The Best Gluten-Free Snacks to Make at Home (5 Easy Recipes)
In recent years, gluten-free diets have surged in popularity, fuelled by a growing awareness of gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, and simply the desire for healthier eating options. Many people are discovering that gluten-free snacking can be both delicious and nutritious, opening up a world of possibilities.
This blog focuses on easy, homemade gluten-free snack recipes that don’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat or a healthy bite to keep you energized, our recipes will inspire you to whip up snacks that satisfy your cravings and nourish your body. To enhance these creations, and to add a nutritional boost, using Queen Street Bakery’s gluten-free breads is the way to go. With our high-quality ingredients and flavour, they serve as the perfect foundation for your snacks, making it easy to create delicious treats that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.
Let’s dive into some scrumptious recipes that prove gluten-free can be both delicious and fulfilling!
Understanding the Benefits of Gluten-Free Snacks
Why Choose Gluten-Free?
Choosing gluten-free foods can offer a range of health benefits, particularly for individuals with gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, or those looking to improve their digestion and overall health. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, choosing gluten-free foods can help avoid the symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, and brain fog that come with eating gluten.
Opting for gluten-free can also help promote gut health and reduce gut inflammation for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. This is because eating gluten with these conditions can cause damage to the gut and intestines over time, so in the absence of gluten, the lining of the intestines can properly heal and promote nutrient absorption (which happens in the intestines!).
That being said, you don’t need to have celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to benefit from choosing gluten-free foods! If you have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), it can also help to limit your gluten intake to help manage symptoms and discomfort.
To maximize the health benefits of gluten-free snacks, it's essential to choose options that are also nutrient-dense. Not all gluten-free products are necessarily healthy. Some processed gluten-free snacks can be high in sugar, unhealthy fats, or artificial additives. That’s why it's best to focus on whole foods or snacks made from naturally gluten-free ingredients like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and gluten-free grains.
Tips for Making Gluten-Free Snacks at Home
How can you ensure your snacks are truly gluten-free? Reading labels, selecting ingredients, and how you prepare your food will all help ensure this.
Here are some of our tried and true tips:
Ingredient Selection
- Check Labels: Always read labels carefully to confirm that the ingredients are certified gluten-free. Look for the gluten-free certification symbol, which ensures no cross-contamination during processing.
- Avoid Wheat-Based Ingredients: Common gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, and oats (unless certified gluten-free) should be avoided.
- Use Gluten-Free Grains: Opt for naturally gluten-free grains like rice, quinoa, corn, millet, buckwheat, and gluten-free oats instead.
- Choose Gluten-Free Flours: Use a blend of gluten-free flours like almond flour, coconut flour, rice flour, chickpea flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour. These flours help create a good texture and moisture balance.
- Look for Safe Additives: Some flavoring agents, sauces, or processed ingredients may contain hidden gluten. Condiments are commonly known for containing sneaky gluten, like barbeque sauce, mustard and gravy, so be sure to check the ingredients list. Another example is soy sauce, which often contains wheat, so look for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Cross-Contamination Prevention
- Separate Utensils and Surfaces: Use dedicated gluten-free tools (mixing bowls, spoons, cutting boards) to avoid cross-contamination from gluten-containing foods. If sharing a living space with someone who cannot have gluten, keeping separate commonly used spreads like butter, jams and nut butters is the safest way to go.
- Thorough Cleaning: Clean all kitchen surfaces, utensils, and appliances before preparing gluten-free meals and snacks.
- Use Separate Storage: Store gluten-free ingredients away from gluten-containing items to prevent any accidental mixing.
Baking & Cooking Techniques
- Use Starches for Structure: Starches like potato starch, cornstarch, and arrowroot can help improve the texture of gluten-free snacks, particularly in baking. They help mimic the chewiness or crispiness provided by gluten.
- Proper Binding Agents: Since gluten provides elasticity and binding, use alternatives like xanthan gum, guar gum, psyllium husk, or flaxseeds for texture. These can help hold together the snack (especially baked goods like cookies, crackers, or breads).
- Moisture Retention: Gluten-free flours can be drier than wheat-based flours, so it helps to increase moisture in your recipes. Adding yogurt, applesauce, or a bit of extra oil can help to maintain softness, moisture and texture.
Test Recipes & Modify
- Experiment with Flours and Starches: Gluten-free baking often requires trial and error. Try different flour combinations (like rice flour and potato starch) until you find a mix that gives you the right texture and taste.
- Adjust Baking Time: Gluten-free snacks may bake faster or slower than traditional versions. Keep a close eye on the look and texture as you bake, especially for cookies, muffins, and breads.
By selecting the right gluten-free ingredients and preparing snacks with care, you can create delicious and satisfying treats that are free from gluten, while maintaining great flavor and texture.
Baking and cooking gluten-free can seem daunting at first, but here are some simple tips and tricks to ensure the best results:
- Season Generously: Gluten-free foods can sometimes taste blander than their gluten-containing counterparts. Use your favourite fresh herbs, spices, citrus zest, and garlic to elevate flavor.
- Try Gluten-Free Snacks with Different Textures: Some gluten-free snacks, like rice cakes, roasted chickpeas, or dried seaweed, have a different texture, but can be flavorful with the right seasoning. Experiment with baking or airfrying to develop a satisfying crispness.
- Use Natural Sweeteners: For gluten-free sweets, use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. These alternatives can keep your sweets moist and give more flavor complexity without the added sugar.
- Incorporate Healthy Fats: Ingredients like olive oil, avocado, or coconut oil add both richness and moisture to gluten-free recipes.
Five Easy Gluten-Free Snack Recipes
We’ve collected five of our favourite satisfying gluten-free snack recipes that you can easily prepare at home, either by yourself, with your family, or friends. We’ve got a collection of both sweet and savoury recipes for you to try, all full of nutrients, thanks to Queen Street Bakery’s naturally gluten free breads. And keep in mind that there are no rules! Switch it up to your tastes and preferences!
Avocado and Smoked Salmon Open-Faced Sandwich
- This avocado and smoked salmon open-faced sandwich is full of healthy fats and protein. You can keep it simple with just avocado and salmon, or try one of the options provided for some extra flavour for a satisfying gluten-free snack.
- Ingredients you’ll need for 1 serving:
- 1 Queen Street Bakery Everything Bagel
- ½ ripe avocado
- About 4 slices smoked salmon
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional flavour enhancers:
- Chives
- Dill
- Balsamic glaze
- Tip: To get some extra protein, add cottage cheese to the avocado!
- Directions:
- Toast QSB Everything Bagel until desired toast.
- Either slice or mash avocado and mix with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt & pepper
- Add avocado to toast in even layer
- Top evenly with smoked salmon
- Top with optional flavour enhancers like fresh herbs- our recommendations are chives or dill, balsamic glaze, or crumbled goat cheese.
- If you want even more protein, you can add ¼ cup of cottage cheese to the avocado mixture which will give a creamier texture.
PROTEIN: 22g (29g if you add cottage cheese!)
FIBRE: 21g
Bagel Pizza Bites
These Bagel Pizza Bites are a great savory option to add to your snack rotation. Full of the traditional pizza flavours you know and love, they also provide healthy fats, fibre, and protein all while being gluten free. You’ll never get bored when you switch up your toppings- we’ve provided some of our favourites below.
- Ingredients you’ll need for 1 serving:
- 1 Queen Street Bakery Chia Flax bagel
- 2-3 tbsp ready-made pizza or tomato sauce
- ¼- ⅓ cup cheese of choice (we recommend shredded or fresh mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or goat cheese)
- Toppings of choice, we recommend the following:
- Veggies: Mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives (¼ cup total of all)
- Protein: Pepperoni or crumbled sausage (⅛ cup total)
*Toppings are endless! If you’re feeling bold, try some pineapple, add some hot honey for a little spice, or for some freshness try adding fresh basil leaves before serving
- Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, or if using an airfryer preheat to the bake setting.
- Chop all vegetable topping ingredients to bite sized pieces.
- Place both halves of QSB Superfood Bagel on a baking sheet.
- Top each half with 1-2 tbsp of pizza sauce.
- Top each half with cheese of choice, spreading evenly.
- Add vegetables and protein to each half.
- Bake in the oven for 7-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bagels are warmed through. Time may vary if using an airfryer, so keep an eye out!
- If using fresh basil or any finishing sauces, add to the bagel right before serving, and enjoy!
PROTEIN: 18 g
FIBRE: 13 g
English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich
This English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich is perfect for those days when you need a quick gluten free breakfast that will actually keep you feeling full. Bonus: These sandwiches are easily freezable if you want to make them ahead to save you some time.
- Ingredients you’ll need for 1 serving :
- 1 Queen Street Bakery English Muffin
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 slice of cheese of your choice
- ⅓ cup chopped spinach
- 1 slice turkey bacon or 1 sausage patty of choice
- Directions:
- Toast english muffins to desired doneness
- Cook turkey bacon or sausage patty according to package directions. Set aside.
- In a bowl, add egg and beat gently, season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in chopped spinach.
- In a pan over medium heat, add oil, heat until warm, and pour in egg and spinach mixture.
- Cook egg through and fold over to fit the size of the english muffins.
- To assemble, place a slice of cheese on one half of the english muffin, top with warm egg, bacon/sausage, and condiments of your choosing.
- Change up the toppings and add-ins to your preference! You can sub any vegetable of your preference- we like bell peppers, mushrooms, and kale. Swap the sliced cheese for some shredded cheese or crumbled feta or goat cheese, and add it to the egg mixture instead. The options are endless!
- *Important note: If freezing, do not toast english muffins and wait until eggs and meat are room temperature before wrapping in parchment paper or foil. Place the wrapped sandwiches in a ziploc bag to prevent freezer burn and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- To reheat, remove the parchment/foil wrapping and wrap the sandwich in a paper towel. Place on a plate and microwave for 1 minute on defrost or 50% power. Flip the sandwich and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven or airfryer at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melted.
PROTEIN: 21.5 g
FIBRE: 9 g
Nut Butter and Banana Toast
This Nut Butter and Banana Toast is the perfect easy gluten free option for those days you want a little sweet snack. The best part is, this is a midday pick-me-up that won’t leave you feeling hungry and tired after, but actually satisfied, and will hold you over until your next meal.
- Ingredients:
- 2 slices Queen Street Bakery Chia Classic Loaf
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1-2 tbsp nut butter of choice, we recommend peanut, almond or mixed nut butter
- Variations for extra flavour: adding cinnamon, honey, or hemp seeds for extra protein
- Directions:
- Toast 2 slices of QSB Chia Flax bread until desired toast.
- Evenly spread each slice with nut butter of choice.
- Add sliced bananas in an even layer on each piece of toast.
- For extra flavour, we recommend a sprinkle of cinnamon for some warming spice, and/or a drizzle of honey for some added sweetness.
- For even more protein, a tbsp sprinkle of hemp seeds will give a little extra texture to each bite!
PROTEIN: 17g (20g if you add hemp seeds!)
FIBRE: 18g (18.5g if you add hemp seeds!)
Hummus and Veggie Bagel
The last savoury snack option to add to your roster is this flavourful hummus and veggie bagel. We love this gluten-free snack option because not only is it full of protein and healthy fats that keep you satisfied, but also fresh vegetables for those added micronutrients and fibre. The best part, like any of these recipes, is that you can make it your own and switch things up to your tastes.
- Ingredients:
- 1 QSB Everything bagel
- 2-3 tbsp hummus of choice
- About ⅓ cup fresh vegetables, we used persian cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- Toast QSB Everything bagel until desired toast.
- Cut vegetables of choice into bite-sized pieces.
- Evenly spread 1-2 tbsp of hummus on both halves of the bagel.
- Layer the vegetables evenly on top of the hummus
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Enjoy!
- Notes: You can add any seasonings you like, and even use flavoured hummus when you want to switch it up. Other vegetable topping options we’d recommend include microgreens, arugula, thinly sliced celery, carrots, or radish.
- If you have extra time, you can even add some sautéed veggies on top like mushrooms and onions!
PROTEIN: 10 g
FIBRE: 12 g
Final Thoughts
To sum it all up (or TLDR:), choosing gluten-free snacks can improve digestion, alleviate symptoms related to gluten sensitivities and celiac disease, support better nutrient absorption, and promote overall health and well-being. Choosing whole, minimally processed gluten-free options will make sure you’re getting the most benefit, helping you have a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Choosing and eating gluten-free foods doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated though! As long as you’re following tips like ours, like reading labels and being open to experimenting with recipes, then you’re on the road to success.
With recipes like the ones we’ve provided, you’ll always have the ability to make them your own and customize them to your exact tastes. Using the variety of Queen Street Bakery breads is the best way to snack stress-free, so the only thing you have to worry about is what toppings you’re going to add that day.
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This article was written by Aarti Mody, MHSc(c) & reviewed by Alicia Lang, RD, MHSc.