Best Gluten Free Holiday Appetizers

These are my best gluten free Holiday Appetizers, I hope you'll find one to add to your list of favourites, to repeat year after year. The holidays are tough for everyone on a restricted diet yet savvy celiacs, with outside the box ideas, love to share how they've come to love it.

this gluten free recipe

Like so many things we do once a year, we've never made a system to quickly glance at those winning recipes you'd love to make. There are all kinds of ways to save recipes and for food bloggers, Recipe Roundups are just that. Here are the top favourites from my holiday baking list. When you're done check out my gluten free recipes for a turkey dinner menu.

Presentation Counts

My best tip for your own appetizer party is to choose less dishes and focus on a beautiful presentation. Invite only friends you trust to contribute and make it all gluten free and spectacular!

The same advice applies if you're taking one dish to a party. I say "Go Big or Go Home" and what I mean is use an unusual platter, pedestal tray, giant martini glass or shot glasses to create a WOW presentation.

Super Simple Holiday Appetizers

1

4-Ingredient Smoked Salmon Pate

I can't count how many times I've shared the recipe for my 4-ingredient Smoked Salmon Pate. Always standing right over top of it on a buffet table.

Check out this recipe

2

Vegetable and Dip Christmas Tree

The best Christmas version of vegetables and dip! The tray is spread with dip so it holds the veggies in place and people get some with every bite.

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3

Bocconcini Cherry Tomato Wreath

For a festive presentation make a wreath using Bocconcini-Cherry Tomato and basil on toothpicks. At the last minute sprinkle with coarse sea salt and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a pop-in-your-mouth appetizer.

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A Little Fuss But Worth The Effort

4

Gluten Free Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Balls

Gluten free Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Balls are a fun appetizer or just another way to eat more stuffing (with gravy). We all want that!

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5

Healthy Smoked Salmon Sushi Pizza

This healthy Smoked Salmon Sushi Pizza is an un-fried version of the popular Canadian invention, sushi pizza. Also perfect if you don’t want to hand-rolled sushi. It comes together fairly quickly but cutting the pieces is key to a nice presentation. A sharp knife is key!

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6

Homemade Sushi Rolls: Hosomaki and Futomaki

Learn what you need to know to make homemade sushi rolls gluten free. Two people can eat this many rolls so increase as needed for a fun Sushi Night with friends or family.

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The Best Holiday Dips

If you're going to find a safe, gluten free dip at a holiday party, you're probably the one making it.

7

Pomegranate Pear Guacamole

Serve this guacamole in an oversized martini glass, sprinkled with brilliant red pomegranate seeds for the best appetizer of the holidays.

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8

Gluten Free Warm Cranberry Dip

Gluten free cooks need easy recipes that are naturally gluten free and this warm dip is one of those. A simple, seasonal favourite that is greater than the sum of its’ parts. The toasted almonds and green onions are not to be omitted.

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Individual Portions

Dips have their place but gluten free eaters always appreciate individual servings. Use shot glasses, martini glasses, Mason jars or any container you want. Whether it's soup or veggies, the presentation always leaves a lasting impression.

9

Butternut Squash Soup with Poblano Chiles

This soup has a southwestern flare with cumin and poblano chiles. Skip the poblano chiles if you must but they're in season when butternut squash is and they add some zip. This recipe is perfect for serving soup shooters at a fancy party.

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10

Veggie and Dip Shooters

Shooters are a fun way to serve veggies and dip. This is the same recipe as the Veggie Christmas Tree above. Go for green and red veggies for the best holiday presentation.

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11

Chicken Satay

No one can resist tiny skewers of chicken satay with peanut sauce.

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Little Bites

With a little effort even fried potatoes and mini pancakes can make it to the list of impressive appetizers. Make a dainty version of your favourite fried cakes, add a garnish and you've got a holiday worthy appetizer.

12

Gluten Free Buckwheat Blini

These small round pancakes are traditionally made with buckwheat flour and served as an appetizer with lox and sour cream.

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13

Gluten Free Bubble and Squeak Patties

This is an appetizer version of the British potato and cabbage dish called Bubble and Squeak.

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Spanish Tapas

Tapas are the little dishes of Spain. Served on toothpicks, some of them perfect for stand up entertaining while others work best for a buffet or family style dinner.

14

Manchego Cheese with Quince Paste

This simple tapa is a little out of the ordinary and looks gorgeous presented in an alternating pattern on a rectangular tray. Try it on your next charcuterie board.

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15

Shrimp in Garlic Sauce

This is an easy tapa recipe, one of those little dishes from Spain, that can also be served as a main course.

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16

Spanish Banderillas

These little banderillas are a tapa, the little dishes of Spain. Served on a regular toothpick they are intended to pop into your mouth in one bite. Be sure to serve them with homemade mayo for a real treat!

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17

Chorizo-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

This 3-ingredient appetizer is a Spanish tapa but is perfect for any party. They fall into the much loved category of bacon-wrapped anything.

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18

Gluten Free Frittata with Chorizo

This make-ahead recipe is great for a weekend breakfast or holiday brunch, at home or away. The filling can be varied but this chorizo-potato combination is is our favourite version of this Spanish dish.

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19

Tuna Rice Salad Tapa

This is a cold tapa, often served as an individual portion. I prefer to serve it as a molded salad for any picnic or buffet table.

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20

Meatballs in Almond Sauce (gluten free)

Served individually on a toothpick these meatballs are a tapa. In my house they are also an everyday dinner. If you plan well you can take them to a party as an appetizer and have enough leftover for dinner the next night.

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Get The Dishes

Don't feel left out thinking everyone else has all the fancy serving dishes. Borrow from friends, visit Thrift Stores or search online for shot glasses, a giant martini glass and on and on. That's how to make your dish stand out!