Best Gluten Free Holiday Appetizers

The holidays are tough for everyone on a restricted diet but you can learn from savvy celiacs who have tips to share. These are my best gluten free Holiday Appetizers and tips to take them wherever you go.

Like so many things we do once a year, part of the challenge is saving recipes so you're remember to make them. There are all kinds of ways to save recipes and a little effort will pay off for years to come.

I try new recipes that peak my interest each year but only add my absolute favourites, in every category.

Make The Presentation Count

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

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

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.

Check out this recipe

A Little Fuss But Worth The Effort

Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Balls

These Stuffing Balls can be a novel appetizer or just a fun way to serve more stuffing as part of a turkey dinner. Either way I like them with gravy and cranberry sauce. Who needs turkey with stuffing like this!

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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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The Best Holiday Dips

For an almost instant appetizer layer three store bought dips in a giant martini glass. Some of my favourites to choose from include Roasted Red Pepper dip, Spinach Artichoke dip, Olive Tapenade, Hummus and Guacamole.

If you're making your own dip these are my two holiday favourites.

Pomegranate Pear Guacamole

Serve this Pomegranate Pear Guacamole in an oversized martini glass, sprinkled with brilliant red pomegranate seeds for any holiday party.

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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. Instead of the standard veggie tray serve veggies and dip in shot glasses and watch everyone dig in.

Southwestern Shrimp Martini

Although this is typically a summer favourite with grilled vegetables the fabulous presentation is perfect for a holiday party. Roast or even lightly saute the vegetables and boost the flavour with more chipotle if you need to.

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1

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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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.

Check out this recipe

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.

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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Bubble and Squeak Patties

Bubble and Squeak Patties is my appetizer version of the Scottish potato and cabbage dish called Bubble and Squeak.

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Gluten Free Potato Latkes

Everyone loves these gluten free potato latkes because everyone loves fried potatoes. Top with your favourite, sour cream or apple sauce.

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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.

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.

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3

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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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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Chorizo Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates are a Spanish tapa and they fall into the popular and much loved category of bacon wrapped anything.

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Potato Chorizo Frittata

In Spain they serve frittata cut into small squares small enough to pick up with a toothpick. Serve it on a pedestal tray and it will stand out on a buffet table.

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Tuna Rice Salad Tapa

This simple Rice Salad is one of those recipes that is greater than the sum of its' parts. Serve it on individual spoons for a small group or decorate it red and green for a buffet. The homemade mayo makes it!

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Meatballs in Almond Sauce

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!

I can't wait to see what appetizers you're making for the holidays.