Gluten-Free Savory Snack Bites: The Snack You've Been Waiting For!

Okay, let's get baking (or should I say, "snack-ing"?)! I'm so excited to share something I've been fiddling with in my kitchen lately, and it's a total game changer for those of us navigating the wonderful world of gluten-free eating. We all know that the struggle for quick, satisfying snacks is real, right? It's like, you're either staring at a bag of sad-looking rice cakes or succumbing to the temptation of something you know isn't going to make you feel great. Well, not anymore!

Today, we're diving headfirst into the land of delicious, easy-to-make Gluten-Free Savory Snack Bites. Now, these aren't your average, bland gluten-free fare. These little guys are packed with flavor, texture, and goodness, and they're so versatile, you can practically have them for breakfast, lunch, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. To be honest, these have saved me from many a hanger-induced meltdown – and I'm not exaggerating! I've made dozens of variations, experimenting with different flours and flavor profiles, but this particular combination is the winner in my book. It's the one I make most often for my own (picky!) family and that I'm just thrilled to finally share with you. Are you ready? Let's get to the good stuff!

Ingredients

Let's gather our goodies. You'll need:

1 cup gluten-free rolled oats (make sure they are certified gluten-free if you are highly sensitive)
½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (I prefer one with a mix of rice, tapioca, and potato starch, but you can use your favorite) - Tip: If using almond flour, you'll probably need a little extra liquid. Start with a couple of tablespoons more and add as needed.
½ cup grated cheddar cheese (or any cheese you love – Monterey Jack or pepper jack are also great options)
¼ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) - Tip: If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, a few spoonfuls of pesto could be a delicious substitute!
¼ cup finely chopped fresh spinach (feel free to use frozen if that's what you have handy, just be sure it's thawed and squeezed dry)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral flavored oil)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy both work great – I've tested both almond and oat milk)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!

Instructions

Alright, let's get this snack party started!

Preheat and Prep: Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will make clean-up a breeze! If you have silicone baking mats, those are great too and a reusable alternative.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, throw in your gluten-free rolled oats, gluten-free flour blend, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper (and red pepper flakes, if you're feeling spicy!). Give it all a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Add the Good Stuff: Now, add the grated cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together to evenly distribute all the lovely bits.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, egg, and milk until everything is well combined.
Join the Party: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Give it a good mix, and don't worry if it's a little thick. You want everything to be nicely moistened, almost like a thick, sticky dough. Tip: If your dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches a sticky consistency. Conversely, if it seems too wet, add a tablespoon more of the flour blend.
Shape Those Bites: Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop portions of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. You can make them any size you like – I usually go for about 1.5 inch rounds. You can also slightly flatten them with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time. Ovens can vary quite a bit! They should be cooked through and feel fairly firm, not at all soft.
Cool Down: Once they're golden and cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the snack bites cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will help them set up a little more before you move them. You can then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy the Deliciousness!: And that's it! These savory gluten free bites are ready to enjoy. They're amazing warm, but they're still delicious once cooled, and even at room temperature.

Tips & Tricks

Okay, now for some fun ways to make these your own:

Cheese, Please!: While I love cheddar, the beauty of these bites is they're happy with almost any cheese! Try feta, parmesan, or even a vegan cheese alternative if you're going dairy-free.
Veggie Power!: Feel free to swap the spinach for other chopped veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just remember to chop them finely and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the bites from becoming soggy.
Spice It Up: If you're a fan of heat, add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper, some chipotle powder, or even some finely diced jalapeños.
Herb Heaven: Fresh herbs can really elevate these! Think thyme, oregano, rosemary, or chives. Chop them finely and add them to the mixture along with the veggies.
Make Ahead Magic: These little bites are great for meal prep! Bake a batch on the weekend and then quickly reheat them throughout the week. They store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer Friendly: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked bites in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Just let them come to room temp or reheat when ready to enjoy.
Dipping Delight: These are fantastic with a side of Greek yogurt, hummus, or your favorite dip!
Go nuts!: Try adding a tablespoon or two of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. It adds a satisfying element, especially if you're skipping the bacon bits!

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