GIG Staff Favorites, Made Gluten-Free
Everyone here at GIG works hard for the gluten-free (GF) community, but not every staff member lives a fully GF lifestyle (and that’s totally okay, we still love them!). So for a fun twist this month, we asked the team to find GF versions of recipes they already love. The result is a seriously delicious list! Below you’ll find a great mix of dishes, plus chef tips from our very own Matt and Molly to help each one taste like it came out of a restaurant kitchen.
Mains
Chicken Alfredo Pizza Recipe Link
Follow the baking instructions on the GF pizza dough, then add your Alfredo and chicken and continue baking per the dough instructions.
Alfredo: 1/2 cup butter, 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, 2 cups grated parmesan.
Chicken: cooked chicken seasoned with 1 tsp each of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Chef tip: Grate the parmesan from a block so the sauce melts silky. Finish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of hot honey, or add roasted garlic and spinach for a “white pie” vibe.
Gluten-free check: Double-check your flour blend and the Italian seasoning, since spice blends can hide gluten.
Gluten-Free Korean Short Ribs Kalbi Recipe Link
Chef tip: Pat the ribs dry before they hit the broiler so they char instead of steam. Serve with rice, butter lettuce leaves for wrapping, and quick pickled cucumbers.
Gluten-free check: Regular soy sauce contains wheat, so use a GF soy sauce or tamari and confirm the label on your mirin. If you serve kimchi on the side, check that label too, since some have wheat.
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Link
Chef tip: Stir the dumpling dough just until it comes together so they stay tender, and keep the broth at a gentle simmer so they puff up instead of falling apart. Finish with fresh thyme, cracked pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
Gluten-free check: The recipe uses Better than Bouillon, which isn’t gluten-free, so skip it or swap in a bouillon labeled GF. Also check your chicken broth and flour blend.
Prime Rib with Red Wine Gravy Recipe Link
Chef tip: If you have time, salt the roast a day ahead and leave it uncovered in the fridge for an even deeper crust. Serve with a quick horseradish cream (sour cream, horseradish, chives) and flaky salt on each slice.
Gluten-free check: Use a beef broth labeled GF for the gravy and double-check your GF flour blend. Also check the horseradish label.
Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Link
Chef tip: Chill the crust (or the assembled pie) for 15 to 20 minutes before baking so the butter stays cold and you get flakier layers. Cut leaf shapes from the extra dough for the top and finish with flaky salt and fresh thyme.
Gluten-free check: Chicken broth isn’t always GF, and the recipe author also warns that some store-bought chicken is processed with gluten-containing fillers. Check both labels, plus your flour blend.
Orange Chicken Recipe Link
Chef tip: Zest an orange right into the sauce at the end for that fresh citrus pop (the recipe only uses juice). Add red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies for heat, and serve with a quick cucumber salad to cool things down.
Gluten-free check: Use a certified GF soy sauce (regular soy sauce has wheat) and check the rice vinegar, cornstarch, and flour blend. If you use a cooking spray, check that label too.
Shrimp Scampi Recipe Link
Chef tip: Save a splash of the starchy pasta water and toss it in at the end so the sauce turns silky and clings to the noodles. Finish with a pat of cold butter and a little lemon zest, and top with toasted GF breadcrumbs for crunch.
Gluten-free check: Make sure your pasta and breadcrumbs are labeled GF. Also check any pre-grated parmesan, since some have added starches.
Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops Recipe Link
Chef tip: Pat the chops really dry before they hit the pan for a deeper sear. Finish the sauce with a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten it, then serve over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes with toasted pecans on top.
Gluten-free check: If you use chicken broth instead of wine, check that it’s GF. Dijon mustard is usually fine, but give the label a quick look.
Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe Link
Chef tip: Serve with a quick lime crema (sour cream, lime juice, pinch of salt) and pickled jalapeños on the side.
Gluten-free check: Confirm the soft tortillas and hard taco shells are both labeled GF. Taco seasoning packets often contain wheat, so use a GF blend or make your own.
Soups
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Link
Naturally GF, just use GF corn chips.
Chef tip: Take the toppings bar further than the basics with sliced radishes, pickled red onions, crumbled cotija or queso fresco, toasted pepitas, shaved cabbage, charred corn, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, lime crema, and extra crushed GF tortilla chips. Let everyone build their own bowl.
Gluten-free check: Check the chicken broth, the corn chips or tortillas, and your spices. Don’t forget the hot sauce and any other toppings on the bar.
Rotisserie Chicken Pho Ga Recipe Link
Chef tip: Skim the foam as the broth simmers for a clearer, cleaner-tasting bowl, and keep it at a gentle simmer, never a hard boil. Warm your bowls first so the soup stays piping hot, and put out quick-pickled chilies or garlic for the table.
Gluten-free check: This one has several gluten risks. Hoisin sauce and bouillon cubes commonly contain wheat, and fish sauce and store-bought broth can too. Check the labels on all of them, plus the sriracha and the rice noodles.
Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe Link
Chef tip: Pull the pot off the heat before the cheese goes in. Roast a few extra broccoli florets until crispy at the edges and use them as a topper, along with crispy bacon bits and GF bread cubes toasted in butter. A pinch of nutmeg in the soup adds nice depth.
Gluten-free check: Check the broth, flour blend, hot sauce, and bacon, plus any bread you use for croutons.
Sweets and Snacks
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe Link
Chef tip: Top with toasted pistachios, a drizzle of honey, fresh rosemary, and a little orange zest. Serve with GF crackers, cucumber slices, and endive leaves for scooping.
Gluten-free check: Make sure your crackers are labeled GF, and check any packaged ingredients like canned cranberry sauce or flavored cheeses.
Gluten-Free Fudge Recipe Link
Chef tip: Press flaky sea salt on top while it’s still soft. For clean edges, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. A drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted coconut makes it look bakery-fancy.
Gluten-free check: The recipe says marshmallow fluff is GF, but check your chocolate chips and vanilla. Any mix-ins like cookies, candies, or flavored chips need a label check too.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Link
Chef tip: The dough is sticky, so wet or oil your hands when you shape the rolls. Stir orange zest into the cream cheese frosting, or brown the butter first (and let it cool) for a nutty icing. Finish with toasted pecans and a pinch of flaky salt.
Gluten-free check: This recipe calls for King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour, which is made with certified gluten-free wheat starch. That’s considered safe for people with celiac disease, but it is not wheat-free, so it isn’t safe for anyone with a wheat allergy. If you’re not sure which applies to you, check with your medical team before baking.
Wrapping Up
Living gluten-free doesn’t mean saying goodbye to the foods you love. From cheesy pizza and cozy soups to prime rib and warm cinnamon rolls, this list proves that your favorites can still have a spot at the table (and our staff, gluten-free or not, were happy to prove it!). Just give those labels a quick double-check, grab your apron, and have fun in the kitchen. Happy cooking, from all of us at GIG!