Bite-sized gluten free appetizers are perfect when you're entertaining onGame Day or any time you’re eating on-the-go. Here are 23 ofmy most favorite recipes, every one a crowd-pleaser!
The best gluten free game day food
In this recipe collection, you’ll find recipes for the very best gluten free Super Bowl apps, like my crispy, crunchy gluten free crackers and classic spinach dip (recipe for homemade “gf onion soup mix” included!).
There's also old school sausage balls to super easy baked brie en croute.
Basically, everything you thought for sure you'd never, ever have again, now that you or someone you love is gluten free.
My family is a sports family, no doubt. All three of my kids played team sports nonstop growing up, and I wouldn't have it any other way. They learned to win well, lose well, fail and try again. They didn't watch a ton of TV when they were little, but they knew I was likely to say yeswhen they ask if they can watch “the game”, whatever game itis.
With football season upon us, even though that's pretty much the one sport I won't let them play (protect the head!), we still watch. And you gotta eat, right? So go team!
Gluten free pizza
Gluten free pizza with NY style crust
Pizza is a quintessential Super Bowl party food, but you know how hard it is to find a good gluten free crust. Rather than settle for something mediocre from the frozen food section, make your own New Style pizza in your gluten free kitchen with my easy recipe.
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Gluten free zucchini crust pizza
Want the pizza without the guilt? My gf zucchini crust is pretty amazing considering it's made with just 5 ingredients. Despite being made mostly of zucchini, this crust is so foldable and full of flavor.
Worried about the veggies? Put the thought out of your mind, because you'll never know.
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Gluten free pizza bites
When you're in the thick of the game, you don't want to be standing there with pizza in your hands when you could be waving them around and throwing them in the air.
That's why I love making these pint sized pizza muffins. Though they'll be gone in just a couple of bites, these mini pizza balls are big on flavor.
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Gluten free pizza breadsticks
Thick crust pizza dough + tons and tons of cheese + garlic pressed into a gorgeous paste = pizzeria-style gluten free pizza breadsticks.
Truuuuust me, this is perfect gluten free game day food.
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Gluten free chicken wings
Gluten free KFC-style chicken
Chicken wings may be one the ultimate gluten free Super Bowl party foods, but if you don't want to worry about sticky fingers, I suggest you try my KFC style fried chicken.
Just a tender and juicy as wings, this fried chicken will make you feel as if you're having take out. This really is a classic comfort food that's perfect for parties.
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Gluten free air fryer chicken nuggets
Don't want to deal with bones? I love making air fryer chicken nuggets when I need to serve a crowd. They're a wonderfully no mess option, and they're quick and easy to prepare — your guests will tell you to keep 'em coming. (You can also easily make this dairy free as they only require one tablespoon of milk, whatever kind you'd like.)
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Gluten free chicken fingers
These gluten free chicken fingers are a bit more refined, but they're still an awesome choice for the big game.
Made with buttermilk, coconut flakes, and paprika, these gluten free snacks for a party are made for dunking in your favorite sauce or dip.
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Gluten free buffalo cauliflower bites
Inviting dairy free friends to see the game? Just want something different? Check out these buffalo cauliflower bites. They aren't going to taste like chicken, but they do offer a unique crunchy texture that you're going to love.
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Gluten free dips
Gluten free spinach dip
The secret to this gluten free spinach dip is a simple homemade Lipton-style onion soup mix. The Lipton packet used to be gluten free, until they added a barley derivative.
No problem—we can make our own, and it's every bit as delicious! And I know you already have the pantry staples. All you need is onion powder, garlic, powder, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and dried onion, and you're good to go!
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Gluten free cheese sauce
Whether you're making nachos with ground beef and fresh pico de gallo or just looking for something smooth and creamy to dip your other gluten free football snacks into, you can't go wrong with a good cheese sauce. It takes only minutes to whip up this cheesy goodness, so you can refill dip bowls as needed.
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Gluten free ranch dressing
Ranch sauce is versatile enough for dunking both wings and veggies, and my homemade version will have you giving up bottled versions forever.
I also highly recommend my Caesar dressing, which is made using mayo instead of sour cream and included on the same page.
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Gluten free fruit dips
Gluten free Super bowl food tends to focus on the salty and the savory, but you can mix things up a bit by offering your guests some sweeter snacks too.
Assemble a platter of fresh fruit with my chocolate or strawberry cheesecake dip in the center for a well-rounded game day spread.
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Gluten free crackers and crunchies
Gluten free parmesan crackers
These super crisp gluten free parmesan crackers, made with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and cornmeal, are perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
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Gluten Free “Chicken-in-a-Biskit” Crackers
Get this tested, easy-to-follow copycat recipe for gluten free Chicken-in-a-Biskit crackers. Plus the 6 secrets to rolling out cookie and cracker dough!
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Gluten free “Wheat Thin” crackers
These copycat Wheat Thins crackers are a must if you're going to be serving sliced meats and cheeses. They're crispy and buttery, and they don't have a trace of wheat (unlike the name brand crackers).
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Gluten free “Goldfish” crackers
Goldfish crackers are a tasty choice for grazing football fans. They're small but packed full of flavor, which means they don't need any dips or sauces. Mine are even better than what you'd find at the store because they're bigger on the cheese flavor.
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Gluten free bite size snacks
Gluten free garlic knots
With or without crisp bacon, these gluten free garlic knots are crispy on the bottom, soft inside, and packed with flavor. I really love making them in a cast iron skillet, but they can of course also be made in a heavy-bottom cake pan.
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Gluten free arancini fried rice balls
Cooked risotto rice, stuffed with mushrooms, beef and cheese, dredged in gluten free flour, egg and coated in bread crumbs, and then fried gently to perfection.
Make the rice ahead of time, and you'll be amazed at how easy this classic Italian delight really is.
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Gluten free zucchini tots
Low carb, gluten free zucchini tots are the perfect finger food to enjoy without any guilt—and even veggie haters love them. I should know!
I live with one very big veggie hater—except when it comes to these tots. Try these instead of french or sweet potato fries.
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Gluten free sausage balls
Made with our homemade gf Bisquick-style blend, good quality sausage, and mild grated shallots, these gluten free sausage balls will bring back memories!
Included with my recipe is an optional dipping sauce — I definitely suggest you give it a try!
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Bigger gluten free eats
Asian chicken lettuce wraps
This easy recipe for Asian chicken lettuce wraps is made with sesame oil,soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar and wine, andjusta touch of honey. A family favorite in my house! Serve it over rice for a family-style meal, or in lettuce cups as an appetizer.
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Gluten free baked brie en croûte
It’s so, so easy to make this most gorgeous of appetizers, and it can be made in stages and then just baked at the last moment. All you need is a wheel of brie cheese, and gluten free pie crust or gf puff pastry.
Make the crust as far in advance as you like, and then roll it out, wrap up the cheese, and bake. It's a classic for good reason!
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Gluten free corn dogs
Hot dogs are a popular game day food, but I love me some good corn dogs. They take a little longer to prepare, but they're great for making with friends if they'd like to help you in the kitchen.
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Tips for making the best gluten free Super Bowl snacks
When to start preparing gluten free Super Bowl appetizers
When game day arrives, you don't want to be stuck in the kitchen cooking up apps while your friends and family are focused on the game. The best way to stay out of the kitchen is to carefully plan out your game day apps menu.
Review your recipes to see which gluten free Super Bowl recipes can safely be made in advance. From my list, this will include all my cracker options — make them the day before and store them in an airtight glass container until you're ready to serve. Glass containers help crispy baked crackers keep their texture.
You should also make your dips in advance; the longer they sit, the more the flavors will come together. You can easily make most the night before.
I don't recommend that you bake your pizzas the night before, but you can certainly make your raw gf pizza dough and refrigerate it until needed. Be sure to also chop or slice your toppings so they're ready to go when you assemble your pies for baking.
I also suggest you hold off on frying or baking until closer to game time. You want to avoid reheating food, which could cause it's crunch or crispiness to disappear.
Focus on gluten free finger food recipes
You may have noticed a running theme with most of my gluten free snacks ideas — no utensils required! That's because your Super Bowl party should be about good friends and good times, and a sink full of dirty dishes just doesn't work into that equation.
If you do serve some gf appetizers that are a little more on the saucy side, consider keeping toothpicks nearby rather than forks. They'll pull double-duty and won't fill your trash bin to the rim.
Serving alcohol with your gluten free snacks on Game Day
Your guests will need something to wash down their Super Bowl gluten free snacks. In many households, that will mean alcohol in one form or the other.
Let's get the big question right out of the way: Does beer have gluten?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Most conventional beers are made from barley or hops, both of which contain gluten. This means popular beers from Bud, Coors, and Michelob are off limits.
However, there are gluten free beers available, some of which come from famous brands. Anheuser-Busch has Redbridge, while Coors has Peak. There are also many varieties from smaller brands.
When it comes to hard liquor, most liquors and wines are completely gluten free — even those distilled from barley or rye. This is because the distillation process removes all proteins from the alcohol, including gluten. This makes bourbon, gin, tequila, vodka, whiskey, and other liquors completely safe to serve.
FAQs
What are the most popular game day apps?
By far, pizza and chicken wings are the most popular football party appetizers. They're quickly followed by burgers and chips and dip.
Buying these items from the store is one option, but making them from scratch is a far tastier one.
Depending on how much you're making, you may even find that it's actually cheaper to make several homemade pizzas or batches of dip than buying them prepackaged.
What are simple gluten free Super Bowl snack ideas?
If you're holding a low key game day get-together or just looking for simple snacks to hold you over until a larger meal after the game, here are some simple, no fuss options for your party:
- Fresh fruit
- Fresh veggies
- Buttered and salted popcorn
- Sliced cheese
- Plain nuts
- Rice crackers
- Corn chips
- Plain yogurt
Serving these types of apps is also an easy way to keep your party spread full without tons of cooking.
What gf Super Bowl snacks can guests bring to a party?
If you're going to be the guest at a game day party and have been tasked with bringing gluten free tailgate food, keep these tips in mind:
- Bring enough gluten free Super Bowl snacks to feed a crowd. Even those who aren't following a gluten free diet may be interested in trying what you've brought.
- Don't bring food that's a hassle. Try to focus on gluten free Super Bowl appetizers that are fully prepared and ready to serve so you're not crowding your host's kitchen.
- Pack your gluten free game day appetizers in disposable containers. This way, you don't have to worry about losing a storage bowl or having to clean up after the party.
Some great gluten free Super Bowl food ideas for bringing to a get-together include chips and dip, meatballs, chicken wings, and deviled eggs.
