If you need some great appetizers to share with your guests, you can easily accomplish this by using naturally gluten-free ingredients. You can please everyone without having to worry about your dietary restrictions getting in the way. Start with these fast, easy and delicious appetizers.
Pickle Dip
You don't have to give up the chips and dips table when you transition to gluten-free eating. This delicious and tangy dip can be served with gluten-free crackers and no one will even notice.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6 dill pickle spears, diced
- 6 ounces gluten-free deli ham, diced
- Black pepper
Directions
- Place the cream cheese in a medium bowl and mash it gently with a fork.
- Add the pickles and ham and stir well to combine.
- Season the dip with black pepper and stir again.
Serves: 8 to 10
Roasted Chickpeas
Everyone loves a crunchy snack when they mingle at a party. Because going gluten-free means eliminating many of those crunchy treats, like pita chips, crackers and toasted bread, you'll need something you can serve in place of them. This recipe makes a great alternative and has a lot of health benefits as well. Everyone will be coming back for more of this addictive crunchy appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 large cans chickpeas, drained
- Cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Place the drained chickpeas in a bowl.
- Add the seasonings and toss to coat the chickpeas evenly.
- Spread the chickpeas in an even layer on the baking sheet.
- Spritz the chickpeas with the cooking spray.
- Bake until golden and crispy, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Serves: 10
Chicken and Corn Quesadillas
Quesadilla wedges are a crowd pleaser and you can't go wrong by serving them at your party. The trick is to stay away from flour tortillas, which are not safe on a gluten-free meal plan. Fortunately, you can substitute corn tortillas for an appetizer that tastes great and is satisfying at the same time.
Ingredients:
- 16 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- Salt and pepper
- Salsa, for serving
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Lay 8 tortillas out on your workspace.
- Divide the cheese, corn and chicken among them.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Top each with another tortilla.
- Transfer the quesadillas to the oven and bake until cheese melts, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Serve with salsa.
Serves: 8 to 10
Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders make great appetizers, and most people can't resist them. Delicious and filling, what's not to love? Multiply this recipe as needed.
Contributed by By Erin Coleman, R.D., L.D., Registered and Licensed Dietitian
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup gluten-free rice flour
- 1 3/4 cup gluten-free rice cereal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, eggs, and mustard in a large bowl.
- Place rice cereal, rice flour, and seasonings in a food processor; blend until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Place in a separate large bowl.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or cooking spray.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture then coat with "bread" crumb mixture.
- Place the breaded chicken strips on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping chicken over halfway through.
- Cool and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings: about 4
Gluten-Free Parties
Navigating the social scene when you have dietary restrictions can be tough, but having some quick and easy appetizer recipes on hand ensures that you have choices when it's time to eat. Serve these at your next party or take them with you to an event. You can enjoy your time without concern that you'll leave feeling sick. With time and practice, gluten-free eating gets easier and you'll be better able to recognize safe appetizers.
