious way.

Recipe: Mediterranean Sheet Pan Tofu

Let's face it, chicken nuggets aren't usually an option for those avoiding gluten, but that's about to change. Grab some chicken breasts, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and a handful of pantry staples, and you can whip up a batch of delightfully crispy nuggets from the comfort of your kitchen. These golden morsels pack all of that crave-worthy crunch, and they're a far more wholesome alternative to most store-bought options. Oven-baking rather than deep-frying also keeps things wonderfully fuss-free.

Recipe: Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

Breadcrumbs are an essential binder in many meatloaf recipes, but this one uses something a little different — rolled oats. Of course, you'll need to make sure the oats you're using are certified gluten-free if necessary, but these nifty cereal grains make a fantastic alternative for bulking the mixture out. As well as the hearty ground beef, these individual meatloaf patties also feature grated onion, fiery horseradish, and tangy yellow mustard, so every bite is packed with rich, savory flavor. And, the sticky ketchup glaze really takes them to the next level.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Oatmeal Meatloaf

Blitzed up almonds bring their distinct nutty crunch to this nutrient-rich chicken recipe, eliminating any need for breadcrumbs. Oven-baking is the method of choice for a light, crisp finish, and the chicken is served on a bed of fresh, leafy kale with some creamy avocado slices. To jazz this healthy base up, we drizzle everything in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, with lemon, garlic, and mustard adding heaps of bold, zesty flavor.

Recipe: Almond-Crusted Chicken Kale Salad With Cider Vinaigrette

If a meal can be made in 30 minutes or less, it's definitely getting bonus points from us, and this decadent polenta lasagna is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a convenient weeknight dinner. The pasta sheets are replaced with polenta slices, which add that all-important chewy element into the mix. The usual suspects are in there too — that's ground beef, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce, all layered up and topped with melty mozzarella to create a totally mouth-watering bake.

Recipe: 30-Minute Polenta Lasagna

Gluten-free oats serve as a wholesome binder in these herb-loaded turkey meatballs. Refreshing Greek-inspired flavors like mint, oregano, and lemon make these meaty bites a real standout, and broiling them towards the end of cooking gets them gorgeously golden brown. The equally herby yogurt sauce is a must for adding some creamy richness to your plate, and crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives create a refreshing contrast. Feel free to stuff everything into gluten-free pita pockets if desired.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Greek Turkey Meatballs (With Oatmeal)

Try hand-crafting your noodles out of nutritious zucchini for a lighter take on pesto pasta. A spiralizer makes the process super quick and easy, and what's more, the tender green strands don't even require cooking. We toss them with a rich and garlicky homemade basil pesto, some succulent sauteed chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella balls, before scattering everything with basil leaves and pine nuts. The result is a well-rounded dish that perfectly blends indulgence with freshness.

Recipe: Pesto Chicken And Zucchini Noodle Salad

A conveniently gluten-free, nutty crust strikes again in this elegant chicken roulade, and this time it's made with finely chopped, toasted walnuts. Each brined, flattened chicken breast is filled with a creamy, tangy mixture of goat cheese and dried cranberries, then rolled up into a log before the crunchy coating comes into play. Baked until golden and sliced to reveal that striking cross-section, the resulting roulade looks like it came straight from a fancy restaurant kitchen.

Recipe: Walnut-Crusted Cranberry Chicken Roulade

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