As gluten-free diets become more popular, finding tasty snacks and appetizers for gatherings with gluten-free guests can seem challenging. However, with a bit of creativity, it’s easy to put together a delicious gluten-free platter that will satisfy all your guests. Here are some ideas for tasty, gluten-free platter foods.
Meats and Cheeses
Many deli meats and cheeses are naturally gluten-free. Build your platter around an assortment of meats like turkey, roast beef, ham, salami, etc. Add wedges or slices of tasty gluten-free cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, brie, etc. Olives, pickles and nuts like almonds or walnuts also pair nicely.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are a gluten-free staple. Fresh vegetable crudites with gluten-free hummus or guacamole make a light, refreshing appetizer. You can also include fruits like grapes, berries, melon slices, orange wedges, etc. Dried fruits like apricots, figs and dates are another gluten-free option.
Gluten-Free Crackers and Chips
There are many tasty gluten-free crackers on the market made with corn, rice or other gluten-free flours. Brands like Mary’s Gone Crackers, Simple Mills, Blue Diamond and Canyon Bakehouse offer a variety of flavors. You can also find gluten-free potato or tortilla chips. Serve crackers and chips with dips like salsa, bean dip, Baba ganoush, etc.
Breads and Flatbreads
Udi’s, Schar and Canyon Bakehouse offer gluten-free sliced bread options for sandwiches and rolls that work well for a platter. Brands like Against the Grain, Franz and Cup4Cup also offer gluten-free flatbreads in flavors like original, beet, tomato and pesto. Cut flatbreads into slices or strips along with accompaniments like tapenade, pesto and olive oil or balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Skewers
Assemble colorful, tasty skewers using gluten-free ingredients like cheese cubes, grape tomatoes, olives, pickles, cured meats, fruit wedges, coconut shrimp, grilled chicken, etc. Serve with an easy gluten-free dipping sauce, yogurt dressing or nut butter. Skewers work well for passing around a crowd.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic party food, and they just need eggs, mayonnaise, mustard and seasoning to be gluten-free. Garnish filling with paprika or chopped chives. You can also play around with different flavor combinations like sriracha, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, etc.
Dips and Spreads
In addition to hummus and guacamole, there are endless creative options for gluten-free dips and spreads. Whip up artichoke spinach dip, creamy crab dip, smoked salmon dip or bacon horseradish dip. Bean dips, baba ganoush, tapenades and nut butters like almond or cashew also work well. Serve with an assortment of cut raw veggies, gluten-free crackers and breads or potato/tortilla chips.
Pizza Bites
One of the easiest appetizers is mini pizzas on gluten-free English muffins, sandwich thins, bagels or pizza crusts. Top with pizza sauce, cheese and favorite toppings before broiling. Or, bake cheddar, havarti or goat cheese sprinkled with herbs in muffin tins until melted for quick gluten-free pizza bites.
Tacos
Set up a taco bar with corn tortillas as the gluten-free wrap option. Provide an assortment of taco fillings like shredded chicken, beef, pork or fish, salsa, sautéed veggies, beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc. Guests can build their own tacos for an interactive appetizer option.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are naturally gluten-free when made with corn or brown rice tortillas. Fill them with cheese, black beans, shredded chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, etc. Cut into wedges and serve with sides like guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushroom caps baked with stuffings are a warm, gluten-free appetizer option. Try stuffings like cheese, Italian sausage, crab meat, spinach and feta, etc. Goat cheese paired with herbs is a simple stuffed mushroom recipe. Drizzle gluten-free bread crumbs on top for crunch.
Meatballs
Baked Italian, Swedish, chicken or turkey meatballs in sauce are an easy gluten-free finger food. Offer toothpicks and serve meatballs with a dipping sauce like marinara, barbecue sauce, sweet and sour or creamy ranch dressing.
Potstickers
Many brands of frozen potstickers are gluten-free, so heat them up and serve on a platter with soy sauce for dipping. You can also make homemade gluten-free potstickers stuffed with chicken, pork, shrimp or veggie fillings. Pan-fry until golden brown and serve hot off the skillet.
Spring Rolls
Like potstickers, many pre-made spring roll varieties are gluten-free. Or, whip up shrimp, chicken or tofu spring rolls at home wrapped in rice paper wrappers. Serve with dipping sauces like peanut, sweet chili or a flavored oil and vinegar.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds make easy gluten-free finger foods. Offer an assortment of toasted or smoked nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts. Chia, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds are other crunchy, protein-packed options. You can also provide nut and seed butters with apple slices or gluten-free crackers.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a naturally gluten-free snack. Make it on the stovetop or with a popcorn maker seasoned simply with salt or get creative with cajun seasoning, nutritional yeast, truffle oil, etc. Provide popcorn in passed bowls or set out self-serve popcorn stations.
Vegetable Chips
Replace greasy potato chips with crunchy veggie chip options. Kale, beet, sweet potato and zucchini chips are delicious gluten-free appetizers. You can make baked veggie chips at home or buy ready-made bags from brands like Brad’s, Terra and Garden of Eatin’.
Rice Cakes
Top gluten-free rice cakes with slices of cheese, peanut butter, turkey and cucumber slices or smoked salmon and cream cheese. Rice cakes make a lighter, crispy platform for creative appetizer-style toppings.
Salmon Cakes
Salmon cakes are naturally gluten-free and full of omega-3s. Make them with fresh salmon, herbs, capers, bread crumbs and lemon. Fry into patties and serve with a zesty remoulade or tartar sauce.
Shrimp Cocktail
A platter isn’t complete without classic shrimp cocktail. Boil or grill shrimp, chill and serve with lemon wedges and gluten-free cocktail sauce for dipping. Provide cocktail forks to make eating easy.
Ceviche
Ceviche is a light and refreshing gluten-free appetizer option. Marinate raw fish or shrimp in citrus juice, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro and seasonings until it becomes opaque. Chill and serve in cups with tortilla chips or gluten-free toast points.
Bruschetta
Top toasted gluten-free bread or baguette slices with classic tomato-basil bruschetta. You can also make easy gluten-free bruschetta combinations with avocado, artichokes, goat cheese, mushrooms, etc.
Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp is the perfect gluten-free finger food. Dip shrimp in egg and shredded coconut then fry or bake until golden. Skewer if desired. Serve with a sweet chili or orange marmalade dipping sauce.
Sliders
Mini sandwiches are always crowd-pleasers. Make bite-sized gluten-free sliders on rolls, buns or toasted bread. Fill them with ham and cheese, burgers, pulled pork or chicken salad.
Caprese Skewers
Assemble colorful caprese skewers by alternating cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil on toothpicks. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction.
Antipasto Skewers
String together bite-sized pieces of antipasto favorites like artichoke hearts, salami, cheese cubes, olives and pickled vegetables on short skewers for Italian-inspired appetizers.
Eggrolls
Fill rice paper wrappers with pork and vegetables or opt for ready-made brands of eggrolls that are verified gluten-free. Fry until crispy and serve with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
Meat and Cheese Boards
Artfully arrange assorted gluten-free sliced meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, olives, pickles and other accessories for a Mediterranean-style meat and cheese board. Provide gluten-free crackers on the side.
Pinwheels
Choose gluten-free wraps, tortillas or sandwich bread. Spread with fillings like cream cheese, salsa, spinach-artichoke dip or hummus. Top with ingredients like turkey, ham, veggies or shredded cheese. Roll up tightly, chill and slice into spirals.
Polenta Bites
Cut polenta into bite-sized squares. Top with bruschetta mix, olive tapenade, pesto or goat cheese and broil until hot and melty. Serve warm off the oven.
Crostini
Grill or bake slices of gluten-free bread. Rub with a garlic clove and drizzle with olive oil. Top with ingredients like ricotta, mascarpone, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts or avocado smash.
Potato Skins
Scoop out baked potatoes and cut into wedges. Brush with oil and broil until crisp. Fill with bacon bits, cheddar cheese, scallions and full-fat sour cream.
Wontons
Fill wonton wrappers with mixture of cream cheese, crab, softened cream cheese or veggies. Wet edges, seal and fry until golden brown. Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Stuffed Peppers
Mini sweet peppers stuffed with cheese make easy gluten-free appetizers. Or fill larger pepper halves with tuna or chicken salad. Bake until softened and serve sliced or whole.
Meatballs
For a change from Italian-style meatballs, try creative flavor twists like Swedish, Asian, Greek or Mexican. Roll into bite-sized meatballs and bake until cooked through.
Quesadillas
Grill tortillas stuffed with cheese until crisp. Cut into wedges and serve with sides like guacamole and salsa for a Tex-Mex inspired appetizer.
Potstickers
Pan-fried pork or vegetable dumplings are a classic gluten-free finger food. Serve steamed or pan-fried potstickers hot off the skillet with dipping sauce on the side.
Spring Rolls
Shrimp, tofu, chicken or vegetable spring rolls wrapped in rice paper are a light and fresh gluten-free option. Provide a peanut or sweet chili dipping sauce.
Mezze Platter
Assemble an assortment of Mediterranean gluten-free appetizers like hummus, baba ganoush, dolmas, feta cheese, kalamata olives and fresh vegetables. Serve with gluten-free pita chips or flatbread.
Crudites Platter
Display an assortment of raw, crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumber, celery, radishes, bell peppers, broccoli and cauliflower. Serve with hummus or another gluten-free dip.
Nachos
Pile gluten-free tortilla chips high with cheese, chili, salsa, beans, guacamole and other favorite nacho toppings. Serve immediately so chips don’t get soggy.
Crab Cakes
Bind shredded crab meat with egg, mayo and seasonings, form into patties and pan fry in butter or oil until browned. Serve gluten-free crab cakes with lemon wedges and remoulade sauce.
Grilled Cheese
Quickly grill sandwiches with gluten-free bread and cheese fillings. Try flavor combos like cheddar with tomato and bacon or brie with apple and honey. Cut into triangles to serve.
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Serve warm, creamy spinach-artichoke dip in a hollowed bread bowl or with gluten-free crackers and veggie dippers on the side for dunking.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Stuff pitted dates with cream cheese or goat cheese, wrap with crispy bacon and secure with a toothpick.Bake until bacon is cooked through and cheese is melted.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Remove stems and fill mushroom caps with gluten-free breadcrumb mixtures like Italian sausage and cheese or crab and cream cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly.
Vegetable Fritters
Shred vegetables like zucchini, carrots and potatoes into a batter with eggs, flour and seasoning. Scoop into patties and pan fry until golden brown and cooked through.
Shrimp Ceviche
Marinate cooked shrimp in lime juice, onion, cilantro, jalapeno and seasonings for a gluten-free version of ceviche. Chill thoroughly before serving with tortilla chips.
Tzatziki Dip
Blend Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, garlic, lemon, dill and olive oil. Chill the tzatziki and serve with gluten-free pita chips or raw vegetables for dipping.
Chicken Satay
Marinate chicken in soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Skewer and grill or broil until cooked through. Serve with spicy peanut or coconut milk dipping sauce.
Deviled Eggs
Halved hard-boiled eggs stuffed with a creamy, seasoned yolk filling make classic gluten-free finger foods. Garnish deviled eggs with paprika and fresh herbs.
Zucchini Fritters
Shred zucchini and mix with egg, Parmesan, almond flour and seasonings. Form into patties and fry in olive oil until crispy on the outside. Serve zucchini fritters hot with dipping sauce.
Gluten-Free Dipping Sauces
No gluten-free platter is complete without tasty sauces for dipping. Whip up creamy ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard or French onion dip. Hummus, salsa, guacamole and nut butters work well too. Supply an assortment of sauces to please all tastes.
Conclusion
With a variety of fresh meats, cheeses, vegetables, dips and creative appetizer bites, it’s easy to put together a mouthwatering gluten-free platter for any occasion. Consider food preferences and offer an array of options. Keep ingredients fresh and visually appealing. With these tips and recipes, your gluten-free guests will leave happy and satisfied.
