Game day food needs to be easy to grab, tasty, and something everyone wants to come back to. Going gluten free does not mean you have to skip the fun snacks and finger foods that make watching the game so good.
Here you will find a mix of crispy bites, cheesy pulls, warm dips, and handheld pockets that all happen to be gluten free. Most of these can be made ahead of time so you can actually sit down and watch the game with everyone else.
Gluten Free Cheesy Breadsticks
These cheesy breadsticks are pull-apart soft on the inside with a golden cheesy top. They get baked in a sheet pan, which makes them easy to cut and share with a crowd.
The garlic butter brushed on at the end is what really makes them stand out. Serve them with warm marinara for dipping and they will disappear fast.
This is a good one to make if you have people over who are not gluten free too. Nobody will be able to tell the difference.
Gluten Free Crispy Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp always feels a little fancy, but it is actually pretty simple to make at home. The coating is a mix of shredded coconut and gluten free panko, which gives it a really nice crunch.
The sweet chili sauce on the side balances out the slightly sweet coconut and salty shrimp. It is one of those snacks that feels light but still satisfies.
Gluten Free Crispy Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are a classic party food and these gluten free ones do not miss a thing. The pastry bakes up flaky and buttery, and the pork filling is seasoned with garlic, parsley, and a little sage for that warm savory flavor.
Cutting them into smaller 2-inch pieces makes them perfect for grabbing with one hand. You can prep them ahead and just bake them off when guests arrive.
Gluten Free Cheddar Bay Biscuit Bites
If you have ever had the famous biscuits from that seafood chain, these little bites taste just like them. They are cheesy, garlicky, and brushed with butter the second they come out of the oven.
The shape makes them easy to pop in your mouth between plays. They are best served warm but still taste great at room temperature.
Gluten Free Crispy Onion Rings
Crispy onion rings made with a club soda batter come out light and airy every time. The bubbles in the soda help give the coating that puffy crunch you want.
These are good on their own or as a side to burgers and sandwiches. A simple dipping sauce like ranch or ketchup works perfectly.
Gluten Free Almond Flour Tortilla Chips
Homemade tortilla chips are honestly hard to beat, and these almond flour ones only need five ingredients. They are sturdy enough to hold up to thick dips like guacamole or queso.
The cumin and chili powder give them a nice flavor on their own too. Just make sure to roll the dough thin so they get really crunchy.
Gluten Free Pizza Rolls
These pizza rolls are made with a soft greek yogurt dough that is super easy to work with. Each roll is packed with sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, so you get pizza flavor in every bite.
They look really good on a serving tray and people love being able to grab one without making a mess. Serve them with extra marinara for dipping.
Gluten Free Garlic Parmesan Pita Chips
Pita chips are a great snack to have on the table for dipping. These ones get tossed with olive oil, parmesan, and garlic powder before baking, so the flavor is built right in.
They come together in about 15 minutes total, which is helpful when you are juggling a few other things in the kitchen.
Gluten Free Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels are a game day staple and these gluten free ones are chewy on the inside with that classic golden crust. The quick baking soda bath is what gives them their real pretzel flavor and color.
Brush them with melted butter right when they come out of the oven and sprinkle with coarse salt. Serve them with mustard or a warm cheese dip on the side.
They are best eaten the day they are made, so plan to bake them right before kickoff if you can.
Gluten Free Baked Chicken Nuggets
Baked chicken nuggets are always a hit, and these have a parmesan and panko coating that gets really crispy in the oven. No deep frying needed.
Set out a few dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, and ranch so people can pick their favorite. Kids and adults will both go for these.
Gluten Free Cheesy Cauliflower Crisps
Cauliflower crisps are a lighter snack option for game day. They get crispy around the edges and the cheddar gives them a strong cheesy flavor.
The trick is squeezing out all the moisture from the riced cauliflower before mixing. Skip that step and they will turn out soft instead of crispy.
Gluten Free Honey Mustard Pretzels
These honey mustard pretzels are sweet, tangy, and a little crunchy all at once. They are baked low and slow so the glaze sets up properly and coats every piece.
Make a big batch ahead of time and put them out in a bowl. People will keep coming back for handfuls.
Gluten Free Crispy Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno poppers stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon are pretty much made for game day. The breaded coating bakes up golden and crunchy so you get that fried texture without the oil.
Just remember to let them cool for a few minutes before eating because the cheese filling stays hot for a while.
If you want them less spicy, make sure to scrape out all the seeds and white membranes from the peppers.
Gluten Free Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets
These hot pockets are filled with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni inside a buttery gluten free crust. They are handheld and easy to eat, which is exactly what you want during a game.
You can prep them ahead and bake them right before serving, or even freeze unbaked ones for later. Just add a couple of minutes to the baking time if frozen.
Gluten Free Baked Cheese Puffs
Cheese puffs made from scratch are way better than anything from a bag. These are based on a choux dough, so the outside gets crispy while the inside stays light and airy.
The sharp cheddar and parmesan give them a really bold cheese flavor. They are best served warm right out of the oven when the cheese is still melty inside.
Gluten Free Crispy Cheesy Arancini
Arancini are crispy rice balls stuffed with melty mozzarella. They take a little bit of time to put together but the payoff is huge when you bite into one and get that cheese pull.
The risotto base is creamy and cheesy on its own, which means the inside is just as good as the crunchy outside. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.
These are a great make ahead snack since you can bread them earlier in the day and just fry them up when you are ready.
Gluten Free Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a classic and these gluten free ones get just as crispy as the regular version. The double coating of breadcrumbs is what holds everything together during frying.
Freezing the cheese before frying is key so it does not melt out too fast. Serve them with marinara and watch them disappear.
Gluten Free Crispy Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders coated in almond flour and parmesan are perfect for game day because they are easy to eat with your hands. They bake up golden and crunchy without any deep frying.
Pair them with a few dipping sauces and they work great for adults and kids alike.
Gluten Free Beef & Cheese Empanadas
Empanadas filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar are a hearty snack that feels almost like a small meal. The flaky gluten free dough holds everything together nicely.
They are easy to eat with one hand and travel well if you are bringing snacks to someone else's house.
You can swap out the filling for chicken or even just cheese if you want a few different versions on the table.
Gluten Free Spinach & Feta Pinwheels
These pinwheels are a nice change from the usual cheesy meat-heavy snacks. The spinach and feta filling has a fresh flavor and a creamy texture from the cream cheese.
They look really pretty laid out on a plate too, which is a bonus when you are entertaining. Serve them warm for the best texture.