A Gluten Free Feast: 5 Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Gluten Free Catering Menu
With Celiac disease and gluten sensitivities on the rise, these days it’s important to include gluten free items on your menu to accommodate your guests. In honor of National Gluten Free Day this past weekend, we’re sharing our top tips on crafting your perfect gluten free menu – without compromising the taste!
1: Understand What Gluten Is in the First Place
Your cousin is requesting there be some gluten free menu options at your big event. Before rolling your eyes, understand that eating gluten can cause health issues and/or discomfort for someone who has Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or a gluten intolerance.
So what is it, anyway? Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat (and its varieties), rye, spelt and barley. Therefore, items like pasta, bread (yes, even our famous corn bread), pastries, croutons, flour tortillas, and beer are a no-go for your gluten free guests. Beyond those obvious foods, it can even sneak its way into many items like dressing, sauces and gravy, so make sure to ask your caterer what items do and don’t contain gluten!
2: Don’t Feel Bad About Asking
On that note, never feel bad about asking what ingredients are in a particular meal, or making special requests due to food allergies or restrictions. It’s your event, after all!
Take a lesson from one of our brides, Courtney, who was diagnosed with Celiac disease six months before her wedding. “On a whim, I called up B&M and explained the situation. Without any hesitation, the delightful woman {Stephanie} on the other end of the phone assured me the entire menu for our day could be made gluten-free and safe for me to eat (and other attendees with similar diet restrictions).”
Are you in a similar situation? Please feel free to reach out to us prior to your event, and we’ll be happy to put together a list of what is or isn’t gluten free on your menu.
3: Stick to the Basics
Luckily, many items on our menu are already naturally gluten free. Stick to the basics you’re familiar with to ensure you’re comfortable with your menu.
Don’t worry, they may be “basic” but they’re still full of flavor!
Some items that are naturally gluten free include our BBQ sauce, mojo for chicken, potatoes, Roasted Pig and its accompanying sauces, burgers and dogs (just skip the bun!), corn on the cob, steamed clams & mussels, all our bean dishes and the Grilled Veggie Medley. And these are just the basics!
Reach out for a full list of our gluten free items, or if you’re unsure about anything.
4: Skip the Fried Seafood and Go Raw, Baked or Steamed!
If you’re on a gluten free diet or catering to gluten free guests, you’ll want to skip the fried food! Sorry, that means clamcakes and coconut shrimp are off the menu for you. Luckily, many of our seafood items are gluten free so hosting a Clambake could be a great catering option for you, especially for an outdoor wedding or backyard affair.
Guests can enjoy delicious seafood items like lobster, steamed clams, and steamed mussels with their accompaniments like potatoes, corn on the cob, salad and refreshing summertime favorite: watermelon. A Raw Bar may also be a great add-on, including gluten free items like shrimp cocktail, shucked littlenecks, and shucked oysters. Just be mindful of the sauces, and ask if you have any questions!
5: Don’t forget the apps!
Every good party has some tasty appetizers, and luckily there are many gluten free options available for you.
Crudite, assorted cheese (just skip the crackers), fresh fruit, hummus (skip the tabouli), tomato & mozzarella skewers with pesto, shrimp cocktail, and scallops wrapped in bacon will wow all of your gluten free guests! Reach out to us for a complete list of gluten free stationary appetizers and passed hors d’oeuvres.
Planning your dream gluten free menu?
Reach out to us to request a quote for your event and get started!
