Cooking for people with dietary intolerances can be intimidating. But you won’t have to scour the grocery store for exotic ingredients, learn new cooking techniques, or invest in fancy kitchen equipment. As these recipes show, going gluten-free just means finding creative ways to enjoy whole foods, without the wheat. The 20+ options on this mouth-watering list aren’t just diet-friendly and delicious, they’re also easy to follow. So whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, you’ll be able to whip them up in no time! Planning a potluck? Wow your guests with Asian chicken lettuce wraps or Greek salad sushi. Hosting your first game day party? No worries! Whip up a pot of melty queso or serve some pizza pinwheels. Got a family gathering in the calendar? Keep gluten-free relatives happy with sweet potato bites or orange-stuffed dates. Say goodbye to gluten and hello to good food with these flavorful appetizers.
1. Lemon Herb Feta Dip
This creamy dip is a light and zesty way to start a meal. It’s a rich swirl of tangy feta cheese, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt. Flavored with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives, it’s irresistibly tasty. I like to serve this one with gluten-free crackers and vegetables like carrot sticks and celery. It’ll disappear fast, so be sure you get a taste before guests arrive!
2. Deviled Eggs
These ‘million-dollar’ deviled eggs add a secret ingredient to the classic appetizer. If you want to know what that secret ingredient is, you’ll have to check out the recipe! Trust me, it’s worth it. These eggs are richer, creamier, and more filling than any deviled eggs you’ve had before. If you’re looking to impress a crowd, sprinkle them with plenty of crispy bacon and smoked paprika before serving.
3. Queso
Queso is a South American dish, featuring lots of melty cheese, fresh jalapenos, and spices. It’s usually thickened with plain flour but this recipe keeps things gluten-free by using amaranth or rice flour instead. The result is a creamy, dense dip that’s best served warm over gluten-free tortilla chips.
4. Greek Salad Sushi
I love sushi, but it seems tricky and time-consuming to make it myself. Consider this recipe a great starter sushi for intimidated beginners like me. These cute rolls are easy to assemble, healthy, and really tasty. They’re made from the classic Greek salad ingredients – cucumber, tzatziki, and feta cheese. There’s also some red bell pepper in there for a bright pop of color, and a sprinkling of red onion. These refreshing snacks are perfect for summer dinner parties. They’re so light, you can eat several without spoiling the main meal. (I speak from experience.)
5. Pizza Pinwheels
You can have pizza even if you’re gluten-free, and that’s worth celebrating. So celebrate with these tiny, adorable, pizza bites. They’re delicious golden rounds of gluten-free pizza dough, baked with a rich tomato, pepperoni, and cheese topping. Of course, you can play around with these and fill them with your favorites. You can easily make these vegetarian by replacing the pepperoni with mushrooms. Or you can use spicy ground beef for a fiery version. Whatever you choose, you’ll want to keep things light. Stuff too much in there, and the pinwheels won’t hold their shape.
6. Caprese Skewers
These skewers are a beautifully elegant appetizer that’ll wow a crowd. A fun twist on Caprese salad, they’re made with mozzarella balls, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. Don’t you just love appetizers that are both cute and delicious?!
7. Spinach Dip
Even informal gatherings take work. The next time friends just decide to stop by, whip up this hassle-free dip to keep things simple. This 7-ingredient appetizer isn’t just easy and convenient, it’s also a guaranteed hit. Made with fresh spinach, mayo, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce, it’s a dreamy swirl of deliciousness.
8. Cucumber Bites
These chunky cucumber slices are a great option if you’re feeding vegans or vegetarians. They’re so simple, light, and healthy, they work with almost any diet. And they happen to taste great, too! These bites are topped with a sweet and tangy sun-dried tomato spread and finished off with a fresh basil garnish. If you have any spread leftover, keep it around for sandwiches and snacks. This stuff is too good to waste!
9. Gluten-Free Salsa
Salsa goes with everything, making it one of the most loved condiments and appetizers around. This gluten-free version has all the aromatic flavor of the traditional dip, without any of the belly bloating. It’s bursting with chunks of juicy tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and zesty lime. If you want to heat things up a bit, throw in some jalapenos for a fiery punch.
10. Gluten-Free Tortilla Chips
These gluten-free chips are everything you want in a good chip. They’re salty and tasty. They’re sturdy enough to get your favorite dip from the bowl into your mouth. They’re perfectly crunchy and crispy. And (best of all), they’re very easy to make!
11. Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
These smokies should come with a warning. People need to know that if you eat one, you won’t be able to stop until the plate is licked clean. It’s hard to believe that you can make such magic with just three ingredients – brown sugar, bacon, and tiny smokie sausages. Serving these in summer? Add a chunk of pineapple to give them a beautiful tropical taste!
12. Sweet Potato Bites
The perfect Fall appetizer, these sweet potato bites are ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings. They’re small rounds of baked sweet potato, topped with creamy avocado and salty bacon. Garnish these with fresh cilantro and you’ll have a delightful snack that also manages to be healthy and light.
13. Guacamole
Every cook needs a good guacamole recipe, and this gluten-free version will soon become a family favorite. It’s modeled on the legendary Chipotle dip, so you can make restaurant-style guac in your own kitchen.
14. Cowboy Caviar
Don’t worry, cowboy caviar doesn’t actually contain any fish eggs. Instead, it’s a delicious yet healthy dip, loaded with plant-based goodness. This satisfying mix of beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, and onion is more like a salsa. The ingredients come together beautifully with a tangy dressing that’s just the right amount of sweet and sour. Keep this one for family picnics, potlucks, and summer parties. Your guests will thank you.
15. Orange Walnut Stuffed Dates
Sometimes, you need sweet treats to get the party started. These decadent dates will do the trick. They’re stuffed with a rich orange and cream cheese filling and topped with crunchy walnuts. You’ll love the tastes and textures of this one. The gooey citrus filling perfectly complements the chewy treacle-like date coating and nutty crunch. And you can keep any leftovers for a healthy snack when you’re craving something sugary.
16. Veggie Tray
This colorful platter is a great appetizer when you’ve lots of guests and not much time. It’s a vibrant blend of crunchy vegetables and creamy dips. There are crisp bell peppers, crunchy beans, spicy radishes, and sweet carrot sticks. Some of the veggies are raw, and some are blanched, but they’re all delicious when dipped in the accompanying hummus and/or ranch dressing. Simply serve, and let everyone dive in. This is a fuss-free appetizer that gets you out of the kitchen and back to the party.
17. Caramelized Onion Dip
Spoons at the ready! This divine dip is good enough to eat straight from the bowl. It’s a dreamy blend of rich, caramelized onions, garlic, sour cream, and mayo. This thickens as it chills to become a chunky, dense dip that’ll satisfy your hunger as you wait for the next course.
18. Chocolate Hummus
Hummus is one of those recipes that’s endlessly versatile. This inventive recipe sweetens things up by blending in cocoa powder and maple syrup. You can’t taste the beans here, just all the joy of a silky, smooth, chocolatey puree. Serve this with fresh fruit to really lean into the dessert-as-appetizer theme.
19. Almond Flour Crackers
Gluten-free baking can be a little tricky, so start with this crazy easy recipe. They’re made with just four ingredients – almond flour, flaxseed, water, and salt. Simply stir the ingredients together until they form a dough, roll it out, cut into squares, and bake. The hardest part is trying to decide which dip to dunk them in!
20. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce is your friend when you’re gluten-free. The right leaves can do double duty as both salad and bread. Filled with a fragrant chicken filling, these lettuce wraps are a showstopper. Salty, sweet, and very light, they’re a delicious mix of tastes and textures.
21. Gluten-Free Chex Mix
If you’re looking for gluten-free finger food, look no further. Salty, crunchy, and unbelievably addictive, this mix is just as good as any you’ll buy in the grocery store.
22. Fruit Kabobs
Bright and vibrant, there’s plenty of color in these mouthwatering kebabs. They’re loaded with juicy fresh fruit, including blackberries, kiwi, pineapple, and melon. You can easily adjust this appetizer, using whatever fruit is in season for peak freshness.
23. Grilled Cheese Skewers
I’m drooling just thinking about these cheesy skewers. Made with chewy kebabs of grilled cheese, they’re an irresistible addition to backyard BBQs. Serve with a tangy marinara dip or zesty salsa for the true cheesy experience. Click on a star to rate it!
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