4 Easy (Gluten-Free) Appetizers

Here are four ideas I have for easy appetizers to serve this season. (And they just happen to be gluten free!)

There is no denying that the bacon-wrapped potatoes are the definite crowd pleaser here. I discovered the recipe a few years ago on The Kitchn and was so pleased to see that it made the cut in the collection of recipes they chose for their most recent cookbook. Having said that, never underestimate the simplicity of a bowl of mixed olives, some colourful goat cheese balls or the quintessential party snack: bacon-wrapped dates. Here’s how to make them:

Mixed Olives with Capers and Roasted Garlic

Combine 2 cups mixed olives, 1 head roasted garlic, ½ cup capers, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence and a sprinkling of sea salt in a serving bowl and toss to mix. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette and/or pits wedges.

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites with Spicy Sour Cream

Wash a pound of small red potatoes and cut into 1-inch pieces. Place in a pot, cover with cold, salted water, and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F. Cook the potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes or until you can pierce them with a fork. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper and toss to combine. Cut 12 strips of bacon into thirds crosswise. Wrap each potato piece with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place on a parchment-lines baking sheet, spaced two inches apart. Bake for 15 minutes, flip the potatoes over and baked for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until bacon is cooked through and as crisp as you like it. Stir together 1 cup of sour cream and a few shakes of hot sauce in a small bowl and mix well. Place the potato bites on a plate and serve with the dip.

Herbed Goat Cheese Balls

Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper and make small marble-sized balls with a log of goat cheese. Place cheese balls on the prepared plate and refrigerate for 20 minutes minimum. Place a tablespoon each of dill, paprika and poppy seeds in separate bowls. Roll 1/3 of the balls in each of the three coatings and set aside. Drizzle olive oil onto a serving plate and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and sea salt. Arrange the goat cheese balls on the platter and serve with toothpicks and/or small crackers or breadsticks on the side.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese

This popular party snack requires three ingredients and just a few minutes of time to assemble. If blue cheese isn’t to your liking, feel free to replace it with a piece of Parmesan.

Tell us, what’s your favourite go-to quick and easy appetizer?