Waking up on a Sunday morning, sunlight streaming into the room, you stretch and smile. The smell of brewing coffee fills the air. And then it hits you—it’s brunch day. It’s the weekend and time to treat yourself and your loved ones with a hearty feast. Your stomach grumbles at the thought but then your heart sinks—brunch options can seem limited to those living a gluten-free lifestyle.
But never fear, because I am here! Brunch can be a wonderful vista of opportunities even in a gluten-free world. Trust me, your love for brunch does not have to wither away just because you’re on a gluten-free diet.
Let’s jump into the wonderful world of gluten-free brunches, where we won’t just survive, we’ll thrive.
First, we need to talk about bread. We all know the feeling of biting into a warm, crispy slice of toast smeared with butter or creamy avocado. And if you’re thinking that’s no longer an option, let me assure you, gluten-free living doesn’t mean killing toast!
So where do we start? With gluten-free bread, of course! Brands like Canyon Bakehouse and Udi’s Gluten-Free store their loaves in the freezer section to keep them fresh. And honestly, they taste like real-deal hearty bread. If you’re the adventurous kind who likes to try new things, you can try making your own gluten-free bread at home. Check out my previous post for simple and delectable gluten-free bread recipes.
What’s a classic brunch without some scrambled eggs? Evoking sunny memories and taste buds, scrambles are the breakfast hero we all love. While eggs themselves are gluten-free, many flavor additives contain gluten. Be cautious when purchasing pre-made mixes. When in doubt, a quick scramble of fresh eggs, a pinch of salt, and pepper works wonders.
Don’t forget to sprinkle in some chopped veggies to add nutritional value and texture. As we have discussed before in our guide to making meals more nutritious, adding vegetables to your meals not only provides necessary nutrients but also makes the dish more visually appealing and delicious.
Next on the list, bacon, because who can resist a few slices of that savory delight? Be sure to check the label for gluten-containing additives like malt flavoring, modified food starch, or soy sauce. Otherwise, naturally smoked, thick-cut bacon is usually a safe choice.
Now when we think of brunch beverages, the first thing that comes to mind is bottomless mimosas or a spicy Bloody Mary. But for us gluten-free friends, beer, malt beverages, and some alcoholic beverages containing flavorings or other additives may contain gluten.
Instead, look for brunch beverages made from gluten-free sources. A mimosa is typically a safe choice, since it’s just champagne and orange juice, both normally gluten-free. Or mix it up with a hibiscus tea mimosa or a fruit-infused sparkling water.
And today, a variety of gluten-free beers are available, brewed from grains such as corn, rice, sorghum, buckwheat, and millet. Please click the link here to read more about the variety of gluten-free alcoholic drinks available in the market.
Last but not least, let’s talk about pancakes. Yes, you read it right. Delicious, fluffy pancakes are not out of reach for gluten-free eaters. All-purpose gluten-free flour is available in many grocery stores, and almond flour or oat flour can also make delicious pancakes.
Add in some fresh fruits, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and they’re ready! And they taste just as satisfying as the ones made with regular flour, especially when topped with fresh blueberries, bananas, or a smear of almond butter.
One thing to keep in mind while preparing a gluten-free brunch is the risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing products. Common sources of contamination include toasters, cutting boards, butter, or knives that have touched gluten. To learn more about how to prevent cross-contamination, check out the post here.
Well, is your stomach grumbling yet? Mine definitely is. Let’s all sidle on over to the kitchen and whip up a fantastic, joy-bringing, gluten-free brunch that’ll make our sunny Sunday mornings even brighter.
Live it up, my gluten-free friends, because yes, brunch is most definitely still on the table.
**Category: Lifestyle & Social**