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Cooking either with or for large groups of people can be very fulfilling. The type of feeling you get by bringing people together with food is unprecedented, and studies show that it improves communication between people. You can even cook with co-workers with xlevents.com.au cooking team building.

However, the problem is that finding larger recipes that are considered gluten-free can be a hassle. We've collected some of the best possible tips for cooking a gluten-free meal for large groups. Prep for this exciting occasion with these four tips. 

1) Keep Things Simple

Finding recipes to cook for friends is already hard enough. Cooking gluten-free makes the process even more stressful. The best thing to do when considering a menu for a group is to consider simple, classic dishes that are already gluten-free. This could come in the form of popular salads to serve to large groups, or prepping a chicken and rice style dish. 

There is no need to find an elaborate gluten substitute for the meal. Finding something that you are already comfortable prepping will ease the stress of cooking for a group.

2) Plan Ahead

If you insist on making a dish that has gluten and you want to adapt it, the best thing to do is to start early and plan ahead. By understanding possible substitutes and how that may change cooking times, you give yourself a fighting chance to pull off the perfect gluten-free pizza or pasta dish. 

Additionally, if you are going to make those substitutes yourself, then set extra cushion time aside to make your own dough or pasta before you start cooking. You might take longer than the recipe says if it is your first time. Most likely, your group will prefer to wait for the delicious food you had in mind rather than a rushed meal you scrambled to put together.

3) Use a Slow Cooker

One of the best parts of slow cooker meals is that most of them do not have a gluten component. Made to go over noodles or as a side, looking for recipes that focus on meat or a stew in a slow cooker is a great way to get a lot of flavor out of one dish. 

Depending on the size of the slow cooker, this can make a difference on a night with a lot of people. Something to remember is that with a slow cooked meal, it is better to put a large amount of food on at once. This will ensure that there will be enough food for everyone, as these meals take a couple of hours to cook.

4) Organize with Friends

If you are cooking for a group of people you feel comfortable with, remember that communication is key. There is a possibility that only a few people are gluten free or that others have different dietary restrictions. The best thing to do when cooking for large groups of people is to ask about their diets and what they are comfortable eating. Just a simple question will reduce any stress about feeding people on a diet.

Final Thoughts

Although cooking for a group is a very rewarding activity, it is important not to forget that more people mean more things to take care of. With these four easy tips, you can reduce stress and pull off an amazing meal. With the right amount of food, a strong plan, and good communication between people, you will use cooking as a way to bring people together, and keep everyone happy and healthy while you do it.

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