The gluten-free diet does not have to get in the way of entertaining! I've been hosting parties for nearly a decade with celiac disease.
You and your guests (the gluten-free and the gluten-eaters) will all love this specially curated collection of delicious gluten-free appetizers.
No one will ever know that everything is gluten-free... unless you tell them!
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Keeping it Safely Gluten-Free
Every recipe in this round-up is gluten-free. Some were written by exclusively gluten-free bloggers, like yours truly. Other recipes on the list are naturally gluten-free. And just a few have clear instructions for a simple gluten-free modification on the recipe card.
In all cases, you still have to check the ingredients you purchase, to make sure they are indeed free of gluten. Here are a few suggestions for ingredients that pop up in several recipes:
- Seasoned Meat: Cooked Perfect Gluten-Free Beef Meatballs, Del Real Carnitas, Applegate Chicken & Apple Sausages
- Sauces: Stubb's BBQ sauce, San-J Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (regular soy sauce contains wheat)
- Seasonings: McCormick Perfect Pinch Cajun Seasoning, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce (labeled gluten-free in the United States), Riega Organic Taco Seasoning
- Beverages: Toma Bloody Mary Mix, Tito's Vodka
These recipes are guaranteed to make you hungry! Gathering them together for you made me want to throw a party.
So let's get into those mouth-watering appetizers! You will find more than enough gluten-free options for a wedding reception, holiday gathering, summer BBQ, dinner party, New Year's Eve event, or any special occasion.
Meat Lovers
This lineup of carnivore-pleasing appetizers is full of crowd favorites you can serve at your next Super Bowl party or any gathering of hungry friends.
Beautiful & unique, orange chicken meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Chinese takeout dish. These are sure to disappear!
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Sausage & Sage Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving or any holiday party! Made with gluten-free sausage and almond flour, they are always a crowd-pleaser.
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Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a healthier spin on everyone's favorite game day appetizer. Tangy, sticky-sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, they are so easy to make.
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These Crockpot Buffalo Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy remake of the classic appetizer, buffalo chicken. Made with ground turkey and almond flour, these gluten-free meatballs are a tasty option for football Sundays or any big game.
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Zucchini Sliders make the perfect appetizer! This recipe swaps the bun for delicious, golden brown, zucchini slices. These sliders will please not only those of us who need to eat gluten-free but also the low-carb crowd.
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Taquitos are always popular! This recipe calls for a filling of steak and chorizo (be sure to use gluten-free chorizo) for true meat lovers. Feel free to substitute any meat of your choosing, such as shredded chicken or a shortcut with store-bought Del Real Carnitas.
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Sausage stuffed mini peppers are filled with a mixture of cream cheese and Italian sausage and topped with melted mozzarella. Put these out at your next party and they'll be gone in minutes! A delicious and easy appetizer that's ready in 30 minutes.
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Sweet and tangy, these slow cooker cranberry meatballs make a delicious appetizer loved by both kids and adults for any party. The best part? Start with gluten-free store-bought meatballs and this couldn't be easier.
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Only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep! Start with Aidells or Applegate Chicken & Apple Sausages (both are gluten-free), cover in a ridiculously delicious maple mustard glaze, then warm in the slow cooker. Perfect for your next party or potluck!
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Bacon & Prosciutto
I know, I know... bacon and prosciutto are technically meat. But they deserve their own category. Everything is better wrapped in bacon or proscuitto!
Prosciutto-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese are the perfect gluten-free appetizer for any gathering. Quick and easy to make. Watch them disappear.
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Bacon-wrapped grouper notes are easy to throw together and are always a hit! The spicy peppercorn ranch dip is one you won’t want to skip.
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Delicious bacon-wrapped asparagus made on the grill to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds, because everyone loves bacon. And asparagus still counts as a vegetable, even when wrapped in bacon!
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Prosciutto Wrapped Pears are an elegant and easy appetizer. Sweet tender pears go perfectly with crispy prosciutto, and earthy gorgonzola or your favorite creamy cheese.
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Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are the ultimate bite-sized appetizer, perfect for parties! To keep these gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and gluten-free Tamari Soy Sauce, rather than traditional, wheat-containing soy sauce.
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These delicious bite-size Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are made with juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with a sweet and spicy honey Cajun glaze. Make sure your seasoning blend is gluten-free, like McCormick Perfect Pinch Cajun Seasoning.
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Are you craving more prosciutto-based appetizers? Try these Melon Prosciutto Skewers. They are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors from the soft, salty prosciutto to the sweet, fresh cantaloupe.
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One more fabulous way to serve bacon! These Bacon Zucchini Fritters are packed with veggies and perfectly crispy.
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Bacon-wrapped scallops might just be the easiest appetizer ever. Put them together in minutes and you'll have a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Bacon-Wrapped Olives have a powerful salty-salty combination that requires a lot of self-control. Not in making them, but in eating them. Be sure to make enough of this easy two-ingredient appetizer!
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Seafood
Your guests will love this collection of seafood appetizers, from spring rolls to cocktails.
Wow your guests with an appetizer recipe created by a former caterer! Bloody Mary Shooters, garnished with shrimp or oysters, are quick and delicious for a party. Start with a gluten-free Bloody Mary Mix or make a homemade version... just be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire Sauce. Pure vodka is gluten-free due to the distillation process, but added flavorings may not be. Tito's Vodka is a popular choice in the gluten-free community.
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Add a little Asian-Mediterranean fusion to your gathering with these easy Mediterranean Tuna Spring Rolls, made with the best yellowfin tuna. Did I mention the recipe includes goat cheese!
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I absolutely love that Lisa from 100 Days of Real Food discovered that her Crab & Corn Cakes were easy to modify for her gluten-free guest. Be sure to follow her recipe option to use a gluten-free flour blend in this appetizer inspired by the classic crab cake.
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Smoked Salmon Pâté is an easy appetizer for your festive table, whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Eve. Serve with toasted gluten-free French bread or add this pâté to your charcuterie display.
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Perfectly crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp coated in a tantalizing blend of salty, sweet, and savory aromatics and seasonings is a great gluten-free appetizer for your next dinner party. This easy appetizer will have your family and friends begging for more!
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A fun variation of the traditional holiday cheeseball, a Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball is a no-fuss appetizer that's perfect for smoked salmon fans.
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Tigres Rabiosos is a Chilean dish reflective of the country's long coastline. Mussels in a tomato and wine sauce make a wonderful savory starter.
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Impress your guests at your next get-together. These spicy shrimp and guacamole bites served on roasted sweet potato slices, are sure to be a hit! Bite-size goodness and a healthy start to a special meal.
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Cheese
You knew we had to get to cheese! For easy gluten-free appetizer recipes that will quickly be devoured by your guests, pick from these simply delicious, cheese-based appetizers.
This Marinated Cheese recipe is such a simple surprise that will delight guests! The magic is in marinating it for eight hours in the most decadent ingredients.
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Creamy & rich Blueberry Goat Cheese is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, & tangy. Serve with crostini made from gluten-free French bread, or use it to step up your charcuterie game.
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You will love the gluten-free version of this iconic appetizer. You can finally enjoy crispy, cheesy, restaurant-quality Mozzarella Sticks, again!
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Halloumi salad will transport your guests to the Mediterannean. Roasted vegetables and halloumi cheese, quickly and easily roasted all on one sheet pan.
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This tasty Indian Paneer Appetizer is spicy, with the sweet contrast of honey! This soft and cheesy starter is easy to make.
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I first encountered this fabulous appetizer, not in France, but in Antigua, Guatemala. It was love at first bite. Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms are filled with fragrant herbs and creamy cheese. This is another great prep-ahead appetizer.
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Mini Goat Cheese Balls are creamy, tangy, and rolled in cranberries and pistachios for an easy appetizer! They are elegant and can be made entirely in advance.
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Jalapeño poppers are a popular appetizer. This gluten-free version is just as cheesy, creamy, spicy, and fabulous as the gluten-full original. Take this easy appetizer over the top with bacon crumbles.
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This is a super easy yet incredibly flavorful recipe for Marinated Mozzarella Balls that you can make ahead of time! They are seasoned with fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, and sundried tomatoes.
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These Stuffed Mushrooms open up a whole new culinary world for Caprese salad fans! Delicious portobello mushrooms, stuffed with tomato and mozzarella cheese, baked, and then topped with fresh basil. Yum!
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Vegetarian
You could host an entire gluten-free, vegetarian, tapas party just by mixing and matching several of these appetizers. Or choose just one (if you can) as an impressive appetizer before a main course at your next dinner party.
Sopes are a Mexican antojito made with crispy masa cakes, refried beans, and fresh garnishes. The recipe includes optional toppings you could use to make a beautiful selection of different Sopes for your next party!
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Strawberry-Brie Skewers are the ideal appetizer for everything from a backyard summer gathering to a sophisticated event. Fresh strawberries, creamy brie cheese, fragrant basil, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze.
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Georgian Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Filling are a delightfully simple, healthy appetizer. Three ingredients, some artfully chosen spices, and less than an hour of time and you have a vegan treat for the tastebuds with these walnut-stuffed eggplant rolls. Seasoned Pioneers makes a Khemeli-Suneli spice blend in its gluten-free factory, or you can substitute coriander.
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If you love pickles, try this fun recipe for Crispy Fried Pickles! Enjoy them plain or dipped in ranch dressing. This appetizer recipe from one of my favorite gluten-free recipe creators includes air fryer and deep-fried directions.
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Roasted Olives are a tasty and easily prepared appetizer. The olives are combined with aromatics: citrus, oregano, garlic and chilli. Serve on their own or add to a cheese platter for a sure hit!
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Simple, yet elegant, endive appetizers are stuffed with goat cheese, pepitas, and strawberries. Easy to make in just 15 minutes and healthy, your guests will love these endive boats!
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Crispy rice dumplings with red jujube dates are flavorful, an effortless feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Follow the gluten-free option using rice paper wrappers or make gluten-free wonton wrappers.
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These easy Crispy Onion Fritters are a savory, vegan appetizer that your guests will not be able to resist. They are undetectably gluten-free and made from simple ingredients you already have on hand.
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Crunchy and irresistible: Zucchini Fries are tender inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor. Made with a gluten-free panko & parmesan breading and perfect for dipping.
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Mushroom Polenta Canapes are flavorful and impressive-looking appetizers, but so easy to make! Make the polenta base in advance to cut down on party day prep.
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I frequently order Roasted Cauliflower Steaks as a shared appetizer at one of my favorite restaurants, and they are gobbled up every time. Made with a homemade seasoning blend and suitable for guests with all kinds of special diets: gluten-free (of course), dairy-free, vegan, keto-friendly, paleo, and whole30.
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While Shakarkandi ki Chaat could be a side or a stand-alone meal, it makes the perfect, healthy appetizer with beautiful colors and Indian spices. Sav, a gluten-free Indian snack made with chickpea flour, is used as an optional garnish in this recipe.
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Dips
There's something special about the way we gather around a bowl of dip. It draws everyone together into good food and conversation. Set a bowl of dip in the middle of the table and enjoy the moment.
Bison, bacon, cheese... all in a dip! Apart from the bun, this really is a bison bacon cheeseburger in creamy dip form and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.
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You will love this dip as much for its simplicity as for its fabulous flavor. Serve this 3-Ingredient Artichoke Dip warm and delicious, straight from the oven.
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Avocado Cilantro Garlic Hummus is a tasty twist on traditional hummus. Pair with tortilla chips or gluten-free pita bread.
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This whipped ricotta dip with honey and fresh herbs is a lovely light appetizer. Serve with fresh vegetables and gluten-free crackers on a charcuterie board.
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Ultra-creamy, cheesy, hot Maryland Crab Dip Recipe will transport your guests to Maryland's Eastern Shore. Serve with toasted, gluten-free French bread or vegetables, to balance the richness of the dip.
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Delight everyone at your next summer gathering with this colorful and refreshing Corn Mango Salsa. It is the perfect combo of sweet mango, tangy lime, bright cilantro, and fresh corn all tossed in one bowl.
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Cheesy Refried Bean Dip takes only minutes to prep, since you start with canned refried beans. It is gooey, flavorful, and is perfect for a party, potluck, or any appetizer table. Note, some taco seasoning packets contains wheat, be sure to choose a brand that is gluten-free.
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Bread
What to dunk in all of those amazing dips? In addition to veggies, gluten-free, toasted French bread, gluten-free pretzels, tortilla chips or many of the already listed appetizers, the following gluten-free breads are an excellent option.
Swirls of gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and ready-made gluten-free pizza dough. These appetizer-sized pizza rolls are affordable, easy, and popular with kids from one to 92!
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These gluten-free soft pretzels are soft with a chewy, deep golden brown crust. They are perfect and everything you've missed about soft pretzels! Serve as pretzel bites or in a traditional pretzel-shape with mustard and gluten-free nacho cheese sauce for a delicious appetizer that is undetectably gluten-free.
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Your guests will never believe this focaccia bread is gluten-free! It tastes exactly like authentic Italian focaccia with crispy edges, an airy texture, and plenty of rich olive oil. Add this easy-to-make focaccia to a charcuterie tray or serve it with one of the delicious dips in this appetizer round-up!
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Wow your guests with this Gluten-Free Jalapeño Cheddar Honey Cornbread baked and served in a skillet. It has the perfect combination of sweet honey and cornmeal, savory cheddar cheese, and just-the-right-amount of spicy jalepeño.
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These gluten-free, homemade garlic knots are every bit as soft and airy as traditional garlic knots. Enjoy the perfect texture of pizza crust bursting with delicious garlic butter flavor.
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So stunning they are almost too beautiful to eat. Crispy gluten-free artisan crackers are made with millet flour, sweet rice flour, and tapioca flour they are packed with figs, raisins, and nuts. Serve these next to any of the fabulous dips above for a sure-to-impress appetizer.
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Amanda from Gluten Free Tranquility starts this beautiful Puff Pastry Tomato Tart with Jus Rol gluten-free puff pastry sheets, which are available in the UK. I'm in the US and use Schar Puff Pastry from my local grocery store. Your guests will never guess it's gluten-free!
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This easy recipe starts with store-bought, gluten-free French bread and turns it into irresistible, crispy, buttery, garlic bread that your guests won't stop eating until its gone.
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This Gluten-Free Honey Cornbread pairs beautifully with goat cheese, nuts, honey-butter, and jam. This easy recipe is naturally sweetened with honey, and soft and fluffy in the middle with perfectly crispy edges. It is a creative addition to a charcuterie board. Read on for more charcuterie ideas!
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Charcuterie & Crudités
Charcuterie boards (meat & cheese platters) and crudités (veggie trays) are nearly as addictive to create as they are to eat. Once you figure out how fun and easy they are to put together, you will start throwing parties just to make one!
Making a gluten-free charcuterie is easier than you think! Follow this guide to create a simply beautiful tray of food for your next gathering of friends.
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Always a fan of a good charcuterie board, this appetizer is a creative twist on an already great appetizer. These delicious individual charcuterie skewers are the perfect single-serve snacks for everyone at your next party!
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Charcuterie cups are another fun spin on the classic charcuterie board! Be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire Sauce. If you want to include the breadsticks shown in the recipe photo, choose a gluten-free variety, such as Schar Italian Breadsticks.
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Easy tips to assemble a beautiful crudités platter! It’s a simple, yet show-stopping addition to parties and is guaranteed to impress!
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More Appetizers!
Want more appetizers? There are plenty in these round-ups:
- Crowd-pleasing casual appetizers: Gluten-Free Super Bowl Snacks for the Win!
- Fancy, seasonal appetizers: Gluten-Free Christmas Appetizers You'll Love!
