Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity in kids is a prevalent issue these days, so making sure that you have plenty of gluten-free options in your cooking arsenal is crucial for success. Gluten-free ingredients, primarily flours and grains, and even gluten-free dishes at restaurants are becoming more and more common, so while it is easier to get ahold of gluten-free options in general, it can feel like a major lift to have an entirely gluten-free household that still includes memorable and delicious dishes. While it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients you’re buying at the store to make sure they are gluten-free, making your kitchen a gluten-free one doesn’t have to be a difficult task – in fact, it can be a fun one that the whole family can be a part of.
So what is gluten, anyway? Essentially, gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, acting as the glue that holds food together. When a person has a gluten sensitivity or intolerance, gluten attacks the lining of their small intestine, making them unable to absorb nutrients in their bloodstream and resulting in a variety of uncomfortable bodily responses, such as bloating, rashes, fatigue, delayed growth, and weight loss, among many others. Swapping out wheat flour for nut or oat flours, of which there really are a lot of options, is simple to do, but keeping gluten out of your meals may also end up in healthier dishes that are lower in carbs, fat, and calories. From delicious pizza crusts and hearty meatballs to crunchy hash browns, lasagna, and even chocolatey cupcakes, your kids will be so overjoyed with the amount of tasty options for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, that they may not even know they’re gluten-free. Add these 16 gluten-free options to your culinary collection and make your gluten-free home a happy one for the whole family.
Crispy Rice Date and Cashew Bars
Credit: delightfulmomfood.com
Not all sweets are guilty ones – let your kids indulge in these crispy rice date cashew bars that are naturally sweet, while also being gluten and dairy free.
2h 30m 
200 calories
Easy
Gluten Free 
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Crispy Rice Date and Cashew Bars.
Gluten Free Spinach Potato Bites
Credit: celiacmama.com
Make a double batch of these crispy treats that are sure to go fast – they are gluten and dairy free, vegan, and paleo, and free of the top eight allergens.
1h 00m 25 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Gluten Free Spinach Potato Bites.
Mini Gluten Free Pizzas
Credit: www.superhealthykids.com
Even people who don’t stick to a gluten-free diet will love these mini pizzas – top with the veggies of your choice for a nutritious lunch or snack your kids will love to make.
20 minutes 150 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Mini Gluten Free Pizzas.
Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites
Credit: www.suburbansimplicity.com
These quinoa pizza bites pack all the flavors of traditional pizza into one handheld treat, without the added fat and sodium.
20 minutes 75 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites.
Gluten Free Meatballs
Credit: yourkidstable.com
Get all the comfort and flavor you crave from hearty meatballs without the gluten – just swap in cassava flour for regular wheat flour.
40 minutes 250 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Gluten Free Meatballs.
Gluten Free Sweet and Salty Snack Mix
Credit: www.kitchenstewardship.com
Snack time can be a stressful time at home if you’re not prepared – this sweet and salty snack mix is gluten-free, easy to make, and sure to be a crowd pleaser.
35 minutes 100 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Gluten Free Sweet and Salty Snack Mix.
Zucchini Lasagna
Credit: pickyeaterblog.com
This low carb, gluten-free, plant-based zucchini lasagna is easy to prep and packed with all the traditional flavors you love.
1h 10m 240 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Zucchini Lasagna.
Gluten Free Baked Oregano Chicken
Credit: www.glutenfreepalate.com
Chicken breasts stay tender with a crispy crust from a mix of gluten-free breadcrumbs and Dijon mustard.
35 minutes 400 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Gluten Free Baked Oregano Chicken.
Cauliflower Hash Browns
Credit: www.onegreenplanet.org
Kids will go crazy for these cauliflower hash browns at the breakfast table, made extra crispy with a potato starch coating.
45 minutes 200 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Cauliflower Hash Browns.
Quinoa Fish Cakes
Credit: www.abbeyskitchen.com
These gluten-free fish cakes come together with simple pantry staples, like quinoa, canned tuna, oats, and frozen veggies for a nutritious lunch or snack.
35 minutes 85 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Quinoa Fish Cakes.
Easy Skillet Chicken and Rice
Credit: theprettybee.com
Simple and tasty, this one skillet chicken and rice is gluten-free and guaranteed to be a weekly dinner favorite.
50 minutes 710 calories Easy
Gluten Free
Visit the page to learn more: Easy Skillet Chicken and Rice.
Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Chili
Credit: www.glutenfreethyme.com
This thick and hearty chili stays kid-friendly by keeping out hot and spicy peppers, but remains flavorful and packed with protein for a comforting weeknight meal.
4h 40m 300 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Chili.
Gluten Free Vegetable Pizza
Credit: jeanetteshealthyliving.com
This hearty gluten free crust holds up well to plenty of veggies and melty cheese for a delicious and nutritious pizza night without the added fat and calories.
25 minutes 300 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Gluten Free Vegetable Pizza.
Easy Gluten Free Oat Waffles
Credit: cookieandkate.com
Oat flour waffles come out crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and the perfect vehicle for your kid’s favorite waffle toppings.
25 minutes 300 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Easy Gluten Free Oat Waffles.
Spinach Muffins
Credit: detoxinista.com
These muffins are made with fresh spinach and bananas for a healthy twist, and just so happen to be gluten and dairy-free.
25 minutes 50 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Spinach Muffins.
Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Cupcakes
Credit: www.simplyrecipes.com
Being gluten-free doesn’t mean cutting out the sweeter things in life! These gluten-free, vegan cupcakes are easy to make and don’t hold back on the chocolate for an indulgent treat.
40 minutes 350 calories Easy
Gluten Free Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Cupcakes.
