8 Easy Gluten-Free Appetizers

Every gluten-free eater knows what it’s like to walk into a holiday gathering, browse the appetizer selection, and realize there are no “safe” foods they can enjoy. On the other hand, nothing dampens the festive spirit quite like showing up to the party with a gluten-free appetizer that no one else touches.

These recipes give you the best of both worlds; they’re free of gluten (and plant-based!) for those with special dietary needs and they’re packed with so much flavor that they’re sure to satisfy everyone. Next time you need a gluten-free appetizer to bring to an event or just to enjoy as a festive snack, we have you covered with these sweet and savory selections.

Gluten-Free Appetizer Recipes

From dinner parties and cookouts to fun after-work or school snacks, these gluten-free appetizer recipes are delicious, versatile, and suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

1. Vegan Ranch Dip

Whether you’re dipping veggies, chips, or pretty much any appetizer, you can never go wrong with crowd-pleasing ranch. While some store-bought ranch is gluten-free, others may contain questionable ingredients like food starches and MSG that can include gluten. This homemade vegan ranch gives you total control over the ingredients, works for many dietary restrictions, and, most importantly, it’s even more delicious than a store-bought bottle!

2. Rosemary & Tomato Focaccia

Bread may not be the first thing that comes to mind when picking out gluten-free appetizers, but this focaccia might just change your perspective. Packed with savory Italian flavors, it has deliciously crispy edges and a soft, chewy texture inside, making it perfect for dipping in olive oil or your favorite sauce. Intimidated by the idea of making bread? No worries – focaccia is totally beginner-friendly, making it a great way to dive into gluten-free baking.

3. Hummus Crostini

Prefer to let someone else do the bread baking? Grab your favorite gluten-free baguette, slice it up, and top with homemade or store-bought hummus. From there, you can choose toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, sprouts, olives, or vegan feta based on your preferences. If you’re serving a crowd, you can even arrange a variety of hummuses and toppings on a charcuterie-style board so that guests build their own crostinis.

4. Vegan Banana Bread

If there’s one snack you need to make a double batch of, it’s vegan banana bread. This comforting classic is a favorite for all ages and is great for sharing! It may be free from gluten, dairy, and eggs, but it definitely isn’t lacking in the flavor department. With ripe bananas, warming spices, and a secret ingredient for an extra dose of wholesome goodness, this treat always disappears fast at holiday brunches and cozy nights in.

5. No-Bake Brownies

An easy gluten-free appetizer that’s vegan, packed with micronutrients and protein, and tastes like dessert? It’s a tall order, but these brownies deliver on all counts. Best of all, there’s no sifting, mixing, or even baking required; just toss all your ingredients into a food processor, press the dough into a pan, chill, and enjoy!

6. Potato Balls

From chips to fries to tater tots, there’s a reason potatoes are often the stars of the appetizer show. Now, you’ll have one more potato app to add to your gluten-free repertoire with these potato balls. A savory spice blend and crispy breadcrumb crust meet a creamy mashed potato center for a deliciously dippable hors d’oeuvre that you can customize with your favorite add-ins and toppings.

7. Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

You might be suspicious of substituting cauliflower into traditional buffalo wings, but once you try a bite, you’ll get the hype. With a light gluten-free batter and a tangy vegan buffalo sauce, they’re packed with a perfect balance of spicy flavor and crunchy texture. Just pop them in the oven or air fryer and serve hot! Might we suggest pairing them with vegan ranch?

8. Cashew Sriracha Aioli

If ranch is the mainstream crowd-pleasing dip, consider aioli its more gourmet, grown-up, but equally versatile counterpart. It doesn’t include any of the highly processed ingredients found in store-bought dips, while the zesty kick of sriracha instantly upgrades everything from simple veggies to the potato balls above.

Whether you’re hosting or attending, these wholesome gluten-free appetizers will ensure you have plenty of options that every guest can enjoy. From savory favorites and dips to sweet treats, there’s a snack for every occasion and craving. You might want to make a few batches, though; these appetizers will go fast!