The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to start planning your Christmas party menu. If you or any of your guests have a gluten intolerance, it can be challenging to find appetizers that everyone can enjoy. But fear not! With a little creativity and some tasty ingredients, you can whip up a spread of delicious gluten-free party appetizers that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big bash, these gluten-free Christmas party appetizers are sure to be a hit. From savory bites to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone on this menu. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the appetizers:
- 1 package gluten-free crackers or rice crackers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup gluten-free soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
For the tomato basil bites:
- Arrange the crackers on a platter.
- Top each cracker with a cherry tomato half and a mozzarella ball half.
- Place a basil leaf on top of each cracker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the tomato basil bites.
- Serve immediately.
For the honey ginger chicken bites:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sesame seeds.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, green onions, cilantro, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add the soy sauce mixture to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
- Shape the chicken mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken bites are cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Tomato basil bites:
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Honey ginger chicken bites:
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 8g
Cooking Time
Tomato basil bites: 10 minutes
Honey ginger chicken bites: 30 minutes
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Serving Suggestions
These gluten-free Christmas party appetizers are perfect for serving alongside cocktails or as a pre-dinner snack. Arrange them on a platter and let your guests help themselves. You can also serve them as part of a larger appetizer spread, alongside other gluten-free options like raw veggies and hummus.
Variations
You can customize these appetizers to your liking by swapping out ingredients or adding your own twist. For example:
- Use goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangier flavor in the tomato basil bites.
- Add chopped jalapeños to the honey ginger chicken bites for a spicy kick.
- Swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey or beef in the honey ginger chicken bites.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions you can make:
- Use regular crackers instead of gluten-free crackers in the tomato basil bites.
- Substitute chicken broth for the soy sauce in the honey ginger chicken bites.
- Use dried basil instead of fresh in the tomato basil bites.
- Swap out the honey for maple syrup in the honey ginger chicken bites.
Storage
Store any leftover appetizers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips
- Make the honey ginger chicken bites ahead of time and reheat in the oven before serving.
- Double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd.
- Use toothpicks to make the appetizers easier to pick up and eat.
Notes
These recipes are gluten-free, but always double-check your ingredients to make sure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy or intolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the tomato basil bites several hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to serve. The honey ginger chicken bites can be made up to a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to reheat.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground chicken in the honey ginger chicken bites?
Yes, you can use ground beef or ground turkey instead of ground chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the tomato basil bites?
Yes! You can use any type of cheese that you prefer. Goat cheese, feta, or even cheddar would all be delicious.
Personal Thoughts
These gluten-free Christmas party appetizers are not only delicious, but they’re also easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. I love the combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in the tomato basil bites, and the honey ginger chicken bites are packed with flavor. These appetizers are sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering, and no one will even notice that they’re gluten-free!
In summary, don’t let a gluten intolerance stop you from enjoying delicious finger foods at your Christmas party. With these tasty appetizer recipes, everyone can indulge in the holiday spirit. Happy cooking!