Gluten-Free Snack Recipes
Okay, let's get cooking! Forget those dry, crumbly gluten-free disappointments of the past. We're about to dive headfirst into a world of flavorful, satisfying snacks that just happen to be completely gluten-free. And trust me, these aren't your average boring options. I'm talking the kind of snacks that you'll be making even for your gluten-loving friends. Remember those after school snack sessions? Well, these recipes evoke all those warm fuzzy feelings, with an added "wow, this is actually good for me" bonus.
For me, gluten-free snacking has always been about finding creative ways to satisfy those midday cravings without feeling like I'm missing out. I've spent countless hours in my kitchen experimenting, sometimes with spectacular results, and sometimes…well, let's just say some experiments are not meant for public consumption. But today, I'm sharing my absolute favorites with you - the ones that have become staples in my rotation, the ones that I can happily whip up without needing to check the recipe a thousand times. These snacks are all about ease, taste, and feeling good. Ready to get started?

Three Gluten-Free Snack Recipes That Will Change Your Life (or at least your afternoon!)
Alright, let's jump into the good stuff. I've picked three options for today - sweet, savory, and something a little in between - so you're covered no matter what your taste buds are craving.
Cheesy Herbed Quinoa Bites (Savory & Satisfying)
These little guys are the perfect protein-packed snack that's packed with flavor! Seriously, I've brought them to potlucks where people who *swear* they hate quinoa devour them. They're that good.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (make sure it's cooled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese!)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (I love using almond flour for extra nutty flavour)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix it all Up: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded cheddar, grated parmesan, beaten eggs, gluten-free breadcrumbs, olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the Bites: Use a spoon or your hands to form the mixture into small, 1-inch balls. Gently press down on each slightly, creating a small disc. It helps to wet your hands a little to prevent sticking.
- Bake 'Em Up: Arrange the quinoa bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the quinoa bites cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (They are also delicious warm).
Tips & Tricks:
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses! Mozzarella, gruyere or even a little pepper jack can add a nice twist.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are great, too. Chop them finely and add about 2 tablespoons instead of dried. Parsley, basil or chives are delicious options.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat. These also go really well with a little dipping sauce! Think marinara, pesto or a creamy yogurt-herb dip.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites (Sweet & Satisfying)
These have been my go-to 'emergency' snack for years! They are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, plus they are packed with wholesome goodness. They require no baking, are ready in minutes and are perfect for stashing in your bag for on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup mini gluten-free chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Combine Everything: In a medium bowl, mix together the gluten-free rolled oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, chocolate chips, ground flaxseed, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Get Sticky: Stir all ingredients together well until thoroughly combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky but you should be able to see everything incorporated.
- Roll into Bites: Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch balls. You can use a tablespoon to help measure out uniform sized balls.
- Chill to Set: Place the energy bites on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
Tips & Tricks:
- Nut Butter Variations: Any nut or seed butter can be swapped in here - almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter would be just as delicious.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Taste the mixture before rolling into balls. Adjust the amount of honey or maple to satisfy your sweet tooth
- Mix-in Extras: Feel free to get creative! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut can be added for extra flavour and texture.
Cinnamon Apple Chips (Sweet & Crunchy)
Sometimes, what you really crave is that satisfying *crunch*. These cinnamon apple chips hit all the right notes. They're naturally sweet, subtly spiced, and unbelievably easy to make. I promise, these are much better than the store bought kind and you know exactly what's in them.
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry your apples. Use a mandolin slicer or a very sharp knife to carefully slice the apples into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Prevent Browning: In a small bowl, gently toss your apple slices with the lemon juice. This will help them retain their colour while baking.
- Sprinkle the Spices: Arrange the slices in a single layer on baking sheet, sprinkle with cinnamon and of course sugar if using.
- Bake it Low and Slow: Bake for 60-90 mins, flipping the slices halfway once they begin to dry out. The baked product will be crispy, dry and slightly browned.
- Cool and Crunch: Let the apple chips cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up even more as they cool.
Tips & Tricks:
- Mandolin Safety: A mandoline slicer can make slicing a lot easier, but always use the handguard for safety.
- Baking Time: Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the apple slices and also oven to oven, so make sure to keep an eye on them.
- Storage: Store the apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for the best texture. They can also be made in bulk and enjoyed for days!
Recipe Card
Recipe 1: Cheesy Herbed Quinoa Bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line baking sheet with parchment paper
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl
- Form mixture into small balls and flatten slightly
- Bake for 18-20mins until golden brown
- Let cool before enjoying
Recipe 2: Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup mini gluten-free chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined
- Roll into small balls
- Chill on a parchment lined plate for 30 minutes
Recipe 3: Cinnamon Apple Chips
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 60-90 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 tsp sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C), line baking sheet with parchment paper
- Slice apples thinly and toss with lemon juice
- Arrange on baking sheet, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar if using.
- Bake 60-90 minutes, flipping halfway. Let cool completely
Product Recommendations
Okay, now that we've gone through each recipe, I wanted to add some value by highlighting some amazing tools that I utilise everyday when cooking.
- For perfect even slices, a good mandoline slicer can be a real game-changer, especially for those apple chips!
- These glass mixing bowls are perfect for everything from preparing the quinoa bites to mixing the energy bites. Plus they're always great to have in your kitchen.
- If you do a lot of gluten-free baking, a nut milk bag can be a versatile addition, for things like straining homemade nut milks.
- A good airtight container can keep all your tasty snacks fresh and crunchy!
There you have it, my friends! Three gluten-free snack recipes that are not only delicious but also simple enough for any kitchen. I hope you love these as much as I do, and I encourage you to adapt them and make them your own. Happy snacking!
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