25 Easy, Awesome Gluten-Free Appetizer Recipes (2024)

Gluten-Free Food
American Food
Gluten-Free Cooking Basics

Gluten-Free Macho Nachos, Crab Cakes, Corn Fritters, and More.

Cathy Jacobs

A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.

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Updated on 08/3/21

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25 Easy, Awesome Gluten-Free Appetizer Recipes (2)

Some of these recipes, like hummus, are naturally gluten-free. This means they're made without any wheat, barley, or rye, or additives like soy sauce or beer. Others have been specifically modified to use gluten-free alternatives like rice flour, for example, to make them safe for people with Celiac disease or for those following a gluten-free diet. Whatever the occasion, these gluten-free recipes have been tested to be just as good as their counterparts—if not better.

01 of 25
Thai Mini Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
If you're looking for a deliciously different shrimp dish that's also suitable for gluten-free diets, try making up a platter of these shrimp-filled mini lettuce wraps that are bursting with delicious Thai flavors. These fresh, bite-size wraps make a perfect finger food for parties. They pair equally well with beer, a sparkling wine, or dry co*cktails.
02 of 25
Stuffed Mushrooms With Fontina Cheese, Spinach, and Bacon
Stuffed mushrooms are a classic party appetizer that are easy to hold and eat at a co*cktail party. They also pair wonderfully with a variety of wines and co*cktails. These tasty, gluten-free appetizers have a scrumptious fresh spinach and bacon filling that's drenched through with melted fontina cheese, giving these mushrooms a satisfying bite. They are sure to fill you up.
03 of 25
Gluten-Free Macho Nachos
This awesome recipe for gluten-free macho nachos is loaded with beef, cheese, and lots of veggies, but none of the gluten which can be present in queso made with a roux. This recipe makes a fabulous appetizer for tailgating parties, Super Bowl parties, or just a fun Friday night.
Serve with gluten-free corn tortilla chips (look on the bag for the "Certified Gluten-Free" label, if serving guests with Celiac disease or extreme sensitivities).
04 of 25
Vegan Gluten-Free Cauliflower Hummus
Thiscauliflower hummusis gluten-free, as well as low-carb and keto-friendly. Cauliflower lends a lighter mouthfeel, while the tahini and olive oil still give it that classic silkiness. Paprika and cumin lend it a smoky quality that complements the sweetness of pan-fried or roasted cauliflower. (However, you can boil it as well.) Use it as a dip with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or pitas. It takes less than 20 minutes to pull together, so it's perfect for your next party or even Tuesday night dinner.
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See Also
Easy Birria Tacos Recipe Bricklayer-Style Nachos Recipe Cheesy Keto Tuna Melts | Tuna Melt Recipe made with Cheese Slices Chicken Chips: A Keto Chicken Thigh Recipe
05 of 25
Gluten-Free Crab Cakes
Traditionally, crab cakes almost always contain gluten in the form of bread crumbs or wheat flour to "stretch" the crab. This recipe calls on crushed gluten-free crackers, which make a relatively affordable and easy-to-find substitute for breadcrumbs. You'll definitely be the hit of any party when you show up with a tray of these decadent seafood appetizers.
06 of 25
Almond Flour Pretzels
Despite the proliferation of frozen and ready-to-eat gluten-free baked goods, it's still hard to find a soft, chewy, gluten-free pretzel to sink your teeth into. Thankfully, you can stop searching. This gluten-free pretzel recipe features almond flour, cream cheese, mozzarella, and eggs for a decadent, bread-like mouthfeel that's still 100% celiac-safe. It comes together in under 40 minutes.
07 of 25
Keto Tortilla Chips
These keto tortilla chips are an easy replacement for corn tortilla chips, with only six keto-friendly ingredients. They are packed with finger-licking flavor, which is exactly what you want in a good chip.
08 of 25
Bacon-Wrapped Figs
What could be easier, or more impressive, than fresh, honey-sweet figs wrapped in salty, caramelized strips of bacon? Sweet, savory, and absolutely delicious, this naturally gluten-free appetizer recipe is sure to disappear in a flash. We recommend making more than you think you need.
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09 of 25
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Make sure to use a gluten-free ranch dressing mix for this stuffed mini pepper recipe. (Some dressing mixes can have flour or wheat-derived food starch as a thickener.) The ranch-flavored cream cheese filling includes broccoli, carrot, and more pepper for a great veggie boost. Topped with cheddar during the last few minutes of baking, it's a colorful, easy appetizer that everyone's sure to love.
10 of 25
Cauliflower Cheese Bread
Paired with a cup of warm marinara sauce, this cauliflower cheese bread is the perfect garlic bread alternative. The dough is made with cauliflower, garlic, eggs, and some spices. The recipe calls for mozzarella and Parmesan, but use whatever cheeses you like best.
11 of 25
Keto Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are always a hit at any party. This recipe is quick, easy and totally gluten-free—as well as keto-friendly. The peppers are stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, scallions, and bacon. The cheesy filling keeps the peppers from being too spicy, and the bacon adds crisp saltiness.
12 of 25
Homemade Gluten-Free Hummus
Hummus is a high-protein, fiber-rich, naturally gluten-free dip that's made from garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas). Silky smooth, flavorful, and healthy, this homemade hummus recipe is quick and easy to throw together in a food processor, and it's a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought hummus.
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See Also
11 Stuffed Avocado Recipes That Are Basically Boatloads of Happiness
13 of 25
Gluten-Free Corn Fritters
You won't need to fritter away your time to create these savory corn fritters that take just 20 minutes to make. In less than half an hour, you can whip up a batch of this scrumptious appetizer recipe that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Because it's vegetarian as well, it's the perfect party dish to cater to guests with dietary restrictions.
Serve with your favorite store-bought dipping sauce, a homemade remoulade, or a handcrafted aioli.
14 of 25
Vegan Thai-Style Spring Rolls
Thai spring rollsare a quick no-cook appetizer thatis surprisingly easy to make. Plus, they're vegan, making them a climate-friendly meal option for vegans and omnivores alike. Easily make this recipe gluten-free when you use rice wrappers and gluten-free tamari.
Crunchy, sliced fresh vegetables are combined with cooked noodles, fresh herbs, lime juice, and optional ginger in these fresh-tasting rolls.
15 of 25
Korean Fried Chicken
To achieve a crispy crust, many chicken wings are tossed with a flour mixture before frying. These Korean chicken wings are tossed with cornstarch and spices, making them gluten-free. A sticky-sweet sauce makes them irresistible as an appetizer or main dish. Be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce when preparing this recipe.
16 of 25
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
These gooey homemade mozzarella sticks use a gluten-free breading for crisp results. They're easier to make than you might guess, and only take a few minutes to coat in breading and fry. Serve with warm marinara sauce.
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17 of 25
Vegan Gluten-Free Lentil Meatballs
Vegan lentil meatballs are just as yummy as traditional meatballs, but with tons of extra nutrients. This vegan lentil meatball recipe is free of the eight common allergens, including peanuts, soy, tree nuts, and of course, dairy.
Mushrooms add a meaty flavor, while flaxseeds add heart-healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids. You can also make this dish as a main course and serve the meatballs on top of salad, quinoa, or pasta.
18 of 25
Keto Nachos
Keto nachos will be a hit with anyone on a gluten-free, grain-free, or keto diet. The homemade keto tortilla chips are crispy and fun to make, using almond flour and mozzarella cheese. The finished chips are then topped with more cheese, as well as spiced shredded chicken, salsa, guacamole, cheese sauce, and sour cream.
19 of 25
Texas Caviar With Avocado
Texas caviar is a classic salad made from black-eyed peas in a simple dressing. This vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free version kicks it up a notch by including avocado and fresh grapefruit.
With fresh cilantro, hot sauce, and just a little bit of oil in the dressing, this flavorful and colorful appetizer is also surprisingly low in fat while providing a nice fiber and protein boost.
20 of 25
Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Tenders
For those of us who are gluten-free, breaded foods are some of the things we miss the most. If that's you, these gluten-free chicken tenders will hit the spot. The recipe calls for easy-to-find gluten-free Chex Mix in place of panko breadcrumbs for a crispy, crunchy coating. Make this recipe, and you might never go back to the original ever again.
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21 of 25
Vegan Gluten-Free Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is a roasted eggplantdip that's popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. This wonderfullyhealthy baba ganoush recipehas a smoky depth of flavor with no oil or tahini, making it a fat-free, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free appetizer or dip that you can enjoy anytime.
22 of 25
Keto Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket are usually off-limits to anyone on a grain-free or gluten-free diet, but the keto version is just as delicious. The easy, homemade dough is made with cheese, eggs, and almond flour. Serve with mustard for dipping.
23 of 25
Gluten-Free Stuffed Green Peppers
Stuffed green peppers make a fabulous, gluten-free appetizer or lunch main course. You'll love these hearty stuffed bell peppers that are jam-packed with savory ground beef, onions, cheese, tomatoes, and rice.
Make them up to two days ahead of serving for easier preparation.
24 of 25
White Bean Hummus Dip
This white bean variation on the usual chickpea hummus dip is elegant enough to serve at parties. Like most homemade hummus recipes, it's also gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan friendly, making it suitable for a variety of different dietary needs.
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25 of 25
Gluten-Free Nacho Cheese Dip
This cheesy, spicy, gluten-free appetizer recipe for nacho cheese dip is thickened with amaranth flour, unlike many store brands that are thickened with wheat flour or modified food starch derived from wheat. It's seasoned with homemade gluten-free taco seasoning, too, to give it that extra kick.
Serve this dip warm with gluten-free tortilla chips for a great half-time or anytime snack.