Please hear me say this: I know “gluten-free for kids” can sound tricky, but I REALLY love these recipes.
So if you’re seeing this and you’re like, nah, no thanks, my kids won’t eat that… just give me a chance to serve you up some fluffy pancakes, cheesy pizza, and chocolate chip cookies that will totally change your mind. Yeah? Can we do this?
1. Soft & Chewy Gluten-Free Pretzels
I mean, if you’ve ever been to a ball game, you know that soft pretzels are a huge hit with kids. They have that perfect chewy, salty thing going on that’s just so fun.
And if you’ve never tried making them yourself, this is your official sign to start. They do need a little proofing time and a quick water bath—which is standard for all pretzels—but the result is so, so worth it.
2. Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Is there a bake sale on the calendar? You’ve got to make a treat that all the kids can dive into, even those with a gluten allergy.
These gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are so ridiculously good, nobody will ever suspect they’re not made with regular flour. Thanks to the almond meal, they have this wonderfully tender texture.
Just load them up with chocolate, and they will be gone in a flash.
3. Gluten-Free Muffins
Looking for a super quick breakfast to grab on the way out the door or maybe a healthier dessert option? These gluten-free muffins will not let you down.
Just like with pancakes, you can keep them simple or toss in some blueberries, apples, or chocolate chips for a sweet little finish. No matter what you choose, they’re ready for the oven in less than 10 minutes. How amazing is that?
4. Mini Strawberry Pop Tarts
If you happen to find some pre-made gluten-free pastry, this recipe is a total breeze. And even if you don’t, the pastry recipe included here is so straightforward. So seriously, don’t worry about it!
You can fill these with jam or even Nutella and just watch the kids’ eyes light up. YES.
5. Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese
I know it’s super tempting to just stock up on those pricey boxes of gluten-free mac and cheese. But this homemade version is *almost* just as simple.
A few basic ingredients come together to create this ultra-creamy dish. And it’s so good, everyone is going to be asking for a second helping.
6. Soft, Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread
Sandwiches are just so quick, easy, and incredibly convenient. And thanks to this recipe for gluten-free sandwich bread, they can be allergy-friendly too.
So bake a loaf and fill it with all the things your kids love. It’s fantastic for grilled cheese, PB&J, and so much more!
7. Easy Gluten-Free Corn Casserole
I have never met a kid who doesn’t absolutely love corn. So this corn casserole is a total must-make for any gluten-free home.
It’s filled with bursty bites of sweet corn and is just insanely moist and full of flavor. Serve it up with some chicken nuggets and a few veggies, and dinner is ready!
8. Gluten-Free Lasagna
Lasagna might not be at the top of every kid’s list of favorite foods, but I know so many that are obsessed with it. And a gluten-free lasagna can be just as amazing as the original.
In fact, all you need are a few gluten-free lasagna noodles! Paired with ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta, this recipe is a perfect ten in my book.
9. Easy Gluten-Free Waffles
Instead of spending a ton on expensive gluten-free waffle mix, you can make the dry portion at home for half the cost. You can keep it in a big glass container to whip up breakfast whenever you need it.
These waffles are simple but so, so good, and they really shine with some melted butter and maple syrup on top.
10. Gluten-Free Ravioli
I just love homemade gluten-free pasta recipes. They’re not only easy but also way more affordable than buying the pre-made noodles. Plus, making homemade ravioli is just so much fun.
Like with perogies, you can make the filling as mild or as adventurous as you want. You could even get the kids to help! Then they’ll definitely want to give it a try.
11. Gluten-Free Pizza Dough
I honestly can’t think of one kid who doesn’t go crazy for pizza. And lucky for us, this gluten-free dough recipe creates a crust that’s chewy with perfectly crisp edges.
Even better, it’s firm enough to handle a ton of toppings. Go ahead and make a big batch to freeze some for later.
12. Perfect Gluten-Free Brownies
The perfect brownie needs to be fudgy, chewy, sweet, and… totally celiac-friendly! Lucky for you, this gluten-free recipe does all of that and then some.
The flavor is a total dream, and they are ready to eat in just 30 minutes. Finish them off with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to take the deliciousness up a notch, and try not to burn your tongue!
13. Gluten-Free Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Tater tots in a casserole are like Robin to Batman – the perfect sidekick that helps the hero shine. This tater tot casserole is a fantastic combination of hearty and kid-friendly.
And it has plenty of cheese to keep you coming back for another bite. Whether you make this for brunch or for dinner, it’s going to be a true crowd-pleaser.
14. Gluten-Free French Toast
French toast is always a home run. And in my experience, the kids love it just as much as the adults do. Between the crispy edges, warm spices, and fluffy texture, every single bite is a winner.
This gluten-free version is no different. Plus, it only uses six simple ingredients you probably already have.
15. Gluten-Free Pizza Bites
Forget about that pack of pizza rolls and make these fluffy, cheesy, and totally yummy gluten-free pizza bites instead. They’re made with Bisquick (did you know they make a gluten-free mix?), spices, cheese, and pizza sauce.
Baked in a muffin pan, they come out just the right size for little hands. And you can easily switch up the toppings.
16. Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are the ultimate kid-friendly comfort food. But finding a really good gluten-free version can be tough. That’s where this recipe is a total lifesaver!
They’re coated in a mix of eggs, gluten-free flour, gluten-free panko, and spices, making them just as crunchy and tender as you’d hope. Serve them with a side of ketchup and watch them vanish.
17. Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Sweet & sour chicken and orange chicken are super kid-friendly takeout choices. The meat is always juicy, and the sauce is wonderfully sweet and mild. Plus, making it gluten-free is so easy.
Just use a combination of gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the coating, and make sure your condiments are gluten-free too. Yes, that means the soy sauce!
18. Easy Gluten-Free Tacos
Making tacos that are gluten-free is so much easier than you might think. Corn tortillas are already gluten-free, so that’s half the work done right there.
After that, you just have to make sure your taco seasoning is gluten-free, and you’re all set! Make them with ground beef or chicken and serve with some cheese and chopped tomatoes. So good!
19. Gluten Free Perogies
Perogies might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think about kid-friendly foods. But these little dumplings are mild, lightly crispy, and filled with a mix of mashed potatoes and cheese.
They make a super fun side dish or snack, and you can easily change them up to your liking – so go ahead and get creative with the filling.
20. Easy Gluten-Free Banana Bread
I can’t think of a better sweet treat than banana bread. For me, it’s one of the best ways to have a sweet cake for breakfast.
And this one-bowl recipe comes together in no time – you only need 10 minutes of prep. You can stick it in the kids’ lunchboxes or serve it as a healthy-ish dessert.
21. Gluten-Free Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
These cupcakes taste like they came straight from a bakery, but they’re 100% homemade. Fluffy, moist, and light, these gluten-free cupcakes are an absolute dream.
You are going to love the subtle vanilla bean flavor with just the right amount of sugar to satisfy any sweet craving. Topped with a pretty swirl of icing, this recipe is everything a cupcake should be.
22. Gluten-Free Donuts (Krispy Kreme Copycat)
There’s a reason Krispy Kreme is still so popular after all this time – it’s just so delicious! Their donuts are legendary, with that perfect mix of sweet glaze and soft cake that will make your head spin.
And just because the little ones have a gluten intolerance doesn’t mean they should miss out on the fun. You’re welcome!
23. Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks
What kid doesn’t absolutely love mozzarella sticks? This snack is so crave-worthy, with a crispy outside and an ooey-gooey middle.
And when you make them at home, they’re much healthier than anything you’d find in the freezer aisle. Just use mozzarella string cheese, a mix of gluten-free flour and panko with a few spices, and then double-dip them for extra crunch. Yum!
24. Gluten-Free Meatballs
One trick I’ve picked up when it comes to serving meatballs to kids is to make them on the smaller side. Like, just one bite. That way, they don’t have to cut them and make a huge mess!
And there’s something about their small size that makes them more appealing. Either way, they are going to love this gluten-free dinner.
25. Easy Gluten-Free Pancakes
This weekend, you should treat your family to a big stack of these gluten-free pancakes. You’ll need gluten-free flour and xanthan gum, which you probably already have if you’re cooking for kids with allergies.
Just whip up a simple batter, add some chocolate chips or blueberries, and then cook them until they’re fluffy and golden. They are seriously delicious, so make sure to make plenty.
26. Apple Crepes with Cinnamon
Serve these for breakfast or as a dessert, and your kids will absolutely go nuts! Crepes are sweet, chewy pancakes that are much thinner than your typical American flapjacks.
That means you can easily roll up tasty fillings inside – like spiced apples! Of course, you could always swap that out for bananas or strawberries. The possibilities are endless.
27. Gluten-Free Fruit Pizza
What’s a surefire way to get kids to eat more fruit? Put it on a pizza, obviously!
Okay, so it’s actually a gluten-free sugar cookie crust topped with a sweetened cream cheese frosting. But it still counts! Besides, you have to admit it looks so impressive!
28. Best Gluten-Free Burgers
I’m always on the lookout for new burger recipes, and this one is my latest obsession. Even though it’s gluten-free, it has everything a great burger needs: a juicy beef patty, a fluffy bun, melted cheese, and lots of toppings.
With crushed crackers, coconut aminos, and amazing seasonings, the meat is so tender and insanely flavorful.
29. Gluten-Free Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This recipe is going to be a lifesaver the next time a nasty cold makes its way through the school. You can have this comforting soup ready to go in just half an hour.
And it’s completely packed with nourishing ingredients like carrots, celery, and chicken stock.
30. Gluten-Free Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is one of those pasta casseroles that’s pretty much a staple of childhood. It’s a fantastic dish for picky eaters because it uses simple ingredients like cheese, pasta, and tomato sauce.
And the adults will love it too, since it’s insanely easy to put together. Just switch out the regular pasta for a gluten-free kind, and you’re good to go.