Here are the 10 best gluten free recipes of 2019, according to you. These are the newly posted recipes on the blog that you loved most this year!
How did these recipes make the “best gluten free recipes” list?
These are the top 10 gluten free recipes published on the blog in 2019, determined by total page views. There's no other way for me to really know what you l-o-v-e loved, since I'm not able to look over your shoulder while you surf the website.
We've been doing the best gluten free recipes list for years now, but only with the top 17 gluten free recipes of 2017 did we begin to limit the best of list to recipes published on the blog during that same calendar year.
I noticed that, otherwise, nearly all of that year's best recipes, by pageviews, would be the same as the best gluten free recipes of 2016. Same goes for the best gluten free recipes of 2018. And so on…
That's just the way the internet works. And anyway, all in all, these are the newest blog recipes you seem to have loved the most. Last year and this, and from here on out, only 10 recipes made the list. It's just a nice, round number.
What's in store for 2020?
In 2020 as every year since I first started this blog in the spring of 2009, I will endeavor to repeat these successes. I never post a recipe on the blog that I don't love, but sometimes we won't be on the same page.
How search engines work
There's a natural tension between the way search engines and social media like Pinterest work, and what new content you'd like to see on the blog. Google and Pinterest take some time to build up traffic to anything new.
If I post a new Christmas cookie recipe in December, it won't see much search traffic until the following year's holiday season. But posting a Christmas cookie recipe in September seems out of place to anyone who visits my blog then.
How I decide what to post
I want my content to continue to serve you for years to come. Since search engines work the way the do, I generally prefer to post evergreen content most months of the year.
When you scroll through the top ten recipes below, from number 10 to number 1, you'll notice that seasonal recipes don't make the list. Evergreen recipes like tortillas, pretzels, birthday cake, and pizza do.
I try to figure out what you used to enjoy before you went gluten free, and come up with recipes to replace those things. Often, that's bread (which is part of why I wrote a whole book about gluten free bread).
There are lots of very good brands of packaged gluten free bread available to purchase. But fresh beats packaged, every day of the week—gluten free or not.
Plus, I have never (ever) eaten gluten free pizza that is any good other than the pizza I've made in my home, with my own two hands. So the best recipe of the year should be a surprise to no one!
Why post a best-of blog list?
My blog recipes are an open book. They are all free for the world to see. All you need is an internet connection to review my hundreds of published gluten free recipes, new and old.
But you can't access my blog statistics. You might see a certain recipe again and again on Pinterest, but you don't know which recipes were the most-trafficked.
As a blog reader myself, I'm always curious ? what the most popular recipes are. Aren't you? Or maybe that's just an occupational hazard.
Here are the 10 best gluten free recipes of 2019
Here they are, from #10 through #1. For each individual recipe, click the highlighted hyperlink below it for the full recipe and all its details.
Number 10 of 10. These soft Paleo flour tortillas are soft, bendable and have a savory buttery taste that goes with everything (with no butter). They even reheat perfectly after being refrigerated or frozen.
Number 9 of 10. These Auntie Anne's-Style Gluten Free Soft Pretzels with sweet mustard dipping sauce are chewy but light and airy. You know that Auntie Anne's smell, and you know you can't have it. Now, you can make your own.
Number 8 of 10. This bakery-style gluten free white cake, made without any egg yolks, is the perfect moist and tender blank canvas to dress up for any occasion. It can be used to make a great birthday cake, too.
Number 7 of 10. These chewy, rich Nutella brownies are naturally gluten free and are truly made with just 3 simple ingredients: Nutella hazelnut spread, eggs, and almond flour. They even have that flaky top that the best chewy brownies have.
Number 6 of 10. This recipe for gluten free buns is for everyone who has ever eaten a burger on a lettuce wrap and pretended it was “fine.” I love lettuce as much as the next person, but it's not a hamburger bun. ?
Number 5 of 10. Made with a water roux (instead of milk), gluten free Japanese milk bread is the softest recipe for batter-style gluten free bread you've ever seen, or tasted. You can make it as a simple loaf, or the 3-piece style pictured.
Number 4 of 10. These easy, cheesy grain free soft tapioca wraps are made with simple gluten free pantry ingredients—plus they stay flexible even when they’re cold and freeze beautifully.
Tapioca starch/flour is the most versatile grain-free starch ever, and has no equal. Pair it with eggs and shredded cheese and you'll be amazed what it can do.
Number 3 of 10. This gluten free naan bread is made extra soft and tender with yogurt, eggs and a bit of butter or ghee in the dough. Make the dough ahead of time, and then fry it up in a pan in minutes.
I often make a batch and half of dough, and make half one night, half another. I'll serve it with shredded chicken one night, then make mini pizzas with it another. This recipe is so popular and beat out almost all the others in page views even though it was posted late in the year.
Number 2 of 10. A simple lemony shortbread crust with a tart, refreshing lemon custard, these gluten free lemon bars are so easy to make. Nearly everyone loves lemon, so I'm not surprised these made the near-top of the year's best-of list.
Number 1 of 10. ? A basic recipe for gluten free pizza dough is one of the single most important staples to have in your kitchen. This one's super simple to make, freezes well after being baked, and defrosts easily.
I can't stress enough how important having a recipe like this is. Even if you're afraid of baking with yeast, it's time to get comfortable with this recipe. It doesn't call for any unfamiliar ingredients, and once you make the dough, you'll feel like dinner is already done.
Thank you all…
Thank you for the trust you place in me. Whether you're new to gluten free baking, or you're an old pro, there's something here for you.
None of it is fancy, at least not intentionally. All of these recipes should stand the test of time. If I don't love it, I don't share it.
I've been blogging for 10+ years, and I don't ever plan to stop. Your favorite recipes will remain. The only thing that may change is your finding a new favorite in 2020 and beyond.
Cheers to a 2020 filled with great gluten free food, and lots of love. From my gluten free family to yours…
Happy New Year! ???
Much love,
Nicole
Amy says
Nicole, thank you profoundly for carving a path for other families who need a GF option and aren’t sure how to navigate. Your efforts continue to enrich our lives. Very best wishes to you and yours in the upcoming year. ?
Nicole Hunn says
You’re so kind, Amy! Thank you so much for the lovely words. I’m so glad what I’m doing seems useful to you and your family!!
Nancy says
Thank you so very much for all that you do and for your wonderful recipes. Have you ever done a recipe for beignets or funnel cakes? These are my kids faves as well as mine but I just can’t do gluten.
Nicole Hunn says
Hi, Nancy, I do have a recipe for gluten free beignets. I haven’t ever published a recipe for funnel cakes, no, but I a recipe for crullers that you could likely use. Just use the search function!
Katherine Galvin says
Thanks so much for your great site. I have become a huge fan in 2019 – starting with the cider donuts! After succeeding with apple pie, I look to your site every time!
Best wishes for 2020!
Nicole Hunn says
Those donuts are a perennial favorite, Katherine. So glad you’ve become such a loyal reader! Cheers to a happy and healthy 2020 together!
GF Mum says
As I look through your list, I realize that I made every one of these incredible recipes this year. Thank you so much for all your hard work, your generosity, and your sense of humour! You have become part of our extended family.
Wishing you all the very best in 2020!
Nicole Hunn says
That’s so lovely to hear, and a true honor. Thank you for your continued patronage!
Lauren Lagergren says
Delicious sounding recipes, but the last time I ate bread or buns with xanthan gum, I had a terrible belly ache and gas that evening and all the next day. It would be nice if you could suggest a substitute for the xanthan gum.
Nicole Hunn says
I’m afraid the only substitute I know for xanthan gum is guar gum, Lauren.
Shelley says
Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes! Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy & delicious 2020!!
Nicole Hunn says
It’s my pleasure, Shelley, and the same to you and yours!!
Karen says
Thank you for working hard on making great gf recipes! I always check your site and cookbooks when I am looking for a recipe because I know it will not be a waste of time making something that isn’t good because the recipes I have tried from you have always turned out great!
Nicole Hunn says
That’s the very best, Karen! I’m so grateful to be that reliable resource for you. Thank you for saying so.
Hilary Relton says
Thanks Nicole! Loved your thin mint (girl scout) cookies – they were amazing and my GF and non-GF friends raved about them too. And finally success with Tom’s sandwich bread – have made it three times! And from your bread cook book the crackers that resemble wheat thins but are far superior in taste – made with teff and sorghum flour – I have been told they are “addictive” by my GF friends! Thanks for making GF life easier to manage and making non-GF ones believers that you can eat great food when you are GF! I will now try the recipes above!
Hilary
Nicole Hunn says
I’m so glad you have had so much success, Hilary, and are impressing your gluten free and non GF friends alike. It’s so much fun, isn’t it? Thank you for your kindness.
Diane Foster says
Thank you so much for all your hard work. I rally dislike having to experiment and test recipes. I force myself to eat the failures because I can’t afford to throw anything out. I was pleased to be able to take your recipe for the decorated sugar cookies to our church community meal. It felt so good to be able to offer something that was festive and yummy for the gluten free guests. Many times at dinners the gluten free options are few to none. I am very grateful for all your faithful hard work and commitment! I really look foward to see what comes out of that incredible brain of yours for the coming year. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and have a happy New year!
Nicole Hunn says
Thank you so much for the kind words, Diane, and for letting me know how proud you felt of your decorated sugar cookies. It really does feel terrible to be left out, for anyone, from child to adult. My aim has always been for our gluten free food to be the envy of all, so we are better than included!
Louise Gauvin says
Thank you so much Nicole for all your wonderful gluten free recipies. you make gluten free a lot easier for us!!
Nicole Hunn says
It’s my sincere pleasure, Louise. Thank you for reading and for the kind words.
Pam says
Nicole, thank you so much for sharing this list, I found a few I had missed.
Pam
Nicole Hunn says
I’m so glad, Pam!
Ann Roff says
Thank you Nicole! My life for about 5 years has been a bit “tricky”, as the 24/7 caregiver for my elderly mother. That’s added so much stress to my life, and stress is the enemy of a person with GI problems. Your emails are like a friendly pat on my shoulder. ? In this 10 best list I laughed at your comments on lettuce wrap hamburgers. 100% true – and that cemented my resolve to make the G-F buns. The pizza dough recipe looks simple and delicious. Sadly, I’ve also become dairy intolerant. Grrrr! That’s just wrong. The other recipe that I MUST make is the lemon squares. I made some from another recipe that I’d found a few years ago and they’d have made perfect hockey pucks. I can’t wait to make yours!
Nicole Hunn says
Stress is the enemy of everything good in life, Ann, for sure. It does sound like you have your hands full. Cheers to delicious food in 2020!
Svetlana Novak says
Thank you Nicole for your hard work, awesome recipes and great attitude. Love , success and happiness in the new year
Patricia Keary says
Thank you Nicole for your great gluten free recipes. I always succeed with your recipes.
Nicole Hunn says
Thank you for the kind words, Patricia. that means so much to me!!