A gluten-free diet shouldn't mean saying "no" to appetizers. These gluten-free recipes are perfect for entertaining or on-the-go eating.
42 Gluten-Free Appetizers Everyone Will Love
Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas
Looking for a lighter snack that’s still a crowd-pleaser? You’ve found it! This zesty, crunchy chickpea recipe will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina. Satisfy your savory cravings with crispy chickpeas that are baked to perfection.
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Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 48 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
3/41
Frico (Cheese Crisps)
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There is something so elegant about this classic northern Italian crisp. And like so many amazing Italian dishes, frico is insanely simple to prepare. Buy the best cheese you can find—its flavor is really going to shine! —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 crisp: 83 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
4/41
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit. —Janet Zeger, Middletown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 52 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
5/41
Baba Ganoush
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Baba ganoush (also spelled baba ghanoush or baba ghanouj) is a Lebanese dip made with roasted eggplant. It’s typically served as a starter with pita bread or fresh vegetables. —Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 74 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 297mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
6/41
Coconut Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Jumbo shrimp is big on flavor when field editor Marie Hattrup from the Dalles, Oregon gives it a tropical twist. Coconut offers subtle sweetness, and the fruity salsa is delightful as a dip. —Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp with 1 tablespoon salsa: 141 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
7/41
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
This air-fryer sweet potato chips recipe is so quick and easy. Be sure to give the sweet potato slices a quick soak in cold water to help remove some of the excess starch. —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chips with about 2 tablespoons dip: 285 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
8/41
Red Lentil Hummus with Brussels Sprout Hash
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of chickpeas, this red lentil hummus uses lentils to create a hearty, healthful appetizer. The Brussels sprout topping makes this feel more special than plain hummus, but you can serve it without the topping too. —Carolyn Manning, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 154 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
9/41
Habanero and Mango Guacamole
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For the ultimate sweet-spicy combo, pair mango guacamole with fresh habanero chili peppers. Depending on your preferences, you can control the guac’s heat with the number of pepper seeds you use. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 150 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
Here are some other easy-to-make gluten-free Mexican recipes.
10/41
Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
11/41
Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 71 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
12/41
Spicy Edamame
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Edamame (pronounced eh-duh-MAH-may) are young soybeans in their pods. In our Test Kitchen, we boiled and seasoned them with salt, ginger, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 52 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
13/41
Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it’s one of my husband’s favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd pleaser. —Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 30 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
14/41
Air-Fryer Plantains
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Having grown up in Puerto Rico, I’ve had so much amazing Caribbean food, but tostones have always been a favorite of mine. Traditionally they are deep fried, but this version of air-fryer plantains gives me the same fabulous taste without some of the calories. —Leah Martin, Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1piece: 39 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
15/41
Artichoke Caprese Platter
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 192 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
16/41
Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fabulous sauce, green pepper and pineapple chunks transform premade meatballs into something special. Serving them over rice makes for a satisfying main dish. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 meatballs: 389 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
17/41
Goat Cheese Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed mushrooms are superstars in the hot appetizer category. I use baby portobello mushrooms and load them with creamy goat cheese and sweet red peppers. —Mike Bass, Alvin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 19 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/41
Cherry Tomato Bites
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cherry tomatoes may be small, but these are full of amazing flavor. Plus, they add color to any table. —Rev. David Bostedt, Zephyrhills, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 each: 72 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
19/41
Savory Potato Skins
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
32 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
For a simple hot snack that really hits the spot on a cool fall evening, put together a plate of these crisp potato skins. —Andrea Holcomb, Torrington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 56 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/41
Bacon-Wrapped Blue Cheese Shrimp
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Blue cheese, bacon and basil pack big flavor into a couple of bites. To save time, you can assemble the skewers the night before and then serve them hot from the broiler on the day. —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 88 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
21/41
BBQ Chicken Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 47 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
22/41
Balsamic-Glazed Fig & Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a huge fig tree that produces an abundance of figs. One year I tried drying some and developed this sweet and smoky recipe as a result. Now it's a regular at family gatherings. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 139 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
23/41
Apple Sausage Appetizers
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making apple appetizers. This no-fuss recipe makes plenty, so it's great for a football party or holiday gathering, just serve with toothpicks. —Dolores M. Barnas, Blasdell, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 117 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1 fruit.
24/41
Smoked Salmon New Potatoes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Give twice-baked potatoes a rest this year and try these stuffed spuds. Smoked salmon and cream cheese blended with lemon juice and dill are simply piped into small red potatoes. Leftovers are even good with eggs for breakfast. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 35 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
25/41
Rumaki Appetizers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
14 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These are a holiday-season "must" in our family. The bacon-wrapped bites are served with a sweet barbecue sauce which is also good with little smoked sausages. —Janice Thomas, Milford, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 92 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
26/41
Parisian Chicken Bites
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When a friend of mine returned from a trip to Paris, she raved about the food she had and described one of her favorite meals. It inspired me to create a similar hors d’oeuvre. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 40 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
27/41
Sweet Sriracha Wings
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve these fiery hot wings on game day or any time friends and family gather. If you don’t like a ton of sweetness, add the honey slowly and taste as you go. —Logan Holser, Clarkston, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken wing: 201 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
28/41
Apple Cartwheels
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuff apples with a yummy filling, and then slice the fruit into rings to make eye-appealing after-school snacks. The filling is an irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet honey, miniature chocolate chips and raisins. —Miriam Miller, Thorp, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 50 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
29/41
Buffalo Wing Poppers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These buffalo chicken poppers combine the flavor of hot wings and jalapeño appetizers to make a snack greater than the sum of their parts. —Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 popper: 57 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/41
Sausage Mushroom Appetizers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These stuffed mushrooms are can't-stop-eating-them good. For variations, I sometimes substitute venison or crabmeat for the pork sausage in the stuffing. —Sheryl Siemonsma, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 53 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
31/41
Taco Tater Skins
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to make a version of these with ingredients most people have on hand. We make a meal out of these skins, but they're also great for parties as appetizers. —Phyllis Douglas, Fairview, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 153 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
32/41
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
After making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
33/41
BLT Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick hors d'oeuvres may be mini, but their bacon and tomato flavor is full size. I serve them at parties, brunches and picnics, and they're always a hit. Even my kids love them! —Kellie Remmen, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 113 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
34/41
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
35/41
Chocolate-Covered Bacon
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It's a hit at state fairs everywhere, but you can make this chocolate-covered bacon at home. Some say bacon is perfect as is, but chocolate makes everything better! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen chocolate-covered bacon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 212 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
36/41
Smoky Jalapenos
Total Time
55 min
Servings
14 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make these bacon-wrapped appetizers, there are no leftovers. They can also be made with mild banana peppers or yellow chili peppers. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 86 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
37/41
Fruit Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
38/41
Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Even if you don't like mushrooms, you will have to try them again with these pretty appetizers, which taste divine. For a main dish, double the filling and use large portobellos. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 35 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
39/41
Grape Appetizer
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These small bites are well worth the time they take. Serve them as part of an antipasto platter or as a cheese course alongside your favorite wine. —Eleanor Grofvert, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
5 appetizers: 146 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
40/41
Watermelon Cups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 7 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
41/41
Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 24 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
