Bite-sized gluten free appetizers are perfect when you're entertaining on Game Day or any time you’re eating on-the-go. Here are 23 of my 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 yes when they ask if they can watch “the game”, whatever game it is.
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 chicken wings
Gluten free dips
Gluten free crackers and crunchies
Gluten free bite size snacks
Bigger gluten free eats
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.
Sherylann says
Every recipe we have tried of yours has been good. Thank you so much.
Nicole Hunn says
You’re so welcome, Sherylann. Thank you for taking the time to share that. It means a lot to me!
Cathleen says
Such wonderful options!! I love the assortment. No sacrificing necessary with these choices.
Jo-Ann says
I like your recipes and such a good assortment. Something for everyone. I do have an issue when clicking on the recipes you send in the emails it always covers the screen with the sign up for emails and no place to click to get it off. I have to go back and try it again and it pops up again. Rarely does it have the X to close it. I already subscribe to emails and sometimes I just give up.
Nicole Hunn says
Hi, Jo-Ann, I’m sorry that you’re having an issue accessing my website. That does sound annoying. There are rules for how small or large the form can be, and unfortunately it does tend to render too large on older phones with small screens. I’ve tried to remedy the situation, but there’s been no possible solution. One remedy is to use a tablet or computer, since the larger screen would fix things. Would you mind sharing with me what phone you’re using and what browser? I might be able to help, especially with that information since I can pass it along to my IT people.
Michele says
My daughters eat only gluten-free food. Need ideas for upscale party food..
Planning for a 60th BD party. Can you help.
Nicole Hunn says
I’m afraid I don’t really do much “upscale” food, Michele, here on the blog. But feel free to search around for recipes like croissants and every type of pastry dough, lots of appetizers like you see here.
Kathleen Harrison says
I want to thank you for this amazing site – but also for your honesty! So many hosts gloss over the tough stuff – it is truly refreshing that you don’t. It makes you & your recipes far more credible. Be kind to yourself. You most certainly deserve it.
Nicole Hunn says
That’s incredibly kind of you to say, Kathleen, and means so, so much to me. As long as I’ve been doing this, I’ve tried really hard to give people what they want and deserve (encouragement, reliable recipes) without being false or ever being untruthful.
Sandra Patterson says
Hi Nicole
These recipes are to die for. I love them. I’ve been a Celiac since I was 10 months old, along time as I am 85 now. Just keep them coming. For along time now I have been trying to get a stuffing for chicken or turkey. Something simple, but real tasty. I’ve tried everything. Do you perhaps have a recipe for this.?
Sandi
Nicole Hunn says
Hi, Sandra, oh wow you’re a true veteran! My son has also been gluten free since he was 10 months old. And yes, I do have a couple recipes for stuffing (a classic gf stuffing recipe made with the best gf bread, and a gf cornbread stuffing). Just use the search function and you’ll find them all (but I’ve linked them both here for your convenience, too).