27 Gluten-Free Appetizers That Will Warm Your Palette

Meatball options like chorizo meatballs, pigs in a blanket, gluten-free sausage balls, and bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers will have guests craving more. Creamy spinach dip, queso fundido, and cheese fondue are other excellent gluten-free appetizer options.

The best part about our gluten-free appetizers is that they are quick to prepare with everyday kitchen ingredients. And better yet, you don’t need to be a five-star Michelin chef to prepare these healthy appetizers that will leave guests yearning for more.

Our comprehensive list of gluten-free appetizers will whet your guest’s appetite while providing balanced nutrition and a memorable culinary experience.

Quick Table: Gluten-Free Appetizers

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Cheeseburger Tots	241	25 Minutes
Chips And Guacamole Bites	356	20 Minutes
Cheesy Pepperoni Squares	134	10 Minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers	150	15 Minutes
Carne Asada	823	25 Minutes
Buffalo Quinoa Bites	90	25 Minutes
Chorizo Meatballs	117.4	15 Minutes
Bacon Ranch Quesadillas	384	5 Minutes
Pizza Pinwheel	265	15 Minutes
Mozzarella Sticks	181	5 Minutes
Creamy Spinach Dip	307	15 Minutes
Gluten-Free Sausage Balls	53	10 Minutes
Cheesy Spinach Balls	37.1	15 Minutes
Gluten-Free Dumpling Wrappers	204	1 Hour
Keto Mini Cheesecake	194	10 Minutes
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars	173	15 Minutes
Easy Stuffed Mushroom	168	15 Minutes
Air Fryer Salmon Patties	305	8 Minutes
Salmon Salad And Huckleberry Sauce	950	20 Minutes
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Squares	134	20 Minutes
Cheese Fondue Appetizer	200	30 Minutes
Peach And Bacon Paleo Flatbread	210	20 Minutes
Pigs In A Blanket	275	30 Minutes
Sweet Potato Bites With Bacon And Avocado	31	15 Minutes
Mini Corn Dog Muffins	105	15 Minutes
Gluten-Free Coconut shrimps	714	20 Minutes
Gluten-Free Zucchini Fritters	147	20 Minutes

1. Cheeseburger Tots

If you’re a tot fanatic like me, you’ll love the deliciousness of the creamy cheeseburger tot served with your favorite sauce.

These delicious bites of heaven are tater tots adorned with tasty cheeseburgers, pickles, creamy cheese, mayonnaise, and delicious sauce.

The easy-to-whip cheeseburger tots don’t require fancy culinary skills, and each bite packs an out-of-this-world punch of flavor that will leave your guests clamoring for more.

Calories Per Serving: 241

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

2. Chips And Guacamole Bites

Start your football after-party or official dinner with the killer combo of crunchy chips filled with the subtle deliciousness of avocado infused with tangy lime juice, cilantro, and tomato slices.

The gluten-free chips and guacamole bites are excellent party starters that will not only sate your cravings but also provide the nourishment that only fruits provide. Consider using homemade guacamole as the store-bought ones are often soggier.

Calories Per Serving: 356

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

3. Cheesy Pepperoni Squares

Create the perfect party mood with delectable cheesy pepperoni squares that will leave a culinary explosion in your mouth. The warm, crusty, and cheesy bite-sized pepperoni slices paired with your favorite herbs and spices will be an instant party hit. 

To prepare the perfect pepperoni slices, you need milk, gluten-free flour, eggs, cheese, pepperoni, and your ideal blend of spices. Use turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni to reduce the amount of grease.

Calories Per Serving: 134

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

4. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Picture this, sizzling, crispy hot bacon, spicy jalapenos, and creamy cheese rolled into one almighty roll of pure culinary delight. The bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are perfect bite-sized appetizers that are finger-licking delicious and quite filling.

This keto, a gluten-free appetizer, requires easy-to-source ingredients and minimal time between prep and serving, making it the perfect on-the-go snack, appetizer, or party food.

For best results, freeze the jalapeno for an hour before preparing your poppers.

Calories Per Serving: 150

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

5. Carne Asada Fries

If you’re looking for an exciting mix of textures and flavors, then the carne asada fries are the answer.

This spicy Mexican culinary explosion comes loaded with a juicy steak, crunchy fries, creamy cheese, tasty guacamole, Roma tomatoes, jalapenos, tangy lime juice, and spicy pico for the ultimate taste party.

The carne asada fries mix is the perfect appetizer for any occasion, casual or corporate, due to its easy preparation and out-of-this-world gourmet experience. Prepare the carne asada fries with chicken or other white meat options if you’re not a red meat fan.

Calories Per Serving: 823

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

6. Buffalo Quinoa Bites

What better way of enjoying an exquisite healthy vegetarian appetizer than with the exotic buffalo quinoa bites?

This delicious and filling finger food contains quinoa seeds, eggs, cayenne pepper, mozzarella, tomato paste, and paprika, leaving your palate craving more.

Now your friends can enjoy finger licking, imitation chicken, or meat bites served with dripping hot buffalo sauce without worrying about their aversion to meat or gluten since the buffalo quinoa bites are also gluten-free.

Calories Per Serving: 90

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

7. Chorizo Meatball Sliders

How does an Italian-inspired meatball sandwich with a tasty twist of using sweet potato buns instead of regular bread buns sound? This healthy and gluten-free appetizer will hook your guests with the first bite.

Besides being delicious, the chorizo meatballs are quick to whip up and are perfect for all occasions. All you need to prepare this mouth-watering appetizer are shallots, eggs, sweet potato sliders, guacamole, cilantro, oregano, ground chorizo, and beef.

Calories Per Serving: 117.4

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

8. Gluten-Free Cheesy Bacon Quesadilla

Spice your weekend with tasty cheesy bacon quesadillas with an alluring side dipping of savory, creamy guacamole or salsa and ranch dressing. This Mexican-inspired finger food is an excellent way of kicking off your party or as a regular dinner menu item.

This mouth-popping snack is easy to prepare and can be served at any event. To prepare this intensely flavorful appetizer, you’ll need bacon, tortillas, shredded cheese, green onions, cilantro, salsa, and spinach.

Calories Per Serving: 384

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

9. Pizza Pinwheel

The simple yet tasty pizza pinwheel is an iconic American finger food that has defied the test of time.

With a sweet, crunchy crust and delectable fillings of choice, the pizza pinwheel will quickly become your go-to finger food for family gatherings, social functions, game nights, and barbeque dinners.

The easy-to-prepare pizza pinwheel packs a heavy culinary punch that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. You can tweak the menu with non-dairy milk, turkey pepperoni, or other vegan options for fillings.

For extra flavor, serve the pizza pinwheel with sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard dip.

Calories Per Serving: 265

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

10. Mozzarella Sticks

If you love cheese, then the gluten-free version of the delicious mozzarella sticks is the perfect starter to kick off your dining experience.

The perfectly crispy and cheesy mozzarella sticks with a side dip of spicy marinara sauce are a finger-licking match made in heaven.

Quickly whip-up tasty mozzarella using locally available ingredients like gluten-free flour, milk, mozzarella sticks, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, basil, and breadcrumbs.

Make batches of mozzarella sticks and freeze them for up to three months in an airtight ziplock bag. Once you’ve tasted gluten-free mozzarella sticks, you’ll never go back.

Calories Per Serving: 181

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

11. Creamy Spinach Dip

Fresh spinach has a great texture and taste, perfect for you and your loved ones. Try a creamy spinach dip infused with delicious cheese and your favorite crackers, crisps, or bread to make things more enjoyable.

The hot spinach dip contains spinach, butter, sour cream, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, and cream cheese.

When preparing the creamy spinach dip, be careful with the heat since spinach is prone to wilting even under moderate heat. Additionally, ensure that you strain the spinach to eliminate excess liquids.

The great thing about the hot creamy spinach dip is that you can make it well ahead of time for later use.

Calories Per Serving: 307

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

12. Gluten-Free Sausage Balls

Are you stuck on what to serve your family during the next game, brunch, or picnic? Fret no more, as I have just the perfect gluten-free appetizer for you; sausage balls with a delicious side dipping of sour cream.

The deliciously crispy sausage balls have a great texture and flavor that will hook you in no time.

The crispy, smoky, and savory sausage wrapped around sharp cheddar with creamy pancake blend and garnished shallots offers a magical gourmet experience.

You can prepare these sausage balls on the fly using ingredients readily available in your pantry, including shallots, pork sausage, homemade pancake mix, sharp cheddar, butter, and various spices.

Calories Per Serving: 53

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

13. Cheesy Spinach Balls

You can never go wrong with spinach as it’s one of the most popular ingredients in finger foods due to its versatility and great taste.

With a blend of Irresistible Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, fresh spinach, oregano, sharp cheddar cheese, tapioca starch, and breadcrumbs, the cheesy spinach ball is to die for.

As with other spinach dishes, use moderate heat to avoid overcooking and drain off excess moisture before baking. Cheesy spinach balls are also a great make-ahead food that you can freeze for later use,

Calories Per Serving: 37.1

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

14. Gluten-Free Dumpling Wrappers

Inspired by oriental cuisine, the gluten-free dumpling wrappers are an excellent appetizer that ticks all the right boxes and provides an exquisite gourmet experience.

Using xanthan gum or chia seed powder, prepare intricately pleated potstickers or gyozas and stuff them with your filling of choice.

The pan-fried dumpling wrappers served with a side dipping of soy sauce or fiery Chinkiang vinegar sauce are the perfect appetizer providing an explosion of flavor and satisfaction to guests and family.

Calories Per Serving: 204

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

RELATED: 21 Easy Gluten-Free Side Dishes

15. Keto Mini Cheesecake Bites

If you’re a health fanatic, then the keto mini cheesecake bite is the perfect appetizer or dessert for you. This low-carb, creamy mini cheesecake is ideal for all occasions and the bite-sized treats are delicious and filling.

To prepare this healthy and sweet appetizer, you will need almond flour, erythritol sweeteners, cinnamon, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and cream cheese.

To add an exciting twist to this recipe, consider preparing a crustless mini cheesecake and opt for fresh strawberry toppings,

Calories Per Serving: 194

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

16. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars

What better way to start a culinary adventure than with a spicy flavored gluten-free pumpkin bar slathered with delicious, moist, creamy frosting?

The gluten-free pumpkin bars are sure to be a great hit with the crowd on any occasion as they are sturdy, sweet, sticky, and filling.

The easy-to-whip pumpkin bar needs no fancy baking skills or exotic ingredients. Everything you need to create this mouth-watering delight is a pantry staple, including baking soda, eggs, cloves, pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and milk.

Calories Per Serving: 173

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

17. Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

If you’re a vegetarian, you will love this exquisite vegetarian dish. The easy stuffed mushroom is a treat full of crunchy pecans, creamy cheese, onions, cloves, and herbs that give this perfect vegan appetizer a life of its own.

To bake the perfect stuffed mushroom treat, consider chilling the mushrooms or placing them on a wire to drain the excess moisture and produce a crispy mushroom mouthful packed with mouth-popping flavor and goodness that will soothe your guest’s palates.

Calories Per Serving: 168

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

18. Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Picture this. Delicious canned salmon patties wrapped with pork rinds dripping with tasty mayonnaise, eggs, and buttery parmesan cheese; sounds like a treat, right?

The low-carb, keto-friendly air fryer salmon patties are an excellent finger food for people watching their weight or on a strict diet.

And the best part about this healthy snack is that you only need 20 minutes to whip up this amazingly delicious treat from start to finish. Save time by making the patties a day earlier and freezing them.

Calories Per Serving: 305

Preparation Time: 8 Minutes

19. Salmon Salad And Huckleberry Sauce

The blackened salmon salad with huckleberry vinaigrette is a healthy, easy-to-cook option that is tasty, nutritious, and filling.

Combining wild sockeye salmon filets with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and garlic prepares the perfect base for the huckleberry vinaigrette that will tickle your taste buds.

Preparing this gluten-free gourmet-inspired delight only takes a few minutes and will be an instant hit with your guests and family. Serve this meal on a spinach bed and spring greens infused with tangy tamarind.

Calories Per Serving: 950

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

20. Apple Cinnamon-Baked Oatmeal Squares

Imagine taking a hearty bite of these crunchy, heavenly oatmeal squares, full of apple goodness and spicy cinnamon flavor.

The apple cinnamon-baked oatmeal squares are a great breakfast treat, appetizer, and dessert, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or official dinner.

The perfect blend of maple syrup, chunky apples, oats, and coconut oil makes for a mouth-watering delight everyone will enjoy. Serve the fiber-filled baked apple cinnamon oatmeal squares with a cold glass of natural juice of your choice.

Calories Per Serving: 134

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

21. Cheese Fondue Appetizer

Creamy cheese is a vital ingredient for any party appetizer due to its great taste, versatility, and use in multiple appetizer dishes.

The cheese fondue is a popular and tasty creamy dip that goes well with bread, vegetables, pretzels, biscuits, crisps, tortillas, and other types of food. Consider making your cheese fondue alcohol-free to make it family-friendly.

Whip up these creamy cheese fondues for brunch, picnic, or barbecue, and dazzle your guests with this tasty mouth-popping culinary delight.

Calories Per Serving: 200

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

22. Peach And Bacon Paleo Flatbread

The peach and bacon paleo flatbread is the ultimate starter bursting with flavor from the sweet and salty combination of peach and bacon.

This finger-licking treat laid on a base of fried, crispy cassava flatbread is sure to be an instant hit with your family and provides an exceptional dining experience.

Add crunchy cashews, red peppers, cauliflowers, and cloves for an extra flavor. Serve the peach and bacon paleo flatbread with a tall glass of lemonade or other natural fruit drink. 

Calories Per Serving: 210

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

23. Pigs In A Blanket

To say that pig in a blanket is a flavorful, interesting snack would be an understatement, as this bite-sized culinary rocket will blow up your taste buds and give you a foodgasm.

The soft sweet bread enveloping the warm, flavorful bacon creates an intense mix of flavor that bursts in your mouth.

Add a dash of mayonnaise or chili sauce and serve it with a side dipping of sweet honey mustard, baked beans, corn pudding, grainy mustard, ranch dressing, or fruit salad.

Garnish the pig in a blanket with butter or bagel seasoning with a generous sprinkle of granulated onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 275

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

24. Sweet Potato Bites With Bacon And Avocado

If you’re having pregame jitters and wondering what you’ll serve your guests, I have the perfect game-day bites: crispy sweet potato bites with creamy avocado and sizzling bacon.

Did I also mention that they are ridiculously simple to prepare, tasty, and so addictive?

You can never go wrong with this crowd pleaser consisting of creamy guacamole infused with tangy lime, crispy bacon with cilantro sitting on a bed of sweet, crispy sweet potato crisps.

Spice it up with a dash of mayonnaise or ketchup to give it the perfect flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 31

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

25. Mini Corn Dog Muffins

A corn muffin with a hot dog! Is that even a thing? If you have never tried the mini corn dog muffin, you clearly don’t understand the meaning of delicious.

The soft, crunchy, and savory corn muffins combine beautifully with sumptuous hot dogs to create a meal for the gods.

Mini corn dog muffins are the perfect snacks for game day, family picnics, late-night snacks, or brunch. The easy-to-prepare corn dog muffins are best served with a side dip of cold ketchup, spicy or honey mustard.

Calories Per Serving: 105

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

26. Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimps

Enjoy a taste of heaven with every crunchy bite of the coconut-laced shrimp dipped into a sweet chili sauce that will quickly become a hit with your friends.

The natural sweetness of coconut milk perfectly balances the strong meaty taste of prawns to give you a kick of delicious sweetness.

For best results, use large prawns that are easier to barter. Cut off the tail to reduce prep time if you’re using smaller prawns.

Use coconut milk in your batter instead of alcohol or milk for a richer taste. Refrigerate leftover shrimps in a ziplock bag and use them within three days.

Calories Per Serving: 714

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

27. Gluten-Free Zucchini Fritters

Summer without zucchini dishes is no summer at all! This summer, try preparing these kid-friendly zucchini fritters. Zucchini fritters are the perfect starters to a summer picnic, brunch, or game day.

The crunchy yet sumptuous zucchini fritters with a dollop of mayonnaise, ketchup, sour cream, or yogurt will blow you away.

Pan fry your cakes with coconut oil to give them that extra kick of flavor. Ensure you drain excess water to give your zucchini fritters that extra crispy touch. Refrigerate any leftover patties in an airtight bag and use them within a week.

Calories Per Serving: 147

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Popular Snacks Are Gluten-Free?

There are dozens of bite-sized snacks that are perfect for gluten intolerant people.

Popular gluten-free snacks include popcorn, string cheese, plain sauce, hard-boiled eggs, applesauce with cinnamon, pudding, fresh fruits, nuts with dried fruit, canned fruits, rice cakes, edamame, celery with cream cheese and peanut butter, almonds, baby carrots, and sliced vegetables with gluten-free bean dip.

How Do You Make Appetizers Attractive When Plating?

Plating is an art that is just as important as the food itself. Proper plating can significantly influence how diners engage with the appetizer. Here are a few tips on effective plating.

• Use fresh fruit or vegetables to make the appetizer attractive
• Put the appetizer in a small cup, shot glass, or container
• Place each appetizer on a separate plate to make it stand out
• Use skewers
• Roll appetizers(pin rolls, cut wraps)
• Customize your presentation ex use labeled plates or toothpicks for vegan and meat appetizers
• Make it uniform(use similarly colored plates, spoons, forks, etc.)

How Can I Keep My Gluten-Free Guest Safe?

Gluten intolerance is a common issue and you should plan a gluten-free diet for your guests.

To avoid any potential gluten issues, ensure that you clean your prep station, discuss the day’s menu with your guest, check ingredient labels when shopping, thoroughly clean your cooking equipment, and wash your hands regularly during the cooking process.