By Hayley Simpson / Last Modified On April 19, 2023
Just like this handy blog, gluten-free cookbooks are a must for people following a gluten-free lifestyle.
But with so many available, we understand how overwhelming it can be to find the right cookbook to suit your needs and lifestyle. Do you want quick, easy, and budget-friendly recipes? Do you want to become a pro gluten-free baker? Do you want to become a meal-planning professional?
Today, we’re doing a deep dive into the best gluten-free recipe books on the market – before revealing the one that takes the title of best gluten-free cookbook.
The 7 Best Gluten-Free Cookbooks
Best for Kids: Gluten-Free Recipes for Kids
Some children can be disheartened by gluten intolerance or feel like they’re missing out by growing up in a gluten-free household. Gluten-Free Recipes for Kids is made just for them. There are 85 kid-friendly recipes split into six sections: breakfast, kids’ lunch, party fare, smart snacking, sweets and treats, and family dinners.
Most of the recipes are simple enough that kids can act as sous chefs while you prepare them in the kitchen. Popular options include:
- Chocolate chip scones
- Tropical chicken wings
- Gluten-free graham crackers
- Peanut butter pudding
An introductory section is filled with educational information and helpful tips that are perfect for parents starting their gluten-free journey.
The major downside is that the book was published over 10 years ago. Fortunately, the recipes are mostly evergreen kids’ favorites – and there’s nothing quite like it on the market today. To try it for yourself, check out Gluten-Free Recipes for Kids on Amazon today.
Best Dairy and Gluten-Free Cookbook: Against All Grain
Against All Grain was featured in our best paleo cookbook round-up, but it ticks several dietary boxes. You see, it’s a paleo, grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free cookbook. After Danielle Walker’s autoimmune disease diagnosis transformed her diet and life, she went on to create an award-winning food blog and then this cookbook.
One of our favorite parts is that it includes eight weeks of dinner ideas and make-ahead options. Meal preppers: This is the best gluten-free cookbook for you. Walker also includes shopping lists and recipes to prepare with the leftovers!
You may think the recipes get more complicated with greater exclusions, but Walker features plenty of 30-minute, one-pot, and slow-cooker meals to fit into your busy lifestyle. Slow cooker pork ragu, anyone?
The main disadvantage of this cookbook is that Walker relies heavily on coconut flour. This might be problematic for those with allergies, but there isn’t a cookbook that appeals more to people with more than one dietary preference. Find Against All Grain on Amazon today.
Best for Beginners: The Easy Gluten-Free Cookbook
Are you dipping your toe into the gluten-free pond? If so, we strongly recommend starting with The Easy Gluten-Free Cookbook. It’s designed for busy people looking for quick and easy gluten-free meals. Each recipe is either:
- Prepared in under 30 minutes.
- Made using only five ingredients.
- Only requires one pot or pan.
They might be fast and fuss-free, but every recipe is also delicious. Gluten-free breakfast tacos, I’m coming for you! The author, Lindsay Garza also includes extra identifiers. Whether you’re nut-free, dairy-free, vegan, or vegetarian, she's got you covered.
In the beginning, you’ll find gluten-free guidelines too. Learn everything you need to know about prepping breakfast to making dessert on a gluten-free lifestyle.
The cons:
- This book is designed for beginner cooks. It may seem a bit too basic and easy for seasoned gluten-free cooks looking to flex their chef muscles.
- Not every recipe includes images.
That said, if you’re a beginner looking for easy gluten-free recipes, step this way. You can buy The Easy Gluten-Free Cookbook on Amazon today.
Best for Vegans: The Complete Vegan Gluten-Free Cookbook
The Complete Vegan Gluten-Free Cookbook features 125 simple and flavorful gluten-free vegan recipes. It’s perfect for vegans or for those looking to add some healthier whole-food options to their repertoire.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Lots of variety: There are gluten-free baked goods, breakfast options, date-night dishes, and vegan snacks.
- Extra categories: This includes soy-free, nut-free, plant-based whole foods, and easy meals ready in under 30 minutes.
- General information about gluten-free and vegan cooking: This includes pantry-stocking tips, essential ingredients, cooking techniques, and unique spice blends.
Ready to take your vegan gluten-free cooking to a new level? Check out The Complete Gluten-Free Vegan Cookbook.
Sometimes, you just don’t have time to make everything from scratch. This gluten-free and vegan Caesar dressing is a delicious way to shake up mealtime!
Best Gluten-Free Baking Book: Alternative Baker
No, your baking career isn’t over – there are plenty of gluten-free baking books available! But we think Alternative Baker takes the cake (pun intended) with the best gluten-free baking cookbook.
Alana Taylor-Tobin’s mission is “reinventing dessert with gluten-free grains and flours.” She features over 100 recipes made with an assortment of gluten-free flours. This includes corn, oat, almond, and buckwheat flour.
Her recipes are also super approachable for beginning bakers, so don’t be afraid. Learn how to make:
- Gluten-free gingerbread
- Lemon ricotta biscuits that apparently taste like actual sunshine.
- Fresh fruit pies baked in a crunchy gluten-free crust.
Is your mouth watering yet? Ours sure are! The major downside is the author’s use of nut-based flour and grains, which won’t fit all dietary needs. But if you’re looking for a beautiful gluten-free baking cookbook, Alternative Baker is our top pick.
Best on a Budget: Gluten-Free on a Shoestring
If you think gluten-free cooking is naturally expensive, think again: Gluten-Free on a Shoestring features 125 recipes that promote eating well on a budget. Author Nicole Hunn shares recipes for family favorites that are easy to make and easy on the budget. Learn how to make cinnamon rolls, chicken pot pie, banana cream pie, and eggplant parmesan.
Hunn also shares the best gluten-free flour blends and pantry-stocking tips to keep your grocery list as cost-effective as possible. She truly has you and your wallet covered from breakfast to dessert.
Ready to enjoy some budget bites? Find Gluten-Free on a Shoestring on Amazon today.
Best Gluten-Free Cookbook: How to Make Anything Gluten-Free
How to Make Anything Gluten-Free has a 5-star rating and over 6000 Amazon reviews. So it’s clear we aren’t the only ones who believe it's the best gluten-free cookbook available. This Sunday Times Bestseller demonstrates that you don’t have to miss out on your favorite foods when you’re on a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-free recipe developer Becky Excell created the book to show that “a gluten-free life can be exciting and easy.” From pad Thai to doughnuts to pizza, this gluten-free recipe book certainly lives up to its name, including more than 100 recipes.
Plus, there are dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, and low FODMAP conversions included. In the beginning, you’ll find common ingredients and equipment recommendations, too. This is the perfect book for beginners and experts looking to diversify their gluten-free meals.
The only downside is that there isn’t a photo of each recipe (which we know some readers desire). But if you want helpful tips and advice on how to make anything gluten-free, buy the cookbook on Amazon today.
What to Look For in Gluten-Free Cookbooks in 2023
Here are a few things to look out for when finding the right gluten-free recipe book for you.
Experience
Are you beginning your gluten-free journey? If so, we recommend choosing a cookbook filled with helpful tips and educational information to start yourself off on the right foot. If you’re simply looking for more recipes to add to your weekly meal-planning schedule, we suggest How to Make Anything Gluten-Free.
Experience also relates to your cooking style. To keep things easy and simple, we recommend The Easy Gluten-Free Cookbook. But if you’re after more variety, check out our top pick.
The final piece of the experience puzzle is the author’s expertise. To understand more about their abilities and recommendations, check out their author bio to discover their experience both eating and developing gluten-free recipes.
Approachability
This is a big one. If you’re a beginner and busy home cook, peruse the recipes and see how many steps are involved. Are there lots of intricate steps and foreign ingredients you won’t be able to get at your local supermarket? If so, that particular cookbook might not fit into your lifestyle. Fortunately, most of these gluten-free recipe books fit the approachability bill.
Dietary Preference
Pick the right cookbook for your lifestyle. For example, if you’re completely grain-free, a typical gluten-free cookbook might not work since many use other grains as substitutes (like quinoa and oats). In turn, if you’re paleo, a basic gluten-free cookbook probably won’t be the best fit either. Fortunately, Against All Grain covers all these bases.
Why Should You Trust Gluten-Free Palate to Choose the Best Gluten-Free Cookbook?
Why should you trust Gluten-Free Palate to choose the best gluten-free cookbook? Because we live, breathe, and eat the gluten-free lifestyle! When it comes to choosing the best gluten-free diet books for personal and professional use, we know exactly what to look for – and we’re here to pass this knowledge on to you.
From our camping food to our top picks for gluten-free beer, we’re one of the top gluten-free resources on the world wide web!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Else Do Cookbooks Offer Besides Recipes?
A good cookbook will offer readers more than just recipes, like:
- Common ingredient lists or pantry-stocking tips.
- Equipment recommendations or a section breaking down a specific type (if that’s the book’s focus), like a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
- A glossary of terms specific to the cuisine, country, or cooking style.
Are Recipes in a Cookbook Tested?
Yes, there are usually several rounds of testing before the cookbook can be published. First, the author will have had to develop and test the recipe. Many authors and publishers hire experienced recipe testers who act like readers and create the recipe according to the instructions. This helps the author understand whether anything needs to be clarified or added. It’s common for recipes to be tested up to four times before being published.
Pair Your Gluten-Free Cookbook with a Cooking Class
Do you know what goes hand-in-hand with the best gluten-free cookbook? A gluten-free cooking class, of course! Udemy has several gluten-free cooking classes where you can learn valuable kitchen skills like:
- Gluten-free vegan baking
- Perfecting a gluten-free sourdough
- Becoming a pro at Indian gluten-free cooking
Related: 7 Best Gluten-Free Apps to Make Your Life Easier
Sally East
The gluten free cookbooks from America's Test Kitchen transformed our lives. There are a few "different" ingredients in them but I have never had a problem finding any of them.I have served many of their recipes to others and they couldn't believe the results were gluten free. Am I alone in my experience with these cookbooks?
I have not been brave enough to try making bread at all. Have you, or has anyone out there, tried the Test Kitchen's recipes and methods for this?
I'm interested in any feedback about America's Test Kitchens (ATK) cookbooks and methods. Maybe I've been over working myself.