Cosy, nostalgic, and 100% satisfying — no gluten required.
“Gluten free” and “comfort food” aren’t often used in the same sentence — but that’s about to change. Whether you’re coeliac, gluten intolerant, or simply looking to cut back, you shouldn’t have to miss out on the dishes that make you feel warm, cosy, and full of joy.
This roundup includes 25 tried-and-true gluten free comfort food recipes, from hearty mains and indulgent sides to puddings that’ll make you forget flour ever existed. Best of all? Each one is either naturally gluten free or cleverly adapted without sacrificing taste or texture.
So put on the kettle, preheat the oven, and let’s bring back real comfort — no gluten required.
🍲 Hearty Mains (Gluten Free and Full of Flavour)
1. Slow Cooked Belly Pork with Crispy Crackling
Tender meat, crunchy skin — and completely gluten free when served with naturally thickened pan juices. A British Sunday roast classic that requires no tweaking to be safe and satisfying.
2. Chicken and Chickpea Curry
Warming spices, creamy coconut, and hearty protein. This dish is comforting, high in protein, and naturally gluten free when served with basmati rice or a gluten free naan.
3. Low Calorie Chilli Con Carne
Full of bold flavour and rich in texture, this chilli is a midweek winner. It’s naturally gluten free and ideal served over baked sweet potatoes or with corn tortilla chips for that extra crunch.
4. Beef Casserole with a Twist
A slow-cooked beef casserole with root vegetables, wine, and herbs is a cold-night saviour. Just swap traditional flour thickeners for a bit of cornflour or arrowroot.
5. Rendang Chicken
With rich Southeast Asian flavours, this rendang-style chicken is bold, savoury, and deeply comforting. Serve with jasmine rice and pickled cucumbers for contrast.
🥔 Comforting Sides & Veggie Favourites
6. Dauphinoise Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky and naturally gluten free, these potatoes are the ultimate luxurious side dish. Ideal for pairing with roasts or serving as a veggie main.
7. Gluten Free Yorkshire Puddings
Yes, it’s possible — and delicious. A touch of xanthan gum and a good GF flour blend recreates the puff and golden top beautifully.
8. Broccoli and Stilton Soup
Cheesy, smooth, and velvety, this soup is wonderful with gluten free rolls or croutons made from leftover GF bread.
9. Red Cabbage with Apples
A side dish that balances sweet and sour, perfect for roast pork or turkey. Naturally gluten free and brilliant with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
10. Air Fryer Toad in the Hole (GF Twist)
Using gluten free flour and a hot pan in an air fryer, you can create this British classic without missing the fluff or flavour.
🍞 Gluten Free Breads & Baking That Actually Works
11. Gluten Free Soda Bread
Quick, satisfying and perfect for soups. Soda bread adapts well to gluten free flour and has a rustic charm that’s hard to beat.
12. Yoghurt Flatbread (Gluten Free Edition)
With the right flour mix and a little baking powder, you can make soft, pliable flatbreads ideal for curry night or brunch wraps.
13. Gluten Free Cheese Scones
Crumbly yet rich, these are best served warm with lashings of butter or chutney. Cheddar and chive make a great combo.
14. Banana Bread (GF Adaptation)
A classic comfort bake. Sub in almond flour or a 1:1 gluten free blend and use maple syrup for sweetness. Add dark chocolate chunks if you’re feeling indulgent.
15. Victoria Sponge (Flourless Twist)
Use ground almonds and eggs to create a surprisingly light cake layered with jam and whipped cream — nobody will guess it’s gluten free.
🍰 Gluten Free Desserts That Don’t Taste Like Cardboard
16. Sticky Toffee Pudding
A dense, date-sweetened sponge served with sticky caramel sauce. A great gluten free version uses blitzed oats or a high-quality GF blend.
17. Chocolate Mousse
Made from cream, dark chocolate, and eggs — this is rich and indulgent with absolutely no need for flour or starches.
18. Rice Pudding with a Twist
Slow-cooked with nutmeg, vanilla and raisins. A brilliant dessert to make with store cupboard staples.
19. Flourless Chocolate Brownies
Fudgy, dense, and rich — use ground almonds or black beans for body and texture. Ideal served with cream or ice cream.
20. Eton Mess
Crispy meringue, softly whipped cream, and fresh strawberries make this British classic naturally gluten free and irresistibly light.
🥂 Drinks & Extras
21. Alcohol-Free Winter Warmers
Try spiced mulled apple punch or cranberry fizz with rosemary — great seasonal drinks that are naturally gluten free and loved by everyone. You’ll find a few delicious ideas in our post on alcohol-free winter warmers.
22. Homemade Apple Sauce
Simmer apples with lemon, sugar, and cinnamon until soft — a brilliant topping for pork belly or gluten free pancakes.
23. Easy Gluten Free Gravy
Use the pan juices from your roast and whisk in a cornflour slurry. Add red wine or mustard for depth and balance.
24. Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary
No flour dusting required — just boil, fluff, and roast in hot fat with garlic and herbs. Gluten free by nature and ridiculously satisfying.
25. Gluten Free Fish Pie with Cheesy Mash
Make your white sauce with cornflour and top with creamy mashed potatoes for the cosiest bake of all. Serve with peas and extra cheddar.
💬 Gluten Free Doesn’t Mean Missing Out
What these dishes prove is that comfort doesn’t come from wheat — it comes from warmth, from flavour, from the joy of eating food that feels like home. Whether you’re gluten free by choice or necessity, there are more options than ever to enjoy nostalgic, hearty meals.
And if you ever feel stuck, wondering what’s safe or tasty, there’s an incredible resource worth checking out. The team over at Coeliac UK provide certified gluten free recipes and guidance for navigating the gluten free lifestyle confidently and deliciously.
🙋♀️ FAQs: Gluten Free Comfort Food
What are some naturally gluten free comfort foods?
Naturally gluten free comfort foods include dishes like chilli con carne, roast meats, mashed potatoes, rice-based puddings, soups, and stews. These don’t require any flour substitutes and are easy to make coeliac-friendly with the right ingredients.
Can comfort food be gluten free and still taste good?
Yes — absolutely. With the right flour blends, thickeners like cornflour, and naturally gluten free ingredients (like potatoes, rice, dairy, and meat), you can make gluten free comfort food that’s every bit as indulgent, creamy, or crispy as traditional versions.
What flour should I use for gluten free baking?
A good 1:1 gluten free flour blend is ideal for baking. Look for ones that include rice flour, potato starch, tapioca, and xanthan gum. For more rustic bakes like banana bread or brownies, almond flour and oat flour also work beautifully.
How do I thicken sauces without flour?
Use cornflour, arrowroot, or gluten free gravy granules to thicken sauces and gravies. Simply mix a small amount with cold water, then stir into your sauce as it simmers.
What are the best gluten free meals for a Sunday roast?
Great gluten free options include slow cooked pork belly, roast chicken, beef with gluten free gravy, and sides like dauphinoise potatoes, red cabbage, and roast vegetables. You can also make Yorkshire puddings with a GF flour mix and xanthan gum.
