12 Gluten Free Foods Kids Will Love

1. PB&J Apple Bites
Peanut butter and jelly is a staple in any child’s diet but going gluten free makes things a little more difficult because you can’t just grab a loaf of bread off the shelf. For a simple (and healthy) gluten free alternative to classic PB&J, try using apple slices instead of bread. Simply cut an apple into ¼-inch slices and use a small cookie cutter to cut out the core from each slice. Slather half the slices with peanut butter and the other half with jelly then put them together!
Prep Time: 10 minutes

2. Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
Kids love chicken nuggets. They’re a fun way to get them to eat their daily protein. Unfortunately, fast food chicken nuggets are made with wheat flour, not to mention being fried in oil. Baked chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative and, with some gluten free breadcrumbs, you can make them in a snap. 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 Schär Gluten Free Bread Crumbs 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. Pizza Stuffed Zucchini
While your child’s favorite pizza joint may no longer be on the table, this pizza-stuffed zucchini could be. Simply slice the ends off a medium zucchini then cut it into ¼-inch slices without cutting all the way through the zucchini. Stuff pepperoni and sliced mozzarella between the zucchini slices and bake at 425 for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Top with parmesan cheese and serve with dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes

4. Homemade Mac and Cheese
You can buy gluten free mac and cheese at the store, but it will cost you about $4 a box, and it may still contain artificial additives. Instead, make your own at home using Schär Gluten Free Fusilli pasta. Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter then whisk in two tablespoons of gluten free flour to make a roux. Cook for a minute while whisking then whisk in 2 cups of milk and simmer until thick. Season with salt to taste then add a box of cooked gluten free pasta. Stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese and a ½ cup of parmesan then transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbling.
Prep Time: 45 minutes

5. 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

6. 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 Schär Gluten Free Bread Crumbs 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 for 3 minutes on each side until the breading is browned.
Prep Time: 20 minutes

7. 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

8. Gluten Free Chex Mix
While many varieties of Chex cereal are gluten free, store-bought Chex mix is not. Fortunately, you can make your own at home very easily. Simply toss together 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal with 2 ½ cup of gluten free pretzels, a cup of lightly salted nuts, three teaspoons of onion powder and two teaspoons of seasoning salt. Drizzle with six tablespoons of oil and 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce then toss it all together, spread it on a baking sheet, and bake for an hour at 250°F. Let the mix cool then store in an airtight container. Toss in some Schär Gluten Free Cheese Bites for some extra crunch.
Prep Time: 65 minutes

9. Chocolate Almond Butter
This creamy chocolate almond butter goes perfectly with sliced apples, celery sticks, or 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 minutes10. 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

11. Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows
What child doesn’t love making s’mores? Unfortunately, store-bought marshmallows are 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 unflavored 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.
Prep Time: 30 minutes

12. 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 added challenge for a kid who’s already a picky eater, certain recipes are sure to be a hit with children regardless of any dietary restrictions. As picky as your child may be, you’re sure to find at least one gluten free recipe on this list that he will enjoy and have fun making.