These gluten-free potluck ideas include hearty mains, finger foods and indulgent desserts. They're easy, crowd-friendly dishes packed with flavor and perfect for sharing, no gluten required.
1/26
Cabbage Roll Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I layer cabbage with tomato sauce and ground beef lasagna-style to create a hearty casserole that tastes like cabbage rolls but without all the work. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 384 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 813mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein.
2/26
Big-Batch Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this dish for football-watching parties because it feeds so many people. It leaves my mouth watering for it the rest of the year! —Kecia McCaffrey, South Dennis, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 288 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
3/26
5-Bean Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves the variety of beans in this simple salad. My husband, Chuck, just can't get enough of it. The colorful classic is made with an oil and vinegar dressing and, of course, five different kinds of beans. —Jeanette Simec, Ottawa, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 162 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
4/26
Dried Cranberry Sharp Cheddar Cheese Balls
From the Recipe Creator:
These personal-sized cheese balls are such a pleasure to pass around at a party. They’re much easier to eat than their full-scale counterparts. —DonnaMarie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 83 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
5/26
Crispy Grilled Wings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is full of chicken-wing fiends. If there’s a wing-eating contest, my husband is entering. Same goes for our 9-year-old daughter, who’s very proud of her record (16 wings). Our preference is crispy wings, which can be achieved on the grill with cornstarch. —Audrey Alfaro, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 60 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
6/26
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
From the Recipe Creator:
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good that I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com. The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 393 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 757mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
7/26
Hamburger Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves the stew, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
8/26
Broccoli Grape Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
People can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
9/26
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Tired of the same old side dish, I whipped up this new family favorite. We can't get enough of these loaded mashed potatoes at our house. Often, I'll prepare this casserole ahead and refrigerate it. Then I bake it just before serving. —Dawn Reuter, Oxford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 307 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
10/26
Slow-Cooked Bean Medley
From the Recipe Creator:
I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 255 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
11/26
Best Ever Beans and Sausage
From the Recipe Creator:
When my wife asks what she should make for a gathering, she’s always told to bring this—and a couple of copies of the recipe! —Robert Saulnier, Clarksburg, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 316 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
12/26
Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
From the Recipe Creator:
I took my mother's delicious sweet potato casserole and gave it a new twist by adding the tempting taste of orange—a fruit very abundant in our state. The flavors are wonderful together and make this dish a family favorite. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 312 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
13/26
Colcannon
From the Recipe Creator:
Every Irish family has its own colcannon recipe, since it's a classic potato and cabbage dish. My recipe comes from my father's family in Ireland. It's part of my St. Patrick's Day menu, along with lamb chops, carrots and soda bread. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 168 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
14/26
Veggie Chopped Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's aunt gave me this recipe back in the '80s, and it's been a staple at our house ever since. I like to make it a day ahead because some time in the fridge makes it even better. Be sure to save yourself some leftovers too. —Madeline Etzkorn, Burien, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 308 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
Love potluck salads? Here’s how to make a gluten-free pasta salad.
15/26
Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
From the Recipe Creator:
Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with about 1/2 cup sauce: 207 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
16/26
Slow-Cooked Ham with Pineapple Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve this dish during the holidays because everyone is crazy about it. But it makes it to the table all year long because it’s super simple to prepare. —Terry Roberts, Yorktown, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked ham with 1/4 cup sauce: 262 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 1638mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
17/26
Chili Verde
From the Recipe Creator:
I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and I figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice and sour cream): 287 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
18/26
Meaty Slow-Cooked Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes a big batch of delicious, meaty gumbo. Stash some away in the freezer for days you don't feel like cooking. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup jambalaya with 2/3 cup cooked rice: 387 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
19/26
No-Fuss Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe could hardly be simpler to prepare. The chicken gets a wonderful tangy taste, and no one will know you used convenient ingredients like a bottle of salad dressing and onion soup mix—unless you tell them. —Marilyn Dick, Centralia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 275 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
20/26
Slow-Cooker Kalua Pork & Cabbage
From the Recipe Creator:
My slow-cooker pork has four ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to prep. The result tastes just like the luscious slow-roasted kalua pork that's served in Hawaii. —Rholinelle DeTorres, San Jose, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 227 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
21/26
Pork and Apple Tamales
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this family favorite for all occasions: a quick dinner, a brown-bag lunch, a hearty snack or even a fun appetizer. —Marie Macy, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3 tamales: 380 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
22/26
The Best Shepherd’s Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
23/26
Bahamian Peas & Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
Ham, rice and veggies all in one bowl is so good on its own, but I often serve it up with deli potato salad or mac and cheese. —Pamela Vitti Knowles, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 304 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
24/26
Shredded Pork with Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe, which my sons say is a keeper. For a change of pace, spoon the tasty filling into soft tortillas. —Sarah Johnston, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 207 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 595mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
25/26
Mom’s Tamale Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I don't believe my mom ever used a recipe for her tamale pie, but I came up with this version that tastes very much like the one she used to make. It's been popular at our church gatherings and faculty luncheons, and my kids love it! —Waldine Guillott, DeQuincy, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 296 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
26/26
Sassy Salsa Meat Loaves
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days. Make meat loaf sandwiches with the leftovers, buns and a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Gluten-Free Potluck Recipes FAQ
What are some quick gluten-free ideas for a potluck?
Quick gluten-free potluck ideas include simple bean and veggie salads tossed with herbs and citrus, baked potato wedges with a gluten-free dipping sauce, and veggie-packed casseroles with gluten-free bread crumbs. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes for traditional proteins if you want quick vegan recipes. Focus on simple ingredients that require minimal substitutions, and prepare in advance to minimize spending time in the kitchen on the day of the gathering.
Can I make gluten-free dishes ahead of time?
Many gluten-free potluck recipes taste better with time. Casseroles, slow-cooked mains like jambalayas, and bean-based salads store well in the fridge and can be reheated on the day. Cool the dishes completely before refrigerating in airtight food containers. Keep toppings like fresh herbs or crumb coatings separate until ready to serve. If you’re bringing gluten-free dishes to a mixed-diet crowd, pack and transport everything in clean, labelled containers to avoid cross-contact.
What are gluten-free dessert options for potlucks?
There are several gluten-free desserts for potlucks. Favorites include shortbread cookies, pumpkin pies and no-bake bars, which are easy to prep, pack and serve. You can also make popular desserts like flourless chocolate cake, almond meal brownies or coconut macaroons. Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats or flours. For something lighter, fresh fruit with whipped cream or a simple pudding also goes a long way, especially when you want a quick and easy gluten-free dessert.
