I remember the first time I started to suspect my first child was allergic to gluten. It was during his fourth year, right after his birthday when my son Justin started having stomach issues like colic and diarrhea. At first, I was scared, but I still thought it was just a virus, but as the symptoms became more frequent, I decided it was time to see a doctor.
And then, my fears were confirmed: Justin has celiac disease, also known as a gluten allergy. That was the beginning of a journey that continues today. But don’t worry; there is hope.
Finding gluten-free and kid-friendly recipes can be tough, but as more families embrace gluten-free diets due to health concerns or allergies, finding tasty and exciting options is getting easier.
That’s why I decided to share my ten favorite gluten-free recipes, especially for kids. You can use them to make sure mealtime stays yummy and nutritious. So keep reading and pick whatever you like.
But first, let’s focus on answering an important question.
What Is Gluten Allergy?
Gluten sensitivity, which some call celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is an immune response that triggers discomfort and harm when this protein is consumed. Sometimes, dealing with this condition feels like navigating a hidden battlefield. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye, lurks in many everyday foods, and can make your little one feel terrible.
Recognizing this allergy in children means looking for signs like stomach pains, bloating, diarrhea, or even shifts in mood like irritability and tiredness. These symptoms can easily blend in with other common issues, making them tricky to spot, but they’re a strong indicator that gluten is the culprit.
If you think your child might be struggling with this, it’s essential to consult a doctor to get the proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.
Luckily, managing a gluten allergy transforms how you approach food—it’s all about discovering safe, gluten-free options that are still fun and nourishing. Switching to a gluten-free lifestyle might initially seem overwhelming, but it also opens up a whole new world of delicious gluten free recipes for kids, as you can see next.
Best Gluten Free Recipes For Kids
1. Rice Flour Bread
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (about 2¼ tsp)
- 1½ cups warm water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Instructions:
- Combine rice flour, xanthan gum, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it is frothy.
- Add the yeast mixture and oil to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for an hour.
- Shape into a loaf, place in a greased bread pan, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Remember that most breads are based on wheat flour, so it is very likely that when using gluten-free flour, the density of the dough will change. This is normal, so don’t worry if the dough doesn’t rise as much as it would if made with wheat flour.
2. Homemade Rice Noodles
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 2½ cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a pot and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a batter.
- Spread the batter thinly over a cloth stretched over a steamer—steam for 5 minutes or until set.
- Remove and let cool before cutting into strips. Use in soups or stir-fries.
If you find making rice noodles challenging, substitute them with ready-made gluten-free pasta or noodles. I like the ones from Amish Wedding Foods; they are easy to cook and taste great.
3. Almond Cake
- Ingredients:
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1 tsp almond extract
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix almond flour and sugar in a bowl.
- Stir in egg yolks and almond extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the almond mixture.
- Pour into a greased 9-inch cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
There are two ways to obtain the almond flour for this recipe: roast two cups of peeled almonds and process them, or simply use commercial almond flour. Personally, I prefer the latter option and recommend using Kirkland Signature Almond Flour because it is high quality and made under strict hygiene controls, so you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination.
4. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
- Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, riced (about 2 cups)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Microwave riced cauliflower for 8 minutes and let cool.
- Mix cauliflower with egg, almond flour, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Press the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming a round crust.
- Bake for 20 minutes, add toppings, and bake for another 10 minutes.
5. Chickpea Crepes
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1½ cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it.
- Pour a thin layer of batter into the skillet, cook until the edges lift, then flip and cook the other side.
- Repeat with the remaining batter. Fill with your choice of fillings.
If you want to experiment, you can use these same crepes as a base to make cannelloni, an Italian recipe with meat or ricotta and spinach filling. When finished, top with organic tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. As for chickpea flour, my favorite brand is Darsa Organics. It is delicious and easy to handle.
6. Corn Tortillas
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1½-2 cups warm water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Instructions:
- Mix masa harina and salt in a bowl.
- Gradually add warm water, kneading until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough into golf-ball-sized balls and press between two pieces of plastic in a tortilla press.
- Cook on a hot grill for 1-2 minutes on each side.
A trick for determining if the water temperature is correct when making the tortillas is to introduce a finger first. The water should be so hot that you can stand it without burning yourself.
7. Chicken Cheese Balls
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix chicken, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form into balls, roll in breadcrumbs, and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Mix mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce in a bowl for an extra delicious touch. Everyone will love this sauce.
8. Oat and Apple Pancakes
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free oats
- 1 apple, grated
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 2 eggs
- Instructions:
- Blend oats into flour.
- Mix oat flour, grated apple, cinnamon, milk, and eggs until well combined.
- Cook on a hot griddle, flipping once bubbles form on the surface.
You can serve them with blueberry jam, strawberry, or any other seasonal fruit. Besides, children love them.
9. Coconut Pancakes
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free flour
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients to form a smooth batter.
- Pour small amounts onto a hot griddle and cook until bubbles form; flip and cook the other side.
I love using Better Body Work Coconut Flour for this recipe because it gives a great texture, and my pancakes are soft and fluffy. It doesn’t make lumps, so the batter is soft and silky. The result is amazing.
10. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream together peanut butter, butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
- Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour and chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
It is best to use high-quality peanut butter, such as Peanut Butter & Co. The same advice applies to chocolate chips such as those from Enjoy Life, which can be either milk or bitter, depending on how sweet the mixture is. The first time I made this recipe, I added a couple of tablespoons of organic cocoa powder to give it more flavor, but it’s optional.
As you can see, each recipe is delicious without causing allergic reactions and can be enjoyed by kids and toddlers alike.
Substitutions for Other Allergies
As a mom of an allergic-gluten kid, I can relate that dealing with food allergies can be daunting, especially when preparing meals for the week. If your child is allergic to other foods in addition to gluten intolerance, then the challenge is even greater. If this is your case, then be sure to check out this guide with the most common allergens and how to substitute them.
Nut-Free
Substitute nut-based ingredients with sunflower or pumpkin seeds, which offer a similar crunch and nutritional benefits. Try sunflower seed butter or tahini, which are tasty alternatives for nut butter.
Dairy-Free
Dairy is another common allergen that can be substituted in most recipes. Opt for plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or rice) readily available and often fortified with calcium. Coconut yogurt and soy-based products can replace traditional yogurts and cheeses, ensuring creamy textures in dishes without dairy.
Egg-Free
Eggs are often used as binders in recipes, but many options can perform the same function without the allergens. For example, applesauce and mashed bananas are great in baked goods, adding moisture and slight sweetness. Commercial egg replacers, like potato starch or tapioca ingredients, are also effective, especially in recipes where eggs act as a binding agent, like pastry cream or pudding. And they are tasty!
Soy-Free
If your kid is soy-sensitive, look for soy-free versions of products like margarine, mayonnaise, and sauces. Some substitutes include coconut aminos, which offer a similar flavor profile. Additionally, if you are vegetarian, you can always choose meat substitutes or protein-rich food made from lentils, chickpeas, or other legumes.
FAQ
How do I know if my child is allergic to gluten?
Look for signs of digestive issues, skin rash, or irritability after eating gluten-containing products. A medical test can confirm gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
How to tell if ingredients are gluten-free?
Always check the labels for a gluten-free certification or mentions of wheat, barley, or rye. When in doubt, opt for whole, unprocessed foods.
Are gluten-free recipes suitable for toddlers?
Yup, you can adapt gluten-free recipes for toddlers. Just make sure they are nutrient-rich and suitable for their digestive systems.
What are some gluten-free grains?
Quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and sorghum are excellent gluten-free grains you can include in your child’s diet.
How can I make gluten-free food taste better?
You can use fresh herbs, spices, and gluten-free sauces to get flavor without gluten-containing additives.
Conclusion
Embracing a gluten-free diet for your kids doesn’t mean compromising taste or variety. With these gluten free recipes for kids and tips, you can ensure your child enjoys delicious, wholesome meals supporting their health and well-being. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and adjustments to your child’s diet.
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