7 Gluten-Free Comfort Foods That Will Satisfy Your Cravings Without the Tummy Troubles

Living with dietary restrictions, whether from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or celiac disease, can sometimes feel overwhelming. Carefully choosing what you eat becomes second nature, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of indulgent, satisfying meals. In fact, comfort food can still be part of your life—it just takes a little creativity and the right gluten-free ingredients.

If you’ve ever thought your favorite comfort foods were off-limits, think again. From hearty classics to cozy treats, there’s a whole world of gluten-free options waiting to satisfy your cravings. Best of all, these recipes are designed to be as gentle on your stomach as they are delicious.

Below, you’ll find seven gluten-free comfort foods that deliver all the warmth and flavor you love—without the worry. Let’s dig in!

1. Pizza Grilled Cheese 

Servings: 4

Ingredients: 

• 1 stick salted butter, softened
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 clove minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper
• 8 slices Schär Artisan Baker White Bread
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 20-24 slices pepperoni

Instructions: 

1. In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, parmesan, garlic, and parsley.
2. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. 
3. Lay out four slices of bread on a flat surface.
4. To each slice of bread, add a slice of mozzarella cheese, followed by 5-6 slices of pepperoni, and another slice of mozzarella cheese. 
5. Top each sandwich with a second piece of bread.
6. Spread parmesan garlic butter on the outsides of each sandwich, top and bottom.
7. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
8. Cook the sandwiches in batches, if needed, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and crisp. Serve hot.

2. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Penne

Servings: 4

Ingredients: 

• 1 box Schär Penne Pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3-4 cups chopped broccoli
• Salt and pepper
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• ¼ cup butter
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese 

Instructions: 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil then add the penne pasta. 
2. Cook the pasta according to the manufacturer’s instructions then drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the broccoli and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for 6-8 minutes until bright green and tender then remove to a large bowl.
6. Reheat the skillet with another tablespoon of oil and add the chicken.
7. Season the chicken with salt and pepper then cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, stirring as needed.
8. Transfer the chicken to the bowl with the broccoli then add the butter to the skillet while it’s still hot.
9. Add the garlic and cook on medium-low heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Pour in the heavy cream and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
11. Stir in the parmesan cheese and bring the sauce to a bubble before reducing the heat to low.
12. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
13. Fold in the cooked chicken and broccoli, adding a little of the pasta water if needed to thin the sauce. Serve hot.

3. Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Burgers

Servings: 4

Ingredients: 

• 1 ½ pounds ground sausage
• Salt and pepper
• 8 slices bacon
• 4 slices cheese (your choice)
• 4 Schär Hamburger Buns
• 3-4 tablespoons melted butter
• 4 large eggs

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Shape the ground sausage into four patties (about 5 inches wide) and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp.
4. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain then wipe the skillet clean, reserving 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
5. Reheat the skillet to medium-high then add the sausage patties.
6. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. 
7. Top each patty with a slice of cheese.
8. Brush the cut sides of the hamburger buns with melted butter and place them butter-side-up on the baking sheet.
9. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and cook for 3-4 minutes to melt the cheese.
10. Remove the sausage patties to a plate and keep warm while the buns continue to bake until browned.
11. Meanwhile, heat the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet over medium-high heat.
12. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks still slightly runny. 
13. Remove the skillet from the heat and season the eggs with salt and pepper.
14. Assemble the burgers by placing a fried egg and pieces of bacon on top of each patty and sandwiching them between the toasted buns.

4. Baked Mac and Cheese 

Servings: 6

Ingredients: 

• 1 box Schär Fusilli Pasta
• Olive oil, as needed
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups shredded gruyere cheese 
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish then set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil then add the fusilli.
3. Cook for 2 minutes less than the manufacturer’s instructions then drain and toss with a drizzle of oil in a large bowl. 
4. Combine the two cheeses then divide it into two portions (about 3 cups each).
5. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat then whisk in the gluten-free flour.
6. Cook for 1 minute, whisking often, then slowly drizzle in 2 cups of half-and-half while whisking constantly.
7. Slowly whisk in the remaining half-and-half along with the whole milk until smooth.
8. Keep cooking the sauce until it becomes very thick, whisking often.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the spices and one portion of the mixed cheese.
10. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce smooth.
11. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and toss to coat completely.
12. Spread half the pasta in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle half the remaining cheese over top.
13. Add the remaining pasta and cheese mixture then bake for 12-15 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Serve hot.

5. Cheesy Garlic Bread 

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients: 

• 1 package Schär Ciabatta Rolls
• 1 stick salted butter
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 12 ounces sliced mozzarella
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Slice the ciabatta rolls in half lengthwise and place the halves cut-side-up on the baking sheet.
3. In a small pan, melt the butter then add the garlic and simmer for 60 seconds.
4. Remove from heat and brush the butter over the ciabatta.
5. Layer the ciabatta with slices of mozzarella and sprinkle with parsley.
6. Bake for 10 minutes or so until the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.
7. Cool for a minute or two then slice to serve.

6. Spaghetti with Spicy Meatballs

Servings: 8

Ingredients: 

• 3 slices Schär Deli Style Bread, cubed
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 boxes Schär Spaghetti
• 4 (16-ounce) jars pasta sauce
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese 

Meatball Ingredients: 

• 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
• ½ pound lean ground beef
• ½ pound ground hot Italian sausage
• 1 cup grated asiago cheese
• 1 small bunch fresh chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large eggs

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Place the bread cubes in a food processor and pulse into coarse crumbs.
3. Pour the crumbs into a small bowl and toss with the milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining meatball ingredients with the soaked bread, tossing by hand until it just comes together.
5. Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until browned and cooked through.
7. Pour the pasta sauce into a large pot and add the cooked meatballs.
8. Slowly bring the sauce to a simmer while you cook the spaghetti to al dente in a large pot of salted water.
9. Drain the spaghetti and divide among serving bowls.
10. Top each serving with sauce, meatballs, and parmesan to serve.

7. Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

Servings: 12

Ingredients: 

• 2 Schär Baguettes
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ plus 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 10 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cup milk 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, to garnish

Instructions: 

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Cut the baguettes into cubes, measuring 12 cups of cubed bread into a large bowl.
3. Spread about 2/3 of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
4. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 1/3 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
5. Spoon the cream cheese mixture in dollops over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
6. Sprinkle fresh berries over top then add the remaining bread cubes.
7. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and the remaining ½ cup sugar.
8. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and lightly press down on the bread to help it soak up the liquid.
9. Cover and chill overnight then, when ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F.
10. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and the top is browned.
11. Cool for 5 minutes then sprinkle with powdered sugar to serve.

With a few gluten-free staples, there’s no limit to what you can create. From hearty sandwiches, soups, and stews to pasta dishes, casseroles, and even desserts, you’ll find the supplies you need in the Schär shop. Stock up now before the holiday season gets into full swing so you’ll always have what you need on hand. 

Don’t forget to check out the Schär blog for more gluten-free recipes.