The Perfect Gluten Free Super Bowl Snack

These gluten free soft pretzel dough bites have been on my “to do list” for quite some time. Ever since I made my gluten free monkey bread, I knew I needed to make these for you. I made a batch a while ago, but they needed some perfecting. Finally, I hustled to make these right, just in time for your Super Bowl gathering. Like, literally the day before. However, these gluten free pretzel bites come together easily, so you still have plenty of time.

People Over Production

So not gonna lie, January always seems to get off to a slow start for me. 2019 proved no different. The end of 2018, someone vandalized both of our cars. So between Christmas preparation, we scrambled to perform car repairs and fix our garage. Then my dad ended up in the hospital. In January, other issues cropped up that required personal time and attention. In some ways, I feel I’m just a step behind everything.

However, I feel the blessing in working from home is that I can be present in the the lives of others. Like take my husband out to lunch for his birthday. Or agree to babysit my friend’s kids while they go to court to fight for guardianship of their special needs child. May no one ever make us feel guilty for choosing people over production.

How Do You Make Gluten Free Soft Pretzels?

These gluten free soft pretzel bites really are easy to make. Remember playing with playdough and making snakes? That’s the main skill you need to make these turn out. Like they say, “I learned everything I need to know in Kindergarten”, right? Roll out the dough into long “snakes,” cut them into pieces, then boil and bake. That easy!

I made my dough using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix. You can find it at many Kroger stores, and some Target stores. Use their website to find it in a store near you. Want to try it with homemade pizza dough? I recommend using Gluten Free Palate’s recipe for Gluten Free Pizza Crust. 

How Do You Serve Gluten Free Soft Pretzels?

After you make the dough, you simply boil bits of pizza dough in a baking soda water bath, then bake them in the oven. Seriously, this may be one of the easiest recipes ever. It simply takes time. While you can dip these in ranch or honey mustard, I love them dipped in a good cheese sauce! 

Other Gluten Free Super Bowl Snacks

These gluten free soft pretzel bites make a great snack for watching the Super Bowl, Final Four, and any other sporting event. They pair great with my Gluten Free Baked Mozzarella Cheese Sticks and gluten free meatballs. Or make any of my other mouth watering gluten free appetizers, including gluten free pigs in a blanket. 

Looking for even more gluten free snacks? Check out these recipe round ups from some of my fellow gluten free bloggers!

15 Gluten Free Super Bowl Recipes from Iowa Girl Eats

45 Gluten Free Super Bowl Party Apps from Celiac Mama

Gluten Free Game Day Appetizers from What the Fork

Recipe

Print

Gluten Free Soft Pretzel Bites

Equipment

• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix – 16 oz – 2 Pack
• Bob’s Red Mill, Gluten Free Rice Flour, 1.5 lb
• Staub Cast Iron 4-qt Round Cocotte

Ingredients

For the dough

• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix
• 1 1/2 c warm water
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp oil
• i packet yeast included in pizza crust mix package

For Pretzel preparation

• Extra rice flour for rolling
• 8 cups water
• 1/2 c baking soda
• salt

For the Cheese Sauce

• Full Flavor Foods Cream Sauce packet
• 2 cups cool water
• 1 1/4 cup cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Prepare gluten free pizza dough according to directions.
• Allow dough to rise for 20-40 minutes. I find it best to help my dough rise in an oven that's been preheated to 200 degrees, then turned off. 
• After the dough rises, remove it from the warmed oven and let it set on the counter to allow it to come to room temperature. (NOTE- If you need these to be egg free, there is a substitution suggested on the bag.) 
• Lightly dust a mat with rice flour or other gluten free flour. Take a small portion of dough and roll into long "snakes." (I had limited success in making shaped pretzels with the Bob's Red Mill dough, simply because it was too soft.)  
• Cut dough "snakes" into one inch chunks. Repeat until all remaining dough is used. (Or use part for a pizza for dinner!) 
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Heat 8 cups of water and 1/2 cup baking soda in a large, wide stock pot or dutch oven until boiling. 
• Once water boils, add 5-6 chunks of pretzel dough in the baking soda water bath. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove to a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Repeat until all remaining dough is boiled. 
• Bake gluten free pretzel dough bites in 400 degree oven for 12 minutes, turning the cookie sheet 180 degrees half way through baking. 
• While pretzels are baking, combine Full Flavor Foods cheese sauce mix and 1 cup cool water in a small pot. Whisk to combine, and continue whisking until cheese sauce starts to thicken. It will continue to thicken upon standing, so don't over cook it. 
• Serve baked gluten free pretzel dough bites with cheese sauce and your favorite beverage of choice. Enjoy!

**This post is NOT sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill or any other company. This post does however include Amazon Affiliate Links. Purchases made through those links provide me a small commission. However, this does not influence the cost of your purchases. Thank you for helping to support this website, and keeping this site pop up free!**

Originally Published February 2019

The post Gluten Free Soft Pretzel Bites appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

When Did Aldi Start Offering Gluten Free Products?

Aldi launched the LiveGfree product line in spring of 2018. New Aldi’s gluten free products have ebbed and flowed over the years. In addition, each year, they stock their shelves will “Special Buys” or “Aldi Finds” that make us run to the store in excitement.

Are Aldi and Trader Joe’s the Same Company?

No. As I explain in my post about Trader Joe’s, People often (incorrectly) assume Trader Joe’s and Aldi have the same parent company. The two businesses were separately owned by two German brothers. Originally the brothers jointly owned Aldi in Germany. However, after a difference of opinion, they amicably split the company into Aldi Sud and Aldi Nord.

Aldi Nord acquired the Trader Joe’s chain that started in California. Aldi Sud operates the Aldi locations in the United States. Confusing?  The Kitchn further explains the Aldi and Trader Joe’s connection, for those who want to dig deeper. However, like Trader Joe’s , Aldi relies on separate manufacturers to make their products, placed in Aldi packaging. The practice is often called “private label.”

Does Aldi Have a Gluten Free Section?

Years ago, Aldi did have a separate gluten free endcap. However, that no longer exists. Gluten Free products at Aldi are now spread throughout the store.

Does Aldi Label Their Gluten Free Products?

Aldi gluten free products bear their own labeling. However, not all products that are gluten free may bear that label. Also, while Aldi offers a gluten free product line, LiveGFree, they sell other gluten free products that are not part of the LiveGFree line.

ALDI knows that a lot of our customers have special dietary needs and are looking for clear, easy–to-understand ingredient information on the products we sell. The best way to be certain a product is gluten-free is to look for products with the certified gluten-free seal, like our exclusive liveGfree product line. All of the products in our liveGfree line are required to be certified by an approved organization that verifies each product’s levels of gluten is less than 10 parts per million.

From the Aldi FAQ

I emailed Aldi asking for further clarification about their products that have a gluten free label, but are not part of their LiveGFree product line. Below is the (very prompt!) reply they sent me.

Thank you for contacting us.

ALDI knows a lot of our customers have special dietary needs and are looking for clear, easy-to-understand ingredient information on the products we sell. The best way to be certain a product is gluten-free is to look for a gluten-free seal on the packaging. ALDI products with a gluten-free symbol not included in the liveGfree product line must meet FDA regulations by containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

What Gluten Free Certifications Does Aldi Use?

Additionally, all products within our liveGfree line are certified by an approved organization that ensures less than 10 parts per million of gluten is present within the finished product which exceeds the FDA’s regulations. liveGfree products are certified by one of the following three independent certifying bodies which is listed on the packaging:

• The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) (Gluten Intolerance Group)
• Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) (Beyond Celiac)
• Celiac Sprue Association (CSA) (It is now called the National Celiac Association.)

What About “May Contains” Statements?

Please note, if a product is labeled as gluten free but has a “may contain wheat” statement on the ingredients label, this means the product does not contain wheat, but wheat is present in the manufacturing facility. The “May Contain” statement is not required by law; however, the FDA requires strict allergen control programs to prevent cross contact for the top 8 allergens, which includes wheat.

To help you determine if other products contain gluten, look at the ingredients list and the “contains statement,” located under the ingredients list. In many cases, the list will specifically state whether the product is “gluten free.”

Does Aldi Sell Name Brand Products?

Yes, they sell quite a few name brand products. While many are “Aldi Finds,” some name brand products are available all the time. For instance I can buy Crest toothpaste and Dawn Dish soap there. My most frequent brand name purchase is my Lifeway Kefir.

Does Aldi Take Manufacturer’s Coupons?

No, they do not. Aldi takes great pride in their low prices. They often run sales, which you can find on their website. Aldi shelves now have digital price tags. Tags with a red background are sale prices.

What Other Things Should I Know About Shopping Gluten Free at Aldi?

First, know that you’ll have to use a quarter to retrieve a shopping cart. It will be returned to you when you return your cart. Secondly, know that Aldi is a large store. They aren’t multiple brands of products. For example, you won’t be able to choose between multiple brands of butter. There is simply Aldi’s house brand of butter. It really makes shopping faster and easier, IMO.

Third, know that many of the items available at Aldi are sold as “Aldi Finds.” These products are available for a short period of time. When they’re gone, they’re gone. PLEASE DON’T HOARD ITEMS. Take only what you need, so that more people are able to try products.

Everyday Aldi’s Gluten Free LiveGFree Products

While some locations may carry certain Aldi’s Gluten Free products, others may not. I chose to share first what I can find in my store all the time. 

Aldi’s Gluten Free Baking Mixes

They carry chocolate, yellow and pancake baking mixes. (Sadly, the recipe I used to make these strawberry shortcakes is no longer on the back of the box!) In addition, they also stock a cornbread mix of which I failed to take a picture! All mixes are free of soy as well!

Snacks and Crackers

One note about these crackers. They do contain oat fiber, although they are certified gluten free through GFCO. Aldi also sells grain free pretzels, that are on an end cap. Aldi recently started selling more grain free and Keto items, and offers almond crackers as well.

Aldi Gluten Free Granola

You’ll find Aldi’s gluten granola stocked near the cereal. I am unaware of whether these are made with purity protocol oats. They are however certified gluten free. They come in three flavors – Raisin Almond , Apple Almond and Cranberry Cashew.

Aldi’s Gluten Free Pasta

For those looking for more whole grains in the pasta, Aldi’s gluten free and organic quinoa blend pastas taste fantastic!

Aldi’s Gluten Free Frozen Section

There are four sections where I find specific LiveGFree items. The first aisle houses the baking mixes and snacks. The second aisle stocks the pasta. The third location to find Aldi’s gluten free products is the freezer section. Gluten free pizza is a must, right? They offer cheese and pepperoni pizzas. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten one. Have you tried them?

Chicken Nuggets. Every (small and big) kid’s favorite! Aldi’s gluten free chicken nuggets are certified gluten free through GFCO.

Bread Aisle

Many swear that Aldi’s gluten bread is their favorite, over any other brand.] It comes in white and whole grain.

My store carries the LiveGFree General Tso’s all the time. Personally, the sauce is too spicy for me. Sometimes I buy this and add my homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce instead.

That’s the end of what I would call the “everyday” Aldi’s gluten free finds. However, every May, Aldi releases some fun and exciting products. I’ll start with the biggest draw!

May Gluten Free “Aldi Finds”

Every spring, usually in May, Aldi offers many gluten free “Aldi Finds.” This is in connection with Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Here are just a few of the products that seem to return every year. Miss them when they’re gone? Most Aldi gluten free products are “private label,” meaning another company makes them and they’re sold in Aldi packaging. Read my post on Gluten Free Aldi Finds Alternatives to be able to find these products year round.

Aldi Gluten Free Cheesecake Sampler

Every year people go CRAZY over Aldi’s gluten free cheesecake. Certified gluten free, it includes four separate flavors.

Aldi LiveGFree Frozen Skillet Meals

Aldi’s Gluten Free Skillet meals were new this May. Did you buy any? They are certified gluten free through NSF, which is located in Ann Arbor. Did you read about my visit there? 

Aldi LiveGFree Ravioli

When Aldi’s gluten free line launched 4 years ago, they sold individual frozen ravioli meals. This may they sold a large bag, theoretically big enough to share with someone else. I bought the Spinach and Cheese ravioli. Did you try it?

LiveGFree Empandas

So true story, the other day my husband made lunch. I asked what he was cooking, and he said “empanadas.” I replied, “the Aldi’s gluten free ones in the freezer?” Ironically, no, he had made his from scratch. Which means I get to eat these another day!

Other Seasonal Aldi’s Gluten Free Items

Gluten Free Stuffing and French Fried Onions

I can still find the Aldi’s gluten free stuffing at my store. I think it’s a hold over from Easter. However this, and gluten free French Fried Onions, show up every year around Thanksgiving.

A few other Aldi’s gluten free items I found include Gluten Free Bites (which I’m sure are made by The GFB) and cheese crackers. I also find them on the shelves of my local Aldi at other times of the year.

Shopping Gluten Free at Other Stores

Looking for more information about shopping gluten free? You can check out my articles about shopping gluten free at Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Meijer, Horrocks and Plum Market. My friend Sandi has excellent posts about shopping gluten free at Walmart and Costco.

Are there items that your Aldi stocks that mine does not? What are your favorite Aldi’s gluten free finds? Leave me a comment below!

The post Shopping Gluten Free at Aldi appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Dang Foods Coconut Chips

When I first wrote about this gluten-free coconut crusted chicken recipe in 2013, I titled it “Some Dang Good Chicken.” It was a play on words, because I just discovered Dang Foods original coconut chips. At that time there were a new company, and the latest craze.  Fast forward four years and Dang Foods are more readily available and involve more than just coconut!

When I recently scored a bag of the original coconut chips on clearance, I knew it was time to remake this recipe. I imagine they were on sale due to a new packaging change. When searching them out in the store, they now have bright packaging with a large coconut drawn on the front. Just letting you know in case you’ve never tried them. And if you haven’t, you need to. They’ll TOTALLY blow your mind. Anyway, back to my gluten free coconut crusted chicken.

Tips on Breading Chicken

There are many recipes on the internet for chicken coated in coconut. However, mine is different because they use flaked coconut. However, I use ground Dang Foods coconut chips. Totally different, right? Of all the recipes on the ‘net, I felt this recipe for Baked Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders was a good starting point.

Andie used chicken tenders, I used chicken breast. (The first time I tried this gluten free coconut crusted chicken I used chicken thighs. Those retain more moisture, and may be better for this recipe. Your choice.)  I did however use her method for breading the chicken. (Which I used to make mozzarella sticks!) I use Bob’s Red Mill White Rice Flour for the first step, then dipped it in egg, then coated it in the coconut crumb mixture.

Other Ingredients in my Gluten Free Coconut Crusted Chicken

Now, these gluten-free coconut crusted chicken breasts aren’t coated in coconut chip crumbs alone. Andie’s recipe called for additional bread crumbs. However, I had leftover pretzel crumbs from my White Chocolate Chip Cookie Pretzel Bark I needed to use. You know me, waste not – want not, right? (You could use Aleia’s gluten free bread crumbs, instead.)

So I combined the pretzel crumbs with the coconut chip crumbs. You could use bread crumbs or cracker crumbs or probably even crushed Rice Chex if you want. You could probably even be crazy bold and do ALL crushed coconut chip crumbs. If you do, let me know. I like people who also live on the wild side, lol.

How Long Do I Bake This Chicken?

I baked the chicken for 20 minutes at 400 degrees, per Andie’s website recommendations. However, it was a tad overcooked. Therefore, I’m going to suggest baking it a lower temperature, say 350 degrees. While looking at Pinterest for similar recipes, they all suggested serving it with a honey mustard sauce. Dozens of people can’t be wrong, so I made some. SO GLAD I DID! It was totally the perfect pairing to this dish. Of course, I can’t remember which recipe I followed. Typical. Feel free to make your own favorite recipe.

There you have it. A simple, delicious way to jazz up boring chicken breasts. You should totally put this on your meal plan for this week. Not a fan of coconut? Try this One Pan Cranberry Balsalmic Roasted Chicken from Cotter Crunch. That dish has me drooling too! Loving the idea of gluten-free pretzels as a coating? Then try this recipe for gluten free pretzel chicken with honey mustard from Flippin’ Delicious. No need for boring chicken ever again!

Print

Gluten-Free Coconut Crusted Chicken Breasts

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut to make 4 thin filets
• 1 egg beaten
• 2 oz Dang coconut chips crushed into crumbs
• 1 oz cracker or pretzel crumbs
• white rice flour for dredging
• honey mustard sauce for dipping

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350*. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. 
• In a food processor, combine Dang Coconut chips and crackers (or pretzels) and pulse until broken down into crumbs. Place in a shallow, wide bowl and set aside. 
• Butterfly and cut 2 large chicken breasts in half to make 4 filets. 
• Dredge chicken filets in white flour, then dip in egg so that the whole filet is covered. Finally, dip in the coconut and cracker crumb mixture. Lay coated chicken breast filet on aluminum-lined sheet. 
• Bake at 350* for 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees.

What’s your favorite way to prepare gluten-free chicken breasts? Feel free to drop a link below. If you make my recipe, tag your photo with #miglutenfreegal on Instagram and I’ll share it to my Instagram stories! 

**This post is not sponsored, and I purchased all ingredients on my own. This post does contain affiliate links. Purchases made through those links help support this blog with no extra expense to you. Thank you for your continued support!**

The post Gluten-Free Coconut Crusted Chicken Breasts appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.