Gluten-Free Snack Recipes

Okay, friend, let's talk snacks! Not just any snacks, but the kind that get you through that mid-afternoon slump, fuel a busy day, or just make a cozy night in feel extra special. And since we're all about feeling good inside and out, we're diving headfirst into the world of gluten-free goodness. Now, I've always thought that going gluten-free should add to life, not take away from it. That's why I'm so excited to share some of my absolute favorite easy gluten-free snack recipes with you today.
These aren't those sad, cardboard-textured gluten-free options we've all encountered. Nope. These are vibrant, flavorful, and totally satisfying bites that you'll want to make again and again - and everyone else will enjoy them too, trust me! Think crunchy, sweet, savory… we've got it all! Let's get started, shall we?
Gluten-Free Snack Recipes: Simple, Satisfying, & Oh-So-Good
We're going to cover three amazing snack recipes that can be prepped in no time! They are easy, delicious, and sure to become a staple in your gluten-free snack arsenal.
Recipe 1: Cheesy Quinoa Bites
These little cuties are packed with protein and flavor-- perfect for a quick and nutritious snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (make sure it's cooled slightly)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (I like almond flour for extra nutty flavor)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin. If you don't have a mini muffin tin, no worries! You can shape them into small patties and bake them on a baking sheet, but you might need to adjust cooking time, see if they have a golden edge and set interior.
- Combine the Goodness: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded cheese, green onions, and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Stir until everything is well-distributed.
- Add the Binders: Mix in the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly moistened. It's important that the egg is evenly dispersed to properly bind the ingredients!
- Fill the Tins: Spoon the mixture into the prepared mini muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. If you do the patties instead on a baking sheet, use a bit of a flatter top so they cook properly.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing—they firm up as they cool.
Tips & Tricks:
- Cheese Lovers Rejoice: You can experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a smoked gouda would be delicious!
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in a little finely diced bell pepper or spinach for an extra dose of nutrients.
- Make Ahead: These are great to make ahead! Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Recipe 2: Sweet & Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
These are addictive, I will forewarn you. You'll have a hard time stopping at just one handful.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (agave or honey work too)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prep the Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure those chickpeas are super dry! Gently pat them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Moisture can impact the final crispiness.
- Coat in Sweetness: In a medium bowl, combine the olive or coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Add the dry chickpeas and toss until they are evenly coated with the mixture. Making sure each chickpea is covered will give the whole mixture even flavor and baking.
- Spread and Roast: Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleaning easier.
- Bake to Crispy Delight: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even roasting and crisping. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving, they crisp up a little more as they cool.
Tips & Tricks:
- Spice it Up: Instead of ground ginger, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom!
- Flavor Variations: For a more savory flavor, you can also use paprika and garlic powder, eliminating the sweeter ingredients.
- Storage: Store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It might lose some crispiness over time, but they are still delicious!
Recipe 3: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites
These are my go-to when I need a quick pick me up! No baking and very little prep time – it's a win all around!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (make sure they are certified gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or alternative nut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, dairy-free chocolate chips, chia seeds, and vanilla extract.
- Stir it Up: Mix until all the ingredients are well combined. If the mixture is too dry, add a little bit more nut butter, maple syrup, or a teaspoon of water at a time, until it becomes moist.
- Roll It: Use a spoon or your hands to scoop out 1-2 tablespoon portions and roll them into balls.
- Chill Out: Place the energy bites on a lined plate or a baking sheet, and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Tips & Tricks:
- Nut Butter Variety: Experiment with almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
- Add-Ins: Mix in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chopped dark chocolate.
- Rolling Efficiency: Keep a little bowl with some water nearby while rolling the bites -- this will prevent the batter from sticking too much to your hands.
- Storage: Store the energy bites in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for longer storage.
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Recipe Card
Cheesy Quinoa Bites
Yields: About 18 mini muffins
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl until evenly mixed.
- Fill the muffin tin about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and slightly puffed.
- Cool in tin slightly before serving.
Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
Yields: About 3 cups
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive or coconut oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chickpeas dry.
- Combine olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a bowl
- Add chickpeas and toss until coated.
- Spread chickpeas on a baking tray, in a single layer.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, until crispy, flipping once.
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Yields: About 12-15
Prep time: 10 minutes | Chill time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled Oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir until combined.
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
Product Recommendations
- For the Cheesy Quinoa Bites: Using a high-quality mini muffin tin will make sure you don't have any of those pesky muffin sticking.
- For the Roasted Chickpeas: A good baking sheet with parchment paper means easier cleaning and consistent roasting.
- For the Energy Bites: These bowls from KitchenAid can make food prep much easier.
Wrapping it Up
And there you have it, three super simple, gloriously gluten-free snack recipes that are perfect for just about any occasion! I hope you love them as much as I do. Remember, eating gluten-free doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or fun. It's all about discovering new ways and ingredients to create meals and snacks that nourish our bodies and bring joy to our lives (and make our tastebuds happy!) Happy snacking everyone! And let me know if you have any other questions or fun recommendations for our next gluten-free recipe adventure!
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