Gluten-Free Holiday Appetizers and Desserts

From savory appetizers to decadent desserts, win over any crowd with these delightful gluten-free goodies that are perfect for any occasion.

Start Slideshow

1 of 61

Coconut, Macadamia, and Chocolate Bark

Coconut, Macadamia Nut, and Dark Chocolate Bark

Photo: Melina Hammer; Styling: Vanessa Rocchio

Coconut, Macadamia, and Chocolate Bark Recipe
Bittersweet chocolate morsels and creamy white chocolate morsels combine with crunchy dry roasted hazelnuts and toasted coconut for an incredibly easy and fast gluten-free candy the whole crowd will love.

2 of 61

Chocolate Orange Cookie Cups

Photo: Alex Farnum

Chocolate Orange Cookie Cups Recipe
These flourless cookie bites from Sunset reader Jennifer Loganathan, of Colden, NY, are a delicious cross between a brownie and a soft cookie—the orange zest adds a bit of contrast.

3 of 61

Almond Brittle

Photo: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Paige Hicks

Almond Brittle Recipe
No flour is needed here; sweet corn syrup is the glue that holds this delicious holiday candy together. Pack in smoked almonds, pecans walnuts or peanuts for an extra salty crunch.

4 of 61

Mocha Truffle Cake

Photo: Kate Sears; Styling: Gerri Williams

Mocha Truffle Cake Recipe
This flourless cake's prep is so easy, making it perfect during those busy holiday months. Its bold chocolate flavor is so satisfying that it's unlikely you'll be able to think about seconds.

5 of 61

Baked Brie with Honey

Photo: John Kernick; Stylist: Alistar Turnbull/Pat Bates and Associates

Baked Brie with Honey Recipe
A drizzle of honey adds a bit of sweetness to savory Brie. Pair this Baked Brie with Honey appetizer with grapes, dried figs, or apple slices.

6 of 61

Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Photo: Kate Sears; Styling: Elizabeth Blake

Bourbon Caramel Sauce Recipe
A big splash of whiskey flavors Bourbon Caramel Sauce to create one decadent topping for your favorite ice cream.

7 of 61

Perfect Poached Shrimp

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Perfect Poached Shrimp Recipe
Shrimp is always a popular appetizer item, and it also happens to be a great low-fat and gluten-free offering, particularly when it's poached. You can make this recipe a day ahead and keep chilled in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

8 of 61

Chocolate-Almond Toffee

Photo: Kiyoshi Togashi; Styling: Sarah Smart

Chocolate-Almond Toffee Recipe
Buttery toffee is topped with chopped whole almonds to add extra crunch in this gluten-free dessert. If you use other nuts, toast them first.

9 of 61

Bourbon-Caramel Truffles

Photo: Levi Brown; Styling: Tiziana Agnello

Bourbon-Caramel Truffles Recipe
A little bourbon goes a long way in these delightful truffles filled with chocolaty goodness.

10 of 61

Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush

Photo: Levi Brown; Styling: Tiziana Agnello

Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush Recipe
Is it a drink or dessert? Who cares? It satisfies both cravings. This garnet-colored slush has all the qualities of a delicious cocktail--a not-too-sweet combination of high-quality liquor and fruity tang.

11 of 61

Spiced Applesauce

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Gerri Williams

Spiced Applesauce Recipe
A heavy meal sometimes needs a light dessert. AT 87 calories per serving, this homemade applesauce satisfies your sweet tooth without setting you over the edge at holiday meals.

12 of 61

Sausage Mushroom Caps

Photo: Thomas J. Story; Styling: Dan Becker

Sausage Mushroom Caps Recipe
These sausage-stuffed mushrooms are the perfect 1-bite party food and are always a crowd pleaser. Use spicy sausage for more kick.

13 of 61

Classic Pavlova

Photo: Sang An

Classic Pavlova Recipe
Pavlova, a golden pink-hued dome of meringue topped with whipped cream and juicy ripe fruit, is a seriously underappreciated dessert

14 of 61

Coffee Sundaes with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel

Photo: Peden & Munk; Styling: Amy Wilson

Coffee Sundaes with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe
The sweet and salty combo in this sundae is truly amazing. Serve it to special guests, or treat the family to a weeknight splurge.

15 of 61

Cream Cheese-and-Olive Pecan Bites

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Cream Cheese-and-Olive Pecan Bites Recipe
These little cream cheese-filled pecan bites are the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy. You'll have a hard time stopping with just one bite.

16 of 61

Homemade Caramel Taffy

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Homemade Caramel Taffy Recipe
A gift of Homemade Caramel Taffy will be a sure hit for the caramel connoisseur on your list.

17 of 61

Salmon and Cucumber Bites

Salmon and Cucumber Bites Recipe
Dramatically cut the calories out of this simple canape by subbing crisp cucumber slices for bread. The freshness of the cucumbers pairs well with the smoked salmon and creamy topping.

18 of 61

Chai-Spiced Fudge

Photo: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Gerri Williams

Chai-Spiced Fudge Recipe
Skip the store-bought stuff! Chai-Spiced Fudge is the perfect bite and makes a great gift, too.

19 of 61

Ham and Cheddar Potato Skins

Ham and Cheddar Potato Skins Recipe
This traditionally high-fat appetizer got a makeover using reduced-fat sour cream, a reduced amount of cheese, and smaller potatoes to keep these bites portion-controlled.

20 of 61

Brazilian Pecan-Cinnamon Truffles

Photo: William Brinson

Brazilian Pecan-Cinnamon Truffles Recipe
These adorable gluten-free truffles only require five ingredients and have just the right amount of sweetness for the perfect bite-sized holiday treat.

21 of 61

Baked Chocolate Mousse

Photo: Nigel Cox; Styling: Tiziana Agnello

Baked Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Serve this creamy decadent Baked chocolate mousse this holiday season for a no-fail treat the entire family will love. The texture is so incredibly light and fluffy, that it just melts in your mouth.

22 of 61

Warm Lemon-Rosemary Olives

Photo: Jim Franco; Styling: Leslie Siegel

Warm Lemon-Rosemary Olives Recipe
Mixed olives are available at most groceries and make the easiest appetizer whether you’re gluten-free or not.

23 of 61

Chocolate Pots de Crème

Oxmoor House

Chocolate Pots de Crème Recipe
This no-fuss dessert requires less than 15 minutes of prep time, and the finished product is sure to draw oohs and aahs from guests of all ages.

24 of 61

Savory Gluten-Free Tart Crust

Photo: Aran Goyoaga

Savory Gluten-Free Tart Crust Recipe
Look no further for a perfectly portioned out gluten-free crust recipe. Filled with savory or sweet fillings, this crust is sure to satisfy with any holiday recipe.

25 of 61

Warm Mocha Pudding

Photo: Nigel Cox; Styling: Tiziana Agnello

Warm Mocha Pudding Recipe
If you've never tried a warm pudding, this is the one to try. The flavors are more up front when the pudding is warm.

26 of 61

Smoked Salmon and Cheese Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes

Photo: Howard L. Puckett; Styling: Lydia Degaris-Pursell

Smoked Salmon and Cheese Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe
Potatoes make the perfect canvas for hearty gluten-free appetizers like these Smoked Salmon and Cheese Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes.

27 of 61

Almond Truffles

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Almond Truffles Recipe
These bite-size treats only require 4 ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time.

28 of 61

Greek Yogurt with Warm Berry Sauce

Photo: Nigel Cox; Styling: Tiziana Agnello

Greek Yogurt with Warm Berry Sauce Recipe
Frozen berries make this a year-round treat and a perfect solution for a gluten-free guest.

29 of 61

Prosciutto-Wrapped Mango Bites

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Prosciutto-Wrapped Mango Bites Recipe
Ask for paper-thin slices of meat at the deli counter. To ease prep, look for a package of presliced mango in the produce section. We do not recommend jarred mango slices—they're too soft.

30 of 61

Brie with Jeweled Fruit Compote

Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

Brie with Jeweled Fruit Compote Recipe
This lovely appetizer is about as quick and easy as it gets--as tasty, too. You don't even need to let the cheese come to room temperature first; the warm fruit that goes on top will soften it up. Serve with crostini or crackers.

31 of 61

Spicy Herb Roasted Nuts

James Carrier

Spicy Herb Roasted Nuts Recipe
This roasted nut recipe is perfect for the holidays as it features herbs traditionally used at Thanksgiving and Christmas, such as sage, thyme, and savory.

32 of 61

Stuffed Baby Potatoes

Photo: Antonis Achilleos

Stuffed Baby Potatoes Recipe
Stuffed Baby Potatoes pack plenty of favor in bite-size portions.These savory appetizers also present a touch of elegance to your party table. If you don't have chives on hand, minced scallions will do the trick.

33 of 61

Bittersweet Fudge with Sea Salt

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Bittersweet Fudge with Sea Salt Recipe
Sprinkled sea salt surprises the palette and brings out rich, dark chocolate flavor in Bittersweet Fudge with Sea Salt. Atop this fudgy treat, flaky types of salt shaped like pyramids or thin shards show up the best and won't overpower the sweet.

34 of 61

Brussels Sprout and Prosciutto Skewers

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Karen Shinto

Brussels Sprout and Prosciutto Skewers Recipe
Pickup appetizers are ideal for cocktail parties; they're individually portioned and don't require any plate balancing while your guests enjoy. Try this new spin on the prosciutto skewer. It's delicious and can be made ahead to save you time on the day of the party.

35 of 61

Gruyère-Bacon Dip

Oxmoor House

Gruyère-Bacon Dip Recipe
Serve this dip with assorted vegetable dippers.

36 of 61

Roquefort Cheesecake with Pear Preserves and Pecans

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Roquefort Cheesecake with Pear Preserves and Pecans Recipe
Roquefort Cheesecake with Pear Preserves and Pecans is ideal for large gatherings--it makes 12 appetizer servings. Pear preserves balance the tanginess of the Roquefort cheese, and toasted pecans add nutty flavor to this herb-and-pecan cheese spread.

37 of 61

Buttery Toasted Pecans

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Buttery Toasted Pecans Recipe
Patiently roasting pecans (the entire 25 minutes!) at 325° to coax out their flavor and essential oils takes them from good to great.

38 of 61

Mini Corn Cakes with Smoked Salmon and Dill Crème Fraîche

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Mini Corn Cakes with Smoked Salmon and Dill Crème Fraîche Recipe
Make these in the morning, and top with salmon and crème fraîche just before your guests arrive. Tight on time? Use store-bought blini instead.

39 of 61

Rosemary Salt-and-Vinegar Chips

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Rosemary Salt-and-Vinegar Chips Recipe
A homemade brine gives these chips a more delicate vinegar tang than mouth-puckering bagged varieties.

40 of 61

Smoked Salmon Salad in Cucumber Cups

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross

Smoked Salmon Salad in Cucumber Cups Recipe
Substitute gravlax or even flaked canned salmon in this appetizer if you prefer salmon that has not been smoked.

41 of 61

Crisp Persimmon with Ricotta, Honey, Pecans, and Mint

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross

Crisp Persimmon with Ricotta, Honey, Pecans, and Mint Recipe
Unlike soft, plum tomato shaped Hachiya persimmons, squat, round Fuyu persimmons are crisp with an earthy sweetness.

42 of 61

Pepita Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross

Pepita Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Mushroom caps make one delicious vessel for gluten-free appetizers all year long, but they will also be a huge hit at your holiday party this season.

43 of 61

Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows

Photo: Kan Kanbayashi

Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows Recipe
Treat yourself to fresh marshmallows dipped in chocolate and topped with sweet and savory delights like coconut or pistachios.

44 of 61

Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Deborah Williams

Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball Recipe
Prepare this retro-chic snack up to two days ahead, and serve with veggies for a complete gluten-free appetizer.

45 of 61

Stuffed Celery

Photo: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Stuffed Celery Recipe
For an easy side dish, serve guests Stuffed Celery. This stuffing is also great as a dip.

46 of 61

Polenta Toasts with Balsamic Onions, Roasted Peppers, Feta, and Thyme

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross

Polenta Toasts with Balsamic Onions, Roasted Peppers, Feta, and Thyme Recipe
Gluten-free and versatile, polenta is delicious toasted and makes a great base for appetizers throughout the holidays.

47 of 61

Bacon-Wrapped Bourbon Figs

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Bacon-Wrapped Bourbon Figs Recipe
These hearty bacon wrapped potatoes are a great appetizer that men will love too.

48 of 61

Smoked Trout, Arugula, and Granny Smith Stacks

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross

Smoked Trout, Arugula, and Granny Smith Stacks Recipe
Crisp apples serve as a base for Smoked Trout, Arugula, and Granny Smith Stacks, lending crunch and flavor to these healthy bites.

49 of 61

Cumin-Roasted Cashews

Photo: Theresa Raffetto; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Cumin-Roasted Cashews Recipe
This simple appetizer of Cumin-Roasted Cashews is full of flavor and will subdue an appetite until the feast is complete.

50 of 61

Black Pepper-Goat Cheese Log

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Black Pepper-Goat Cheese Log Recipe
Keep a few logs of goat cheese in the refrigerator during the holidays and you'll always be ready with a quick appetizer. All you have to do is sprinkle the cheese with pepper and drizzle with olive oil.

51 of 61

Holiday Salsa

Jennifer Davick

Holiday Salsa Recipe
No cooking required for this colorful 3-ingredient appetizer. Serve with tortilla chips for an appealing contrast between salty and sweet. If you have any left over, you can use it as a topping for fish or chicken.

52 of 61

Pomegranate-Poached Pears with Cream

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Pomegranate-Poached Pears with Cream Recipe
Firm pears will take longer than ripe pears to cook. To test for doneness, slide a skewer or small knife into the centers. The pears are done when the skewer slides effortlessly through the thickest part of the pears. Use extra cooking liquid in cocktails and fizzy drinks, or drizzle over yogurt.

53 of 61

Warmed Cranberry Brie

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Zapalowski

Warmed Cranberry Brie Recipe
Make an easy and elegant holiday appetizer by topping a round of baked Brie with sweetened cranberry sauce and toasted pecans.

54 of 61

Wine-Poached Pears with Raspberries

Photo: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Kira Corbin

Wine-Poached Pears with Raspberries Recipe
For an impressive but fast dessert, serve Wine-Poached Pears with Raspberries. Simmered in sweet white wine, they deliver in flavor and sophistication.

55 of 61

Potato Candy

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Potato Candy Recipe
This old-school candy reminds us of divinity and other traditional homemade Southern sweets. The recipe is a testament to the genius of thrifty cooks who based the confection on leftover mashed potatoes.

56 of 61

Coconut Pudding

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Coconut Pudding Recipe
Try unsweetened coconut flakes for a not-too-sweet topping.

57 of 61

Red Velvet Fudge

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Red Velvet Fudge Recipe
If you like red velvet cake, you'll love this fudge.

58 of 61

Cheesy Sausage Balls

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Cheesy Sausage Balls Recipe
To make ahead, cover and refrigerate unbaked balls up to 24 hours; or place in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag and freeze unbaked balls up to 1 month. Bake frozen balls at 375° for 22 to 25 minutes or until done.

59 of 61

Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

Photo: Petrina Tinslay

Chocolate Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Fudgy brownies meet a light and fluffy cake in this gluten-free melt-in-your-mouth Chocolate Olive Oil Cake.

60 of 61

Peppermint-White Chocolate Candy Slabs

Oxmoor House

Peppermint-White Chocolate Candy Slabs Recipe
Make the easiest candy ever for this holiday season's gifts. You only need three ingredients and a loaf pan.

Replay gallery

Account

Gluten-Free Holiday Appetizers and Desserts

1 of 61

Coconut, Macadamia, and Chocolate Bark

2 of 61

Chocolate Orange Cookie Cups

3 of 61

Almond Brittle

4 of 61

Mocha Truffle Cake

5 of 61

Baked Brie with Honey

6 of 61

Bourbon Caramel Sauce

7 of 61

Perfect Poached Shrimp

8 of 61

Chocolate-Almond Toffee

9 of 61

Bourbon-Caramel Truffles

10 of 61

Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush

11 of 61

Spiced Applesauce

12 of 61

Sausage Mushroom Caps

13 of 61

Classic Pavlova

14 of 61

Coffee Sundaes with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel

15 of 61

Cream Cheese-and-Olive Pecan Bites

16 of 61

Homemade Caramel Taffy

17 of 61

Salmon and Cucumber Bites

18 of 61

Chai-Spiced Fudge

19 of 61

Ham and Cheddar Potato Skins

20 of 61

Brazilian Pecan-Cinnamon Truffles

21 of 61

Baked Chocolate Mousse

22 of 61

Warm Lemon-Rosemary Olives

23 of 61

Chocolate Pots de Crème

24 of 61

Savory Gluten-Free Tart Crust

25 of 61

Warm Mocha Pudding

26 of 61

Smoked Salmon and Cheese Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes

27 of 61

Almond Truffles

28 of 61

Greek Yogurt with Warm Berry Sauce

29 of 61

Prosciutto-Wrapped Mango Bites

30 of 61

Brie with Jeweled Fruit Compote

31 of 61

Spicy Herb Roasted Nuts

32 of 61

Stuffed Baby Potatoes

33 of 61

Bittersweet Fudge with Sea Salt

34 of 61

Brussels Sprout and Prosciutto Skewers

35 of 61

Gruyère-Bacon Dip

36 of 61

Roquefort Cheesecake with Pear Preserves and Pecans

37 of 61

Buttery Toasted Pecans

38 of 61

Mini Corn Cakes with Smoked Salmon and Dill Crème Fraîche

39 of 61

Rosemary Salt-and-Vinegar Chips