10 Gluten Free Foods Kids Will Love

1. PB&J Apple Bites

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a staple in most children's diets. It's easier than ever to update this classic to a gluten free version and the prep is simple enough to have your kids make it with you! All you need is Schär Gluten Free Bread, peanut butter and jelly! For a fun twist on this classic add some thin apple slices and voilà!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

2. Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a kid favourite and even though gluten free chicken nuggets may be harder to find don't fret! Baked chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative you can make right in your kitchen! Simply cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and dip them in melted butter (or coconut oil). Stir ½ cup of grated parmesan into a cup of gluten free breadcrumbs (hint: stale gluten free bread is perfect to make at home breadcrumbs!) and season with salt then dip the chicken nuggets in the mixture. Bake the nuggets at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

3. Mini-Pizzas

While your child’s favourite pizza joint may no longer be on the table, these mini pizza alternatives are a fun and easy switch! Simply cut Schär Ciabatta Rolls in half and top with your favourite gluten free pizza sauce and cheese. Add some more excitement by adding some of your favourite meats or vegetables as toppings! These are so easy to make let the whole family join in on the fun! (Hint: if you're a topping lover, pull out some of the inside of the roll for additional topping space!)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

4. Cauliflower Breakfast Muffins

Kids love eating with their hands and these cauliflower breakfast muffins are the perfect gluten free breakfast to do so. Simply grate a large head of cauliflower then press firmly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Stir in 5 beaten eggs, a cup of shredded cheese, and a half teaspoon of garlic powder. Fold in some chopped ham, diced onion, and fresh spinach then spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F until the egg is set and lightly browned.

Prep Time: 45 minutes

5. Gluten Free Cheese Sticks

Whether you’re looking for a gluten free appetizer or an after-school snack, these gluten free cheese sticks are sure to hit the spot. Simple cut twelve mozzarella sticks in half and freeze them on a plate for at least an hour. Place 2 tablespoons of gluten free flour in a small bowl and beat an egg in another bowl. In a third bowl, stir together 1/3 cup of gluten free breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese. Dip each of the cheese sticks in the gluten free flour, then the egg, then the bread crumbs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 10 minutes then bake at 400°F for 3 minutes on each side until the breading is browned.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

6. Banana Applesauce Bread

This classic spin on the old-fashion banana bread is not only made with gluten free brown rice flour, but the fat in the recipe is swapped out for applesauce. This makes for a healthier yet deliciously moist result. Simply mash 2 large bananas and stir in a cup of unsweetened applesauce along with 2 eggs, a half cup of honey, and a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract. Stir in 2 cups of brown rice flour, two tablespoons of arrowroot powder or cornstarch, a tablespoon of cinnamon, and 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder. Spoon the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes until browned.

Prep Time: 50 minutes

7. Chocolate Almond Butter

This creamy chocolate almond butter goes perfectly with sliced apples, celery sticks, or Schär gluten-free crackers for a healthy gluten free snack. Simply toast 2 cups of raw almonds in a little coconut oil then transfer them to a food processor. Add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla powder, and a pinch of salt then blend until it forms a creamy paste. Sweeten with maple syrup to taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

8. Healthy Guacamole Dippers

Cooking this recipe is not only gluten free-friendly but it is kid-friendly too, and your kids will have a blast making it! Simply cut two avocados in half then remove the pit and spoon the flesh into a mixing bowl. Have your kids stir in the juice from half a lime along with a clove of minced garlic, some fresh cilantro, and salt to taste – you can also add some chili powder if you like. Serve it up with Schär Entertainment Crackers for dipping, and you’re good to go!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

9. Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows

What child doesn’t love making s’mores? Unfortunately, store-bought marshmallows can be loaded with unhealthy ingredients, but these homemade marshmallows are easy to make! Stir 1 tablespoons of marshmallow root powder into a cup of warm water then strain it and pour ½ cup into the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk in ¼ cup of unflavoured gelatin powder then set aside. Take the other ½ cup and stir in a cup of honey or maple syrup and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Bring the honey mixture to a boil and cook for 8 minutes then slowly pour it into the bowl of the stand mixer while whisking then beat into a stiff cream for 10 to 15 minutes. Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and rest overnight before cutting into squares. Pair with Schär Chocolate Honeygrams and make tasty s'mores!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

10. BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Loaded with crisp bacon and melty cheese, these BLT grilled cheese sandwiches are sure to satisfy your child’s hunger. Start by frying up a couple slices of bacon then pat them dry on paper towel. Butter two slices of Schär Artisan Baker White Bread then pile two slices of cheese, a slice of tomato, a piece of lettuce, and the cooked bacon on top of one slice. Finish it off with another slice of cheese and the other piece of bread then fry in butter until golden brown on both sides.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

While going gluten free may be an additional challenge for a kid who’s already a picky eater, these recipes are sure to be a hit. Keep gluten free lunches fun with these meal and snack ideas and don't forget to be creative with it!