Looking for gluten free appetizers that go beyond a bowl of chips? Think shrimp-topped cucumber rounds, colorful skewers and little potatoes covered in cheese.
These ideas give you plenty to choose from, whether you want a few small bites or a whole board to share.
You can keep it simple or go all out. Use these photos as serving inspiration rather than verified recipes.
Check sauces, crackers, cured meats and binders for gluten-free labeling. If you're serving someone with celiac disease, avoid cross-contact during preparation and serving too.
Read also: 20 New Year's Dinner Main Dishes for a Beautiful Holiday Table
Appetizer Ideas Worth Saving
melon bites with basil
We’re starting off strong with these gorgeous orange melon bites. The folded cured meat, basil leaves and dark drizzle look so pretty against the fruit.
Try prosciutto and a labeled gluten-free balsamic glaze for your own version. Keep the melon pieces broad enough to hold those little folds on top.
mozzarella and prosciutto skewers
How cute are these little skewers? White mozzarella balls sit between basil leaves and folds of prosciutto, with a glossy dark drizzle over everything.
I love the way they’re served on a plain black platter. Leave the handles sticking out so your guests have somewhere to grab.
shrimp cucumber rounds
If you are looking for a bite without a cracker base, this one is for you. Thick cucumber rounds hold a pale creamy topping and curled shrimp with golden seasoning.
The lemon wedges tucked between them are a lovely finishing touch. For your own platter, choose a gluten-free spread and seasoning blend.
colorful stuffed mini peppers
I am obsessed with all the color on this board. The red, orange and yellow pepper halves are filled right up to their edges.
The image identifies these as zucchini and cream cheese stuffed peppers. Keep the chopped green garnish if you try that combination yourself.
It looks so pretty against the white filling.
bacon-wrapped dates
These little bites don’t need much decoration. Dark dates wrapped in browned bacon are piled onto a lined plate, with toothpicks sticking up throughout.
If you’re putting together a mixed spread, I’d serve these beside one of the colorful fruit or vegetable options below.
deviled eggs with orange curls
This deviled egg platter may just be one of my favorites here. I love the generous yellow filling and the little orange curls on top.
For a similar finish, try smoked salmon with chopped chives and a dusting of paprika. The toppings make each egg look a little more dressed up without hiding that swirled filling.
fruit and cheese board
Don’t want to choose just one appetizer? No problem! This board brings together fanned apple and pear slices, grapes, figs, cheeses, nuts and folded cured meat.
Use verified gluten-free crackers for your version, since the pictured crackers can’t be checked by appearance. I’d keep the small honey bowl in the middle. It’s such a pretty detail.
sweet potato rounds with toppings
How pretty are these orange rounds? The white topping, chopped nuts and dark red dried fruit give each one a little something extra.
Try roasted sweet potato slices with cheese, walnuts and dried cranberries for a similar combination. A little honey would be a lovely optional finish.
Read also: 20 Snow Day Food Ideas From Cheesy Bowls to Sweet Treats
golden zucchini fritters
If you love browned edges, this stack is for you. The zucchini fritters have green shreds throughout, with a white dollop and sliced green onions on top.
Choose a tested gluten-free fritter recipe rather than assuming the binder is gluten-free. For party portions, I’d make smaller fritters and serve the dip alongside them.
chicken lettuce cups
Give your appetizer spread a little green with these chicken lettuce wraps. The browned filling sits inside ruffled lettuce leaves with sesame seeds and chopped green onions scattered over it.
For a gluten-free version, check every sauce in your recipe. If it calls for soy sauce, use a specifically labeled gluten-free alternative.
tomato cups with avocado
How cute is this? Little red tomato cups hold a chunky green filling and small pieces of bacon.
Try an avocado filling if you want to recreate the look. I love how the tomatoes are nestled together in a shallow dish instead of spread far apart.
golden rounds with green topping
The layers on these little rounds are so pretty. There’s a golden base, a white spread and a bright green topping, finished with dark red pieces.
For your own version, try gluten-free polenta rounds with ricotta, pesto and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Keep the toppings near the center so you can still see the golden edges.
generously stuffed mushrooms
If you are looking for something piled high, then this one is for you. These mushroom caps have mounded fillings with golden peaks, green herbs and a fine pale topping.
Follow a tested gluten-free stuffed mushroom recipe for the filling. If you want a crumb topping like this, use labeled gluten-free breadcrumbs rather than regular ones.
loaded endive boats
I love these little endive boats. The pale leaves hold a green filling, orange fish folds, white crumbles and delicate sprigs of dill.
Try avocado, smoked salmon and feta for a similar version. A little lemon zest on top would fit right in with the yellow flecks shown here.
brie with figs and pecans
Don’t want to assemble lots of individual bites? This baked brie presentation gives you another option.
A fig half sits over a glossy dark topping with pecan pieces and chopped green herbs.
Read also: 20 Appetizer Recipes and Serving Ideas for Your Next Get-Together
Surround yours with grapes and verified gluten-free crackers. I’d keep the fig right on top just like this.
a bowl of browned meatballs
Sometimes a simple bowl is all you need. These browned meatballs are piled high, with little green and pale flecks visible throughout.
Choose a meatball recipe with a gluten-free binder if one is needed. You could offer small picks and a dipping sauce on the side rather than covering the whole bowl.
colorful antipasto skewers
There’s so much to love on this platter, from the folded salami to the bright tomatoes and green olives. Mozzarella balls, artichoke pieces, dark olives and basil fill out the skewers.
Read also: 20 Finger Food Platter Ideas From Savory Bites to Sweet Treats
Line yours up side by side with the looped handles facing left to follow this arrangement. The rows of red, white and green are too pretty to hide in a deep bowl.
cheesy potato rounds
The cheese fans are going to love this! Thick potato slices are topped with melted cheese, bacon pieces and chopped green onions.
I especially love the cheese spilling a little over the edges. Keep the toppings centered when assembling your own so there’s still some potato showing around them.
watermelon cubes with white crumbles
How adorable are these little watermelon bites? The red cubes have small hollows filled with white crumbles and flecks of green herbs.
Try feta and chopped mint for a similar topping. Leave a little space between the cubes so those neat square shapes stay visible.
sticky wings with sesame
Last but definitely not least, we have these glossy chicken wings. I love the sesame seeds and chopped green garnish against that orange-brown coating.
The pictured version is labeled gluten-free, but you’ll still need a verified recipe and suitable sauces to make your own. Serve extra sauce alongside the wings if you like the dipping setup shown here.