5 Healthy Gluten Free Appetizer Recipes (guest post)

I am doing something I rarely do – and that is a guest post.  Amanda of The Kitchen Advisor reached out to me as a fellow promoter of a gluten-free lifestyle. So I wanted to share her appetizer ideas below.  I hope you like them.  I have not tested them out myself yet, but I certainly will.

Image Source: Pexels.com

Keeping the menu interesting at a party can be tricky when you or one of your guests has gluten intolerance. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious recipes that don’t contain the dreaded wheat protein. In this article, we have comprised five of the tastiest gluten-free appetizers for you to try, while keeping a balance between classic starters and innovative antipasti.

Top 5 Gluten-Free Appetizers

1. California Cucumber Bites
If you are a fan of the California sushi roll but want to serve its gluten-free version at your soirée, the following recipe is the perfect alternative. By taking the rice out of the mix, you are left with fresh and scrumptious cucumber bites topped with rich crabmeat mixture that will leave your guests wanting more.
Ingredients
• 1 large cucumber;
• 1 avocado;
• the juice of 1 lemon;
• 3 green onions;
• 8 oz. crabmeat;
• ½ cup gluten-free mayonnaise;
• 2 tsp sriracha sauce;
• sesame seeds;
• salt and pepper;
• and gluten-free soy sauce for serving.

Directions
For this recipe we recommned using the Pampered Chef mandoline slicer to thinly cut the avocado and the green onions using one of its many slicing options. For the cucumber, though, adjust the slicer so that each slice is a bit thicker to mimic a sushi roll. Mix the avocado portions and the lemon juice together and then top the cucumber off with them.
For the next step, mix the crabmeat, mayonnaise, green onions, and sriracha sauce in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add some lemon juice if you prefer a tangier flavor. After the ingredients have been properly incorporated, scoop out a dollop of the mix on top of the cucumber and avocado using a small spoon. Serve alongside gluten-free soy sauce for dipping.
2. Brussel Sprout Sliders
Sliders are a party classic, but they can be tricky to serve when you or your guests have a sneaky wheat protein allergy. Fortunately, by replacing the miniature buns with Brussel sprouts, you are adding a twist to the recipe that is innovative and appetizing at the same time.
Ingredients
• 20 halved large Brussel sprouts;
• 6 thick slices of bacon;
• 2 minced cloves of garlic;
• 1 chopped onion;
• 7 oz. squared brie;
• ¼ cup brown sugar;
• 2 tbsp olive oil;
• 2 tbsp maple syrup;
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar;
• 1 tsp chili powder;
• and salt and pepper.

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°, then heat some butter in a large skillet and cook the onion for 8 minutes, or until it becomes completely soft. Then, add the garlic and cook for an additional minute before stirring in the brown sugar, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper and keep the skillet on medium heat for 10 more minutes.
This will result in a delicious onion jam. In the same skillet, fry the bacon for 8 minutes until it becomes crispy and chop it into squares. Toss the Brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 20 minutes, then allow them to cool. Assemble the sliders and serve to guests.

3. Melon Prosciutto Skewers
When it comes to simple yet elegant Italian appetizers, nothing equals putting melon and prosciutto together. This effortless recipe for skewers combines these two unique tastes with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil for a quick treat that will surely be the talk of the town.
Ingredients
• 1 cantaloupe;
• 12 prosciutto slices;
• 12 fresh basil leaves;
• 8 oz. mozzarella balls;
• and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Directions
Take the cantaloupe and halve it, then remove the seeds. With a melon baller, scoop out 24 spheres. Now you can easily assemble your skewers. Slide one cantaloupe ball in, then a basil leaf, a slice of prosciutto, and another cantaloupe ball to finish. Keep going until your 12 skewers are complete, then drizzle balsamic glaze on top.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes
For this amazingly easy-to-follow gluten-free appetizer recipe, we turned to the queen of cuisine, Martha Stewart. With just two main ingredients, you will be able to create a hearty and enjoyable dish that is suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
• 16 small red potatoes;
• 8 thick bacon slices cut in half;
• and salt and pepper to taste.

Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°, then assemble the potatoes by wrapping the bacon pieces around them and securing everything into place with a toothpick. Lay them into a baking dish and place it in the oven for 40 to 50 minutes. At this point, the bacon should be crisp and golden while the potatoes are soft and scrumptious.
5. Sweet Onion Dip and Crudités
Finally, no appetizer recipe list would be complete without a dip. If you want to steer away from the classic guacamole, hummus, or seven-layer route, try this delicious caramelized sweet onion dip and pair it with some crudités.
Ingredients
• 2 chopped large sweet onions;
• 1 cup sour cream;
• ¼ cup chopped chives;
• 2 oz. cream cheese;
• 1 tbsp olive oil;
• 1 ½ tsp white wine vinegar;
• and salt and pepper to taste.

Directions
Cook the onions in a large skillet for 12 to 15 minutes, or until soft and golden brown. Season them accordingly with salt and pepper in the process. Take them out and allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, take out a bowl and mix the cooked onions with the sour cream, cream cheese, chives, and white wine vinegar.
Allow the dip to chill so that it thickens. This will take at least one hour. If you are preparing it in advance, it has a shelf life of 2 to 3 days if kept covered in the refrigerator. Serve together with an assortment of crudités for a healthier option, or with potato chips if you want to make the entire thing more snacky.

The Bottom Line
Going gluten-free is quite easy when you put your mind to it. Any of the five recipes above are a great way to liven up any occasion, from a casual get-together to a formal celebration. So, which one will you try next?