From Dips & Spreads to Classic Finger Foods, this collection of over 30 Easy Vegan Appetizers has you covered. Whether you're celebrating Christmas or New Year's Eve, gathering for game day or just cozying up for a weekend in, these Vegan Appetizer Recipes will turn any ingredients into party food!
I've always loved big spreads with small bites. Munching on a little of this and a little of that is just so fun. So much so that my favorite holiday and party meals are always appetizer extravaganzas! Even better when you're serving Vegan Party Food! So come on in, grab a drink, and dig into this list of delicious, must-try Vegan Appetizers!
Growing up my family had a tradition of serving appetizers while we decorated the Christmas tree, and that's a tradition I share now with my own children. My point is you don't need to have a huge party to enjoy appetizers. They can be just as fun in little groups as in big. So even if your holiday plans are small this year, that doesn't mean you can't make a festive spread of the best vegan appetizers.
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You'll love these Vegan Appetizer Recipes because they're:
- Vegan / Vegetarian
- Dairy-Free / Lactose-Free
- Easy to Prep and Make Ahead
- A Versatile Bunch to Please Different Palates
- Kid-Friendly
- Perfect Party Food -- Even if the Party is Small!
- Simple & Delicious
These Easy Vegan Appetizers are Perfect for Serving at:
- Christmas
- Hanukkah
- New Year's Eve
- Thanksgiving
- Easter
- Super Bowl or Game Day
- Summer Cookouts / Grill Parties
- Potlucks
- Birthday Parties
- Any Night of the Week you want to turn into a Celebration!
I've grouped these Vegan Starters into the following categories:
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Delicious Vegan Dips & Spreads!
Who doesn't love a good dip? Some spreads are vegan to begin with (think hummus or tapenade). Others need a little finessing (ahem, anything with cheese!). But eating plant-based doesn't mean you have to give up your favorites. So let's get the ball rolling with some delicious vegan dips and spreads.
This Buffalo Chickpea Dip is the perfect balance of creamy and spicy. You just need a handful of ingredients to make this oil-free vegan dip. It's great for game day, movie night, or holiday parties, but it can also be added to wraps, sandwiches, and vegan quesadillas!
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This Sweet Potato Harissa Hummus is rich, creamy, and full of complex flavors. Made with harissa, cumin, and the surprise ingredient--preserved lemons!--this dip will be the surprise star of the party.
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Super creamy caramelized shallot dip, with garlic, chives, and vegan sour cream. No one will ever guess this decadent dip is dairy-free and made with whole-food ingredients.
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This roasted eggplant dip has a GORGEOUS color thanks to the roasted beets. It tastes great paired with crackers or pita bread. A light and healthy addition to any appetizer buffet.
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A plant-based queso dip that’s cheesy and delicious yet somehow dairy-free and oil-free? Sign me up! This Vegan Cashew Queso Dip is super easy and absolutely addictive. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even the main course!
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Creamy, melty, utterly delicious vegan spinach artichoke dip! This fun appetizer is so stretchy and gooey, no one will ever believe it’s vegan, let alone oil-free! A huge hit with vegans and omnivores alike.
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This Vegan Buffalo Sauce is spicy, tangy, and creamy. Perfect for using as a Buffalo Dip or drizzling over a veggie burger. Thin it out and toss with tofu or cauliflower to make easy Vegan Buffalo Wings!
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Vegan Cheeses & Charcuterie Boards
Think you have to give up your cheese platters when you go vegan? Think again! Not only can you make vegan cheeses worthy of a coveted spot on the cheeseboard, but you can do it in style and serve an amazing snack board full of your vegan favorites. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
An easy Caciotta-style Vegan cheese that is firm and sliceable, perfect for a Vegan charcuterie board! This authentic-looking, nut-free, low-fat Vegan cheese is also quick and easy to make.
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Smoky, sharp, and sliceable, this Vegan Cheddar Cheese is a great choice for entertaining or everyday snacking.
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No matter if you're throwing a holiday party or just having a lazy night in, a Vegan Charcuterie Board (aka Vegan Snack Board) is an easy and fun appetizer or main course. Gather round and sample a variety of vegan goodies like veggies, dips, hummus, nuts, fruit, and more.
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Creamy, rich, and buttery smooth, this Vegan Brie is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also deliciously similar to its dairy counterpart. Prep this vegan Brie recipe in just 10 minutes, and the next day you’ll be met with an amazing vegan cheese perfect for a party or just for snacking.
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Ready to impress your guests or family like you never have before? Creating this vegan hummus and cheese appetizer platter requires little work, yet it’s simply gorgeous to look at.
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Roasted Munchy Snacks
While they might not always get top billing, crunchy and savory roasted nuts, veggie chips, and chickpeas are sure to round out any party-food spread. Add them to a snack board or place little bowls around the room for people to munch on wherever they're at.
These crunchy soy-glazed walnuts are the perfect savory bite to snack for a holiday or any day. They are seriously so easy to make and call for just a few simple pantry ingredients and spices. Plus, they are vegan and gluten-free friendly.
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Air Fryer Pasta Chips are crispy, crunchy, and delicious. Perfect for snacking or adding to a party buffet! Works with all types of pasta including regular, whole wheat, and gluten-free. Choose from three flavors: Curry, Sweet BBQ, and Vegan Ranch.
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These Rosemary Roasted Almonds are the perfect appetizer. They are savory and woodsy with a touch of heat. A perfect addition to your appetizer spread.
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These Oven-Baked Veggie Chips are perfectly crunchy and full of flavor. You will never want to buy regular potato chips again!
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Crispy & crunchy roasted chickpeas make the perfect plant-based snack! Choose your favorite flavor combination: Vegan Parmesan & Garlic, Maple Cinnamon, Tandoori Lime, or Sweet & Spicy Chili. This recipe is simple, easy, and sure to satisfy your snack cravings.
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Fabulous Vegan Finger Foods!
Classic Finger Foods and Vegan Canapés are perfect for any appetizer spread. Whether it's fancy party food or a veganized version of my childhood favorite, Pigs in a Blanket, bite-sized hors d'oeuvres are sure to go fast at any gathering. But don't worry if you're not planning a big shindig any time soon, they also make a great snack for family movie night!
This Popcorn Tofu is a great snack for game day or movie night. Pair it with an easy vegan Sriracha mayo for the perfect finger food.
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These Vegan Crab Cakes are delicate, flaky, and full of the flavors of the sea. Nori and Old Bay Seasoning add all the right notes, while Jackfruit creates the perfect crabless cake texture. Serve with a vegan remoulade for an absolutely delicious main course or appetizer.
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The most addictive party snack or appetizer made to impress your guest. These American-style vegan pigs in a blanket are super easy & packed to the brim with flavor.
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These Vegan Spinach Artichoke Cups are a crowd favorite tucked inside a crispy and flaky shell. A perfect bite that blends the of crunch of phyllo with creamy artichoke filling.
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These Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu bites are spicy, flavorful, and the perfect easy vegan substitute for chicken wings. Serve them with a side of vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing as a main dish or a party appetizer!
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Spicy and sweet chickpea meatballs are a delicious appetizer and so easy to make and bake. Serve with a BBQ dipping sauce for the full experience.
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These beautiful little tarts are so easy to make, and they’re delicious! Just sauté the onion in red wine, scoop them into the puff pastry cups, and top with vegan ricotta.
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If you've been searching for an easy and delicious vegan Chick-fil-A style nugget recipe, then you're in luck. These nuggets combine agave sweetness and briny pickle juice for a unique yet familiar flavor. Plus everything is oil-free! Perfect for dipping in a honey mustard dipping sauce.
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Buffalo jackfruit nuggets are so crispy and delicious. They make the best vegan appetizer for parties or get-togethers. A healthy, vegan twist on the classic Buffalo Wing.
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Fresh herbs, tangy almond ricotta, crunchy breadcrumbs, and a little kick of spicy red pepper flakes make these baked Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms the star of any spread. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer at a holiday gathering or cozying up for a night in, these delicious bites are sure to please any palate!
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These delicious vegan crab cakes have all the delicious flavors of the Sea and impress any dinner party guests. They are made with cannellini beans, artichoke, seaweed, dill, and lemon.
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Vegan Appetizers From Around the World!
While the classic appetizers we grew up with are always a must, it's fun to try foods from around the world, and what better way to do that than with mini bites. Inspired by recipes from Asia, South America, and more, these appetizers are sure to wake up any palate and introduce new flavors you'll love.
Crispy baked tostones are a satisfying and delicious snack or side dish. Tostones, made with green plantains, are easy to make in the oven which makes them healthier than the fried version. Once they’re baked, pile on your favorite toppings and watch them disappear!
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Air Fryer Padrón Peppers (Pimientos de Padrón) are the perfect traditional Spanish tapas dish. Serve with a generous sprinkle of flaked salt as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.
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WOw your friends and family with these tofu spring rolls. They're served with a peanut dipping sauce for a fresh, vegan, gluten-free, appetizer!
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Vegan Potstickers are lightly pan-fried dumplings filled with vegetables and tofu. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these potstickers are served with sweet and spicy chili sauce. Makes for a delicious appetizer!
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These air fryer samosas, an absolute family favorite, are easy to make at home. The crispy dough pockets are stuffed with potatoes and peas and air fried to give them a healthier twist. They make a perfect starter or buffet food for your next party.
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Looking to try something new? These delicious Kibbeh are made with a mixture of red lentil, bulgur, peppers, onions, and spices and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or with a salad.
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Incredible Vegan Crostini
Nothing is quite so perfect as a delicious topping piled on a crispy, toasted slice of baguette. Plus they make for a gorgeous centerpiece to any spread! Feel free to mix and match sweet with savory, old favorites with new. (Bonus: these can all be easily made gluten-free by simply substituting regular bread with gluten-free.)
For a unique twist on the classic, try these Pomegranate Persimmon Crostini. They're as delicious as they are gorgeous--not to mention SUPER easy to assemble.
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Not only are these deviled-egg crostini super easy to make, but they're also 100% vegan. Firm tofu creates the right texture, while the kala namak offers the perfect eggy flavor. Plus--no peeling a bunch of eggs and making a mess of everything!
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This festive vegan mushroom crostini recipe is an easy and impressive appetizer perfect for holidays. Crunchy baguette with grilled vegan mozzarella topped with sweet caramelized onions and mushrooms with a hint of balsamic and Dijon mustard will surely be a show stopper.
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Classic and delicious Tomato Basil Bruschetta!! Toasted french bread topped with a fresh flavorful mixture of chopped fresh tomatoes, basil, onion, garlic olive oil, salt, and pepper. A perfect, already vegan appetizer or starter.
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Tips for preparing vegan appetizers for a party
- Go for a variety of foods! Depending on the size of the party, you could choose two to three appetizers from each category.
- Think about the right mix of flavors--sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, comfort food classics and international. This will not only create balance, but it will also assure that everyone can find something they like.
- Consider your guests and the occasion--a kid's birthday party will have a much different spread than a fancy New Year's Eve gala.
- Enlist your friends! Most people are more than happy to bring an appetizer along to a party, so why not take advantage. They'll usually even ask what you need! Since you want a nice balance of appetizers on the table, you can generally get away with asking for something specific (like vegan buffalo dip ) or something general (like a dip).
- Use a mix of store-bought and homemade. Some things like hummus are easy and affordable to purchase, which will save you tons of time. Just transfer it from the container to a bowl and no one will be the wiser.
- Spend a little time prepping the day before. Dips, spreads, crostini toppings, and more can all be made a day or two in advance. This will free up your time the day of the party to make any hot appetizers and assemble the table.
- Set the table! Place the largest or tallest platter in the center. This could be a charcuterie board or a tiered tray. On either side, place the medium-sized plates/bowls. These might contain finger foods or chips. In the remaining spaces, place smaller bowls and plates. If you have dips that go with specific items, be sure to place them close together.
- See my sample suggestions below for putting together a vegan appetizer buffet.
📖 Recipe
Vegan Party Appetizers
From Dips & Spreads to Classic Finger Foods, this collection of over 30 Easy Vegan Appetizers has more than enough to choose from. Whether you're celebrating Christmas or New Year's Eve, gathering for game day, celebrating a graduation, or just cozying up for a weekend in, you can easily put together a buffet of delicious vegan appetizers that everyone will love.
Equipment
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
baking sheet
Ingredients
Dips & Spreads
- Vegan Queso
- Roasted Red Beet Hummus (see recipe above)
Cheeses & Boards
- Vegan Charcuterie Board
- Vegan Ricotta Cheese
- Vegan Sliceable Cheese of Choice (see recipes above)
Crispy & Crunchy Snacks
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Glazed Walnuts or Almonds (see recipes above)
- Tortilla Chips (to go with the queso)
Finger Foods
- Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
- Chick-fil-A Style Tofu Nuggets
- Vegan Pigs in a Blanket (see recipe above)
Crostini
- Vegan Deviled Egg Crostini
- Bruschetta (see recipe above)
Instructions
A Day or two before
- If you're throwing a big party, spend a few hours prepping the day before. Choose two to three appetizers from each category. Then take a look at what can be prepared in advance. On the list above, all of the dips and spreads, crunchy snacks, bruschetta, vegan deviled egg topping, and vegan cheeses can be made in advance.
The morning of the party
- Wash and prep all of your fruits and veggies. Store in the fridge until later. Some hot appetizers (like stuffed mushrooms) can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge for later.
1 to 2 hours before the party
- Place all of your serving platters on the table where you want them to be. Don't forget to leave spaces for any appetizers your guests will bring. Also add small plates, napkins, and any cutlery you might need. Nuts and roasted chickpeas can be placed in serving bowls in advance as they won't get stale (like chips).
- Prep any hot foods like tofu nuggets or vegan pigs in the blanket.
- Bake, slice, or toast any bread you'll need for crostini.
15 to 30 minutes before
- Preheat your oven and start baking your hot foods. (If you have a hot plate, you can bake the hot foods earlier).
- Fill in your table with premade dips, spreads, veggies, etc. Start with the charcuterie board and work out from there.
- A few minutes before your guests are set to arrive you can place the rest of the appetizers in their proper serving dishes and get ready to greet your guests!
Notes
- This is just an example of how to prepare a variety of vegan appetizers for a party. Feel free to choose the recipes that best fit your tastes and needs.
Tried this recipe?Tag me on Instagram @no_sweat_vegan or #nosweatvegan!
I hope you found some vegan appetizer recipes that you love and that will become family favorites for years to come!
If you try any of the recipes here, let me know in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @no_sweat-vegan!
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