4 Delicious & Healthy Rice Cake Topping Ideas

07/06/23

(Updated 02/27/24)

Like a blank canvas needing a little colour and creativity, rice cakes take on a whole new identity with a slather of avocado or drizzle of nut butter. But why stop there? Here are four quick, easy and delicious gluten-free rice cake recipe ideas to get your tastebuds excited.

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Ah, the humble rice cake, often overlooked and underestimated. While not a standalone nutritional superstar, being essentially puffed rice pressed together, with the right toppings, they’re transformed into a far more exciting mouthful.

The Retro Rice Cake

In the past, rice cakes were hailed as the snacktime poster child of the low-fat-low-calorie era. However, and despite dietary recommendations thankfully evolving, they’re still somewhat hard-wired into this mindset. But there’s more to these light and crispy snacks.

Rice cakes can serve as a convenient and versatile, hand-to-mouth vehicle for other nutrient-dense ingredients. Here, and with a little strategic pairing, they can become a satisfying and balanced snack – leaving their reputation as a bland diet food relic far behind.

Rice Cake Nutrition Tips

Go au naturel. Shop for plain rice cakes with minimal additives or extra ingredients, like sugar or artificial flavours. Stick to those made with (ideally whole grain brown) rice, water and salt. Toppings bring the flavour punch!
Check they’re gluten-free (if needed). Rice cakes made solely from rice are gluten-free, but some brands may add other gluten-containing grains into the mix. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, check the label for a certification indicating they’re made in a gluten-free facility.
Partner up. Most rice cakes have a high glycemic index score, meaning they raise blood glucose levels quickly. To blunt this effect and boost their nutrition bang-for-buck, top with protein or fat-rich foods (like cheese or avocado), or fibre-rich foods (like certain fruit or vegetables). This slows absorption and provides a more diverse range of nutrients🌈 .

After some creative and tasty ways to enjoy rice cakes in your diet? Below are my favourite flavour and ingredient combinations. No boring rice cakes allowed!

Savoury Rice Cake Topping Ideas

Team savoury? Here are rice cake toppings to tempt:

1. Pesto, Tomato & Mozzarella Rice Cakes

Pesto, tomato and mozzarella – what's not to love? Give rice cakes a glow-up with this moreish savoury topping idea. Enjoy one as a nutritious snack or two (or more!) as a low-key, but tasty, light lunch.

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2. Avocado & Kimchi Rice Cakes

A savoury snack idea featuring kimchi. These are quick and easy to make, coming together in minutes. With prebiotic fibre from avocado and probiotic goodness from kimchi, they're gut-loving too.

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Sweet Rice Cake Topping Ideas

In the mood for something sweet? Here are healthy rice cake snack ideas to tempt:

3. Lemony Ricotta Rice Cake with Blueberries

This sweet rice cake recipe transforms the humble OG snack base with a cloud of creamy honey ricotta, juicy blueberries and a showering of lemon zest.

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Rice cakes topped with chocolate and sprinkled with a mixture of nuts, seeds, dried fruit and coconut.

4. Chocolate-Coated Rice Cakes with Nuts, Seeds and Dried Fruit

These dark chocolate covered rice make for an exciting mouthful (all the textures!). They're great to meal prep – make a batch at the start of the week for future peckish-you to enjoy.

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Thanks for reading! Below is my favourite recipe from the bunch. It’s simple, but delicious🫐. What’s your pick?