Besides the orange-red leaves and crisp air,
how do you know when it’s officially fall?
The food!
As soon as pumpkin spice takes over the planet, everyone knows it’s time to get down and dirty with rich, autumnal meals. It’s what makes those seasonal gatherings so fun, right?
Bring on the spices, squashes, and campfire s’mores!
However, if you want to host the best fall party -ever-, you need a handy list of go-to, gluten-free ingredients to incorporate into your menu.
Why?
‘Cause it’s fall y'all!
Table of Contents:
8 Naturally Gluten-Free Fall Ingredients You Need
20 Gluten-Free Recipes for Cozy Fall Gatherings
- Eat Fall for Breakfast!
- Winner, Winner Autumn Dinners
- Easy, Must-Try Fall Desserts
- Autumns Up! Sip These Drinks
8 Naturally Gluten-Free Fall Ingredients You Need
About those ingredients– it’s no surprise that apples, pumpkin, and cinnamon automatically make the cut.
But let’s be honest; those are a little too obvious.
To step into the rockstar host you are, blow your guests away with surprising fall ingredients that aren’t so...duh.
Use the list below!
1. Cloves
Cloves are the flower buds of the evergreen clove tree, and I bet you use them in everything from your pumpkin pie and pot roasts to cozy drinks.
They have a deliciously warm, yet sort of spicy taste that just pops in your mouth. And the smell?
The smell radiates a woody, cinnamony glow.
Not-So-Known Benefits:- Rich in antioxidants
- An antimicrobial thought to promote oral health
- Regulates blood sugar
- Promotes bone health
Pro Tip: You can simmer whole cloves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes for a tummy-soothing cup of clove tea!
2. Butternut Squash
Did you know that butternut squash is actually a fruit?
Yep, it’s one of those confusing fruits that seem like a vegetable. (Don’t even get me started on tomatoes.)
Squash is typically roasted or baked to perfection, though sometimes it’s blended up into a rich soup. It has a slightly nutty flavor mixed with hints of sweetness, while the texture is super akin to pumpkin.
Not-So-Known Benefits:- Rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamin A and C
- High in antioxidants
- May lower risk of heart disease
- May aid weight loss due to its low-calorie contents
3. Pecans
Candied pecans, butter pecan ice cream, pecan pie, pecan nut butter– the list goes on!
Pecans are a very popular tree nut found in North America and a great addition to well, literally everything. Their buttery, rich flavor makes its way to breakfast, salads, desserts, and especially fall-themed dishes.
But are they healthy?
Keep in mind: their high-fat content could contribute to weight gain if you eat too many servings. However, they still have benefits to go around!
Not-So-Known Benefits:- Good source of healthy fats & fiber, which contributes to stabilizing blood sugar
- Good source of copper, thiamine, and zinc
- Contribute to improved heart health
- May reduce inflammation
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato casserole, anyone?
These starchy roots are a staple to Thanksgiving dinner tables everywhere, but what makes them so special?
Firstly, their colors.
Sweet potatoes can either be orange, purple, or white, making them a gorgeous addition to any fall meal.
Since they’re also similar to pumpkin’s consistency, they’re perfect for plenty of hearty, autumnal dishes, like casseroles, soups, and hashes.
Not-So-Known Benefits:- High in fiber, which is great for digestion
- Rich in nutrients like Vitamin A, C, & B6– not to mention manganese and potassium
- Support eye health
- May support your immune system
5. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is the king of breakfast pancakes, but recently, I feel like it’s paved the way to the top ingredients of fall as well.
I mean, c’mon.
It comes from a tree– or more specifically, the sugar maple tree!
Cool, right?
You can even use it as an organic sweetener in your coffee for a fall flavor twist since it’s sans the refined sugar. Maple is all-natural, baby!
Not-So-Known Benefits:- Has antioxidants
- High in manganese and zinc
Pro Tip: Beware of the high sugar content! Even though it’s not refined, too much can still cause consequences like high blood sugar.
6. Beets
Beets, or beetroots, are yep, you guessed it:
A root!
Coincidentally, they’re also this gorgeous, deep purple color that just screams warm, autumnal vibes. To top it off, they’re also super delish and can go with pretty much anything, even cakes!
Fun fact: Beet juice has been used as a natural dye since the 16th century!
Not-So-Known Benefits:- High in nutrients like folate
- Can stabilize blood pressure
- Can fight inflammation
- High in fiber, which can improve your digestion
7. Pomegranate
Cranberries are common, but pomegranates?
They’re special!
Their vibrant, pink-red tones and juicy sweetness can take your fall recipes to another level.
Usually, when you talk pomegranates, you’re really talking about their seed or juice, which are the only edible parts of the fruit.
The real kicker?
Healthline deemed it “among the healthiest fruits on Earth.”
Not-So-Known Benefits:- High in fiber, vitamins K & C, and folate
- Contains medicinal properties like powerful antioxidants and fatty acids
- Can lower inflammation
- May lower blood pressure
- Can help fight infection
- May lower risk of heart disease
8. Artichokes
You know how we all seem to assume that artichokes are vegetables?
Well, they’re actually a thistle, which is a type of flower! They were originally used in the Mediterranean for medicinal properties.
Okay, but what does this have to do with fall?
Artichokes are also so yummy when combined with warm, comfy meals filled with spices and creams.
Is that you, autumn?
Not-So-Known Benefits:- High in fiber, protein, folate, and vitamin K
- Can improve cholesterol levels
- May improve liver health
- May help lower blood sugar
Remember– you can eat both the leaves and heart, and they’re super simple to steam in 30 minutes or less!
20 Gluten-Free Recipes for Cozy Fall Gatherings
Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal from Caitlin Shoemaker of From My Bowl
Ready to have some fun in the kitchen?
Dang right you are!
Now that you know some of the best fall ingredients, it’s time to bring everyone together with mind-blowing autumn recipes.
Eat Fall for Breakfast!
A great day starts with a great breakfast.
Actually, scratch that...a fall-themed breakfast.
Here are 5 mouth-watering recipes for mornings with a crowd or on your own!
1. Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls just make you want to snuggle up on the couch, don’t they?
The doughy cinnamon and sweet cream cheese frosting make for the ultimate comfort food.
...And everything about it just screams fall.
Except these rolls come with a healthy twist:
They’re gluten-free, oil-free, refined sugar-free, vegan, and low-cal.
I’ll take two, please!
2. Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Oh hey again, sweet potatoes.
Bring on the goodness with this all-around-yum hash, filled with bacon, kale, onions, red peppers, eggs, green onion, and garlic.
It’s filling, easy on the eyes, and super easy to customize!
For instance, you could add extra veggies like bell peppers or even experiment with fun spices like ginger.
3. Skillet Beets, Spinach, & Eggs
Red and gold are autumn’s anthem colors, and this beet skillet recipe is full of those exact beautiful hues.
Just chop up some red and yellow beets and saute for a couple of minutes.
P.S. The beets will definitely bleed into the eggs, but not to worry. Say hello to purple eggs!
4. Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal
Two perfect fall ingredients in one dish!
Maple pecan baked oatmeal is great if you’re feeding a crowd, as it’s super easy to just throw in a large baking dish.
And guess what?
You can top it with pomegranate seeds for the ultimate breakfast of champions!
5. Super Antioxidant Pumpkin Smoothie
It’s not fall until you’ve had something pumpkin, so let this smoothie be the start of your autumn journey. It’s loaded with antioxidants through green tea, cloves, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon.
And yes!
The spices totally make the smoothie into the best fall breakfast.
Add a little extra cloves for a kick!
Winner, Winner Autumn Dinners
Twice Baked Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Casserole from Nyssa Tanner of Nyssa's Kitchen
After a long, chilly day, a fall dinner is exactly what you need. Thankfully, these entrees scratch that warm, hearty itch and are also great for entertaining.
Best. Fall Party. Ever.
6. Italian Baked Stuffed Artichoke Hearts
These Italian baked stuffed artichoke hearts will knock your gathering out of the park.
The hearts are beaming with gluten-free breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon.
Holiday or not, artichoke hearts are where it’s at!
7. Butternut Squash Lasagna Rolls
These gluten-free lasagna rolls are sure to elevate your dinner soiree.
They’re coated in a rich bechamel sauce but still retain that fall feeling with butternut squash and a pinch of nutmeg.
Keep in mind; this recipe requires a little extra work. However, it’s totally worth it!
8. Twice Baked Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Casserole
Who knew potatoes could be so luscious?
This sweet potato casserole is a classic autumn bite with a savory twist, and the potatoes are oh-so-smooth!
The only problem?
You’re forced to choose between this savory version or the classic marshmallow sweet potato edition on Thanksgiving Day.
So why not both?
9. Sheet Pan Apple Cinnamon Chicken
The real question:
Where has apple cinnamon chicken been all my life?
It’s such a fun fall recipe idea.
Just a little chicken-soaking in apple cider and cinnamon, then baking alongside potatoes, apples, and swiss chard.
Yum!
10. Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
How do you make a delicious, creamy vegan soup without nuts, dairy, or gluten?
Hint: Combine coconut cream and butternut squash.
The results are a buttery, sweet, and milky soup you could eat all week.
Can’t get enough of these fall dinner recipes? Make sure to check out these 41 Gluten-Free Party Food Recipes for the Holidays!
Easy, Must-Try Fall Desserts
Maple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from Mia Zarlengo of Gathered Nutrition
Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Hot treats loaded with sweet are a huge part of the autumn cheer, so keep these go-to dessert recipes in your back pocket for when you need them.
11. Healthier Caramel Apple S’mores
Can healthy and s’mores even belong in the same sentence?
In this recipe, they can!
Healthier caramel apple s’mores defy the odds by combining two popular fall desserts into one:
Caramel apples, chocolate, and marshmallows.
You can’t help but say “Mmm-mmm-mmm” with every bite!
12. Chocolate Beet Cake
Are you crazy? A beet cake?
Hold up those anti-beetroot horses for a sec, and hear me out.
When you combine beets, chocolate, almond flour, and coconut sugar, magic happens.
It creates this irresistibly moist cake that’s not only healthier than typical chocolate cake, but also takes fall desserts up 10 notches.
Let them eat cake!
13. Pecan Pie Bars
Ever thought something like “pecan pie needs to be more accessible?”
...me neither.
But once you make these gluten-free pecan pie bars, you’ll never want to go back. Bars are so much fun when they’re thick and packed with sweetness at your fingertips!
Just picture heavy, flaky shortbread topped with pecan pie perfection.
Enough said!
14. Maple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Maple already brings that unique woody feel to the table, but when it’s brought into this cake as a key flavor player, you won’t even be able to handle the angelic goodness.
Texture is always a concern when you’re making gluten-free cake, but thankfully, no worries about that here.
Watch out for moist and fluffy flawlessness!
15. Apple Cranberry Crisp
Apples, cranberries, pomegranates, orange, cinnamon, cloves, and maple syrup– it’s the ultimate fall food whammy!
This apple cranberry crisp is the exact healthier dessert recipe you’re looking for. It’s a little on the tart side, but you can always hike up the coconut sugar to balance it out.
Autumns Up! Sip These Drinks
Have mixed drinks about feelings?
You won’t after these five fall-favorite drink recipes. Whether you’re making a large batch for a gathering or just want to cozy up with a warm mug while you Netflix, these recipes are for you!
16. Slow Cooker Chai Tea Latte
Vegan, keto, alcohol-free, and made in the slow cooker?
Sign me up!
This chai tea latte has all of those autumn, soul-warming spices, like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and peppercorns.
Plus, since it uses maple syrup as a sweetener, let’s go ahead and round this recipe off as the best fall beverage ever.
17. Mulled Wine
You can’t talk about seasonal drinks without mentioning mulled wine. It’s such a classic!
The deep red wine, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and maple syrup work together in mouth-watering harmony.
You can even make it in the slow cooker, too!
18. Hot Spiced Apple Cider
You didn’t think I was going to leave out apple cider, did you?
No way!
We’ve got another crockpot drink here, except this one is only four ingredients– well, five if you feel like spiking it with your favorite rum.
19. Turmeric Latte Mix
If you haven’t heard of a turmeric latte before, it’s basically the healthiest latte on the planet.
Turmeric has all sorts of health benefits, the main one being uber anti-inflammatory properties. So if you’re stressed and struggling, you might consider swapping out your PSL with this turmeric latte mix.
It still has fall written all over it with those amazing spices!
20. Sparkling Citrus Pomegranate Mocktail
Everyone needs a little more sparkle in their lives, so why not pop the bubbly with this sparkling citrus pomegranate mocktail?
This recipe does all of the hard work for you by providing measurements for one serving, a pitcher, and an entire punch bowl.
P.S. If you’d like a spike, chuck in some vodka!
Cheers!
Don’t Take the Fall, Spice it Up!
Crisp air and cozy foods are the ultimate autumn combination, and when you’re hosting a fall gathering, it’s super important to bring those comfort dishes to the table.
Thanks to the ingredients and recipes above, you can bring the autumn heat with warm meals that are still gluten-free!
Enjoy!