Craving Dairy and Gluten Free Appetizers
Who doesn’t love appetizers? Well, we sure do! When first beginning to eat gluten free, finding gluten free appetizers can be a real challenge. However, adding the extra complexity of looking for dairy and gluten free appetizers can leave you feeling lost and hopeless. Don’t give up there are many dairy and gluten free appetizers that you can enjoy. Here is our list of favorite dairy and gluten free appetizers to help you on your journey.
Finger Food
Finger foods are often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of going out for appies. there are several dairy and gluten free appetizers that fall into this category. Whether you are preparing for a party at home or enjoying a night out these appetizers won’t let dietary restrictions restrict your fun.
- Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a great dairy and gluten free appetizer option. However, not all chicken wings are gluten free and or prepared in a dedicated fryer creating a potential cross contamination risk. Chicken wings are incredibly easy to prepare at home. To keep the hot wing sauce dairy free use margarine in place of the butter in our gluten free hot wings recipe.
- Cauliflower Bites
Cauliflower bites are another great appetizer option for a dairy and gluten free diet. As with chicken wings the coating on the cauliflower varies and may not always be gluten free. To keep this appetizer dairy free as well careful selection of dipping sauce will be required to avoid inadvertently introducing dairy into the appetizer.
- Meatballs
Meatballs can be prepared and served in so many different ways!
Meatballs are a fantastic option as a dairy and gluten free appetizer! Meatballs can be prepared in so many different ways to pair perfectly with any other appetizer. Serve them individually on a toothpick for easy nibbling.
- Grilled Veggies
Not all appetizers need to be bad for you, to taste great freshly grilled veggies provide a healthy dairy and gluten free appetizer. At your next Barbeque expand the use of your grill from just the main course. Try seared asparagus drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, or grilled peppers and hummus as an appetizer to enjoy while the rest of the meal cooks.
- Cold Rolls/Fresh rolls
For a bright and fresh dairy and gluten free appetizer look no further than cold rolls. Cold rolls can be a meal all by themselves, but they can serve double duty as the perfect appetizer to an Asian-inspired meal. For step by step instructions on how to make this fantastic appetizer at home see our gluten free cold rolls recipe.
- Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
It has been said that everything is better with bacon. Brussel sprouts are one of those love-it-or-hate-it-type vegetables but wrap them in bacon and you have a fancy bite size morsel that is sure to convert even the biggest of all haters to the Brussel sprout camp. A Brussel sprout wrapped in bacon and roasted in the oven makes an incredible dairy and gluten free appetizer.
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Dates or prunes stuffed with gouda and wrapped in bacon have been a family favorite appetizer for years. This tasty treat is the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Recently we were hosting a party and needed dairy and gluten free appetizers to meet all the dietary restrictions that were at the party. We were so excited that these still tasted amazing without the cheese.
- Skewers
Skewers can be a fun appetizer that can be modified or adjusted to suit the main meal cuisine and personal preferences.
Salad as a Dairy and Gluten Free Appetizer
Salads are a traditional starter to many meals. Salads also provide great options for healthy dairy and gluten free appetizers to start your meal. Many salads are naturally dairy and gluten free, making this the perfect place to start your dairy and gluten free meal. Dressings for the salad can be a source of both gluten and dairy, so careful selection of the dressing will be required.
Soups
On a cold winter day nothing is better than a hot bowl of soup to start your meal. Soup is the perfect way to introduce dairy and gluten free appetizers into your meal plans. Watch out for cream and noodle soups to keep the starter course dairy and gluten free.
Seafood
Seafood provides several opportunities for dairy and gluten free appetizers.
- Shrimp sautéed in olive oil or grilled make a great starter course to a meal. A chilled shrimp cocktail, or shrimp ring is another wonderful way to serve shrimp as a dairy and gluten free appetizer. (Avoid breaded and deep-fried shrimp to keep them gluten free)
- Sushi is a great way to enjoy fine seafood as a dairy and gluten free appetizer. Serving a sushi plater is a great way to start a party. (To keep the sushi dairy and gluten free, avoid anything with cream cheese or tempura).
- Ceviche is a good appetizer to look for when eating out as it is naturally dairy and gluten free. If ordering at a restaurant request any crackers or bread that may accompany it to be served on the side or omitted.
- Calamari can be a great appetizer depending on the batter and if a dedicated frier is used to keep the calamari gluten free. Some dipping sauces will also need to be eliminated to keep this tasty snack dairy and gluten free.
Dips with Salty Snacks
Blurring the line between dairy and gluten free appetizers and pub snack food there are several ways to enjoy dips with salty snacks while remaining dairy and gluten free.
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Salsa and tortilla chips
- Hummus and gluten free crackers
- Roasted chickpeas
- Candied or spiced nuts.
What is Your Favorite Dairy and Gluten Free Appetizer?
As you can see there are lots of options available for dairy and gluten free appetizers, do not give up hope. Let us know which of the dairy and gluten free appetizers is your favorite.
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