We know how hard you work catering to your customers’ wants and needs. If the bride-to-be wants a formal reception dinner, you make it happen with grace. If a corporate client wants guests to enjoy barbecue at a weekend retreat, you fire up the grill. When either party adds that they need to address special dietary requirements, you take it in stride.
We also know the best caterers stay prepared to prepare anything including gluten-free catering options. This specific menu request accommodates individuals affected by celiac disease. Estimates put their current numbers at roughly 1 percent of the U.S. population.
However, gluten-free diets have become a popular lifestyle choice on the growing list of healthy food trends. That transition is fueling the foodservice industry to cater more and more to gluten-free preferences.
Gluten-Free Catering: 10 Very Easy, Very Delicious Ideas
As you plan catering events around gluten-free options, take inspiration from vegan menu design, but be ready for a different set of cooking rules. It’s all about avoiding ingredients that contain wheat, barley, oats or rye. That eliminates traditional breads, pastas, pizzas and even beer.
Keep rice, potatoes, meats, poultry and fish on the shopping list. Fresh produce is a must-have especially if its carefully sourced. Be sure to shop your supermarket’s GF section for all kinds of gluten-free ingredients and food items.
In general, GF recipes are surprisingly inclusive. These 10 gluten-free catering ideas serve up very easy, versatile dishes sure to satisfy a variety of customer appetites.
1. Grilled Romaine Lettuce Salad
Celebrity GF Chef Carol Kicinski upgrades a traditional starter by grilling romaine lettuce hearts. The fresh, crisp veggie takes the heat and yields a warm, hearty salad tossed with endive and splashed with balsamic vinegar.
2. Classic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
They’re classic, quick and easy. Roasted Brussels sprouts are a perfect gluten-free dish for catering, and this recipe from the Spruce leaves you culinary room to improvise. The tender sprouts are an ideal vegan side too for both formal and casual menu planning.
3. Healthy Macaroni, Cheese And Greens
We raid the Food Network’s kitchens for a gluten-free version of the ultimate comfort food. The GF macaroni, goat cheese and white cheddar dish tastes as good as it looks topped with ribbons of tender Tuscan kale.
3. Healthy Macaroni, Cheese And Greens
Simple prep makes this chicken entree perfect for your next catering event. Betty Crocker turns out a delicious version of Mediterranean chicken made even better with bright cherry tomatoes and savory olive tapenade.
5. P.F. Chang’s Gf Mongolian Beef
As long as you have gluten-free soy sauce in the pantry, you’re ready to cater to guests with a national restaurant favorite. P.F. Chang’s Mongolian beef celebrates rich Asian flavors with a rice wine and GF soy sauce reduction.
6. No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna
Satisfy the crowds at your next big affair by baking up gluten-free lasagna by the tray-full. Epicurious lays out a culinary blueprint that subs thin ribbons of zucchini for traditional noodles. Ground beef is optional, and the rest is open to your Italian interpretation.
7. Baby Iceberg Lettuce Tacos
This very healthy GF taco recipe comes from our friend and associate, corporate Chef Beat Giger. His version of the beloved Southwestern staple serves a spicy mix of turkey, black beans and salsa wrapped in crisp baby iceberg lettuce.
8. Black Bean Brownies
We couldn’t resist following Chef Giger’s tacos with another recipe featuring black beans. We’re sure no one can resist Whole Foods Market’s flavorful, flourless brownies. This mouthwatering dessert stays true to our gluten-free theme with black beans as the main ingredient.
9. Honey-Dipped Almond Cookies
These flourless confections from the files of the James Beard Foundation take the concept of GF desserts to the sweetest heights. Dipped in honey and rolled in powdered sugar, almond cookies are perfect for both casual and elegant affairs.
10. Gluten-Free Pastry Flour
When substitutions won’t work, don’t worry. We discovered a must-have secret in the Food Network’s recipe box, and it’s an easy way around the flour challenge. Simply bake your best with a house-made gluten-free pastry flour mix.
Your Source for Healthy Inspiration
Gluten-free catering is quickly evolving into its own category within the foodservice industry. It’s an opportunity to show new and established customers how well you can adapt to their evolving tastes. We hope our list makes your GF menu planning a little easier.
From the flavors of fine Italian restaurants to fresh Brussels sprouts, Hitchcock Farms enjoys being your source for catering inspiration. We’re always here with new ideas and fresh takes on the latest industry developments. As one of the nation’s leading produce companies, it’s a part of our commitment to serving you with our very best.
