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    Home » Appetizers and Light Bites

    Vegan Appetizers

    Published: Feb 3, 2021 by Jenn Sebestyen

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my Privacy Policy for more details.

    8 photo collage of a variety of vegan appetizers.
    recipe image for Pinterest

    This roundup of delicious Vegan Appetizers will ensure your next party is a huge success. Easy one bite snacks, flavorful dips and spreads, and stuffed all-the-things. Perfect for New Year’s Eve, Game Day, or any other party theme you can think of. Suitable for anyone who loves to eat – not just vegans! Let’s get our party on!

    9 photo collage of a variety of vegan appetizers.

    No party is complete without snacks! With more and more people ditching the meat and dairy these days, these Vegan Appetizers will come in handy to ensure all of your guests are happy.

    Table of Contents hide
    1 How to plan a vegan appetizers menu
    2 How many appetizers should I serve?
    3 More vegan entertaining recipes
    4 Vegan Appetizers

    How to plan a vegan appetizers menu

    Variety ~ I like to have a mix of dips and 1 to 2 bite finger foods. I also like to provide at least one light and fresh veggie centered appetizer, one creamy or “cheesy” snack, and one heavier filling dish.

    Temperatures, textures and colors ~ Hot and cold, creamy and crunchy, bright and beige…provide interest for your guests by mixing up the offerings so there is something for everyone.

    Timing ~ Don’t make things too hard on yourself. Choose several appetizers that can be prepped or fully made in advance. If any of the vegan appetizers need to be served hot, consider an electric warming tray or small crockpot to keep things warm so you don’t have to keep reheating.

    Extras ~ Don’t forget to set out the extras, like plates, napkins, toothpicks, and small utensils (if needed).

    How many appetizers should I serve?

    A good rule of thumb is to provide 8 to 12 “bites” per person. For a party of 10, consider serving 3 to 4 different vegan appetizers. For a larger party of about 20 people, increase that number to be about 6 different choices.

    More vegan entertaining recipes

    • Best Vegan Pancake Recipes
    • Best Vegan Brunch Recipes
    • Best Vegan BBQ Side Dishes
    • Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

    I hope you love these recipes as much as we do! If you try any of them, please leave a comment below with your feedback.

    Be sure to sign up for my FREE Newsletter to be the first to get my NEW recipes! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.


    For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!

    Vegan Appetizers

    Dips and Spreads

    Smoky Cilantro Lime Mexican Bean Dip Recipe

    Always a hit at parties. It’s prefect with chips!

    Jacked Up Crab Dip 

    Made with shredded jackfruit, blended cashews, spices, and seasonings for a super creamy, satisfying, spot-on vegan version of this traditional party appetizer.

    Vegan French Onion Dip

    The perfect thing to cure your munchies! Pair it with chips, crackers or raw vegetables. Made with whole food ingredients and two whole onions!

    Creamy Cranberry Salsa Dip 

    Creamy, sweet, tangy, and a little spicy. If you’re not quite ready to let go of the Christmas season, it’s the perfect New Year’s Eve or game day appetizer. 

    Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Dip

    A little smoky, a lot creamy, and super easy to make. Grab your favorite crackers, chips or raw veggies and get your snack on!

    Homemade Vegan Queso 

    This nacho dip is creamy and “cheesy”, but dairy free, oil free, and made from whole foods. Grab a bag of tortilla chips and get to dipping!

    Vegan Cheddar Cheese Spread

    A vegan cheddar cheese spread that’s so simple to make. Just 5 ingredients and a food processor are needed to make this delicious smoky spread. Serve it with crackers, fresh pears, raw veggies, or on a sandwich.

    Vegan Ceviche

    With lots of fresh dill and grapefruit juice, it's a flavor combo you’ve got to try! 

    Spicy Hummus

    Your favorite Mediterranean dip with a spicy southwest kick. 

    Miso Parsley Hummus

    A tasty light snack or appetizer paired with crackers or fresh veggies. Bonus: it’s oil-free!

    Perfect Oil Free Hummus

    Super soft and creamy hummus without the guilt! It’s vegan, gluten free and so easy to make! Pair it with pita bread, crackers or fresh cut vegetables for a delicious snack that won’t weigh you down. 

    Roasted Red Pepper Hummus 

    Creamy, smooth, and flavorful, this easy hummus recipe will become your go-to for snack time. Pair it with crunchy raw veggies, whole grain crackers, or spread it on toast. 

    Roasted Carrot White Bean Hummus

    An easy White Bean Hummus with roasted carrots and peppers, toasted walnuts, and flavorful spices and herbs. My favorite way to serve it is with whole wheat crackers and cucumber slices.

    The BEST Guacamole

    Quick, easy and loaded with nutrients. What party is complete without guacamole? Grab some chips and dig in!

    Vegan "Pub Cheese"

    Photo Credit: healthyhappylife.com

    Spruce up any appetizer party platter with this smoky, sharp cheddar flavor and be sure to dip generously!

    Beetroot Hummus

    Photo Credit: kindearth.net

    Super healthy, crazy delicious, and stunning color to wow your guests!

    Baked Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Photo Credit: www.veggiesdontbite.com

    Ultra creamy, full of protein, super healthy, and going to blow your mind!

    Olive Hummus

    Photo Credit: www.contentednesscooking.com

    For all of you olive lovers out there, this combination of ingredients is a match made in heaven.

    Fermented Vegan Walnut Thyme Cheese

    Photo Credit: www.tastingpage.com

    Taking vegan cheese to the next level! With just minutes of hands-on prep time, this tangy nutty “cheese” is quite easy to make. 

    Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

    Photo Credit: www.glueandglitter.com

    Absolutely no mayo, cheese, cream cheese, or sour cream, but it’s just as decadent. Get your dip on!

    Easy Cannellini Bean Dip

    Photo Credit: www.veggiessavetheday.com

    Quick and easy to make with cannellini beans, tahini, lemon juice, water, and oregano. Bonus – it’s gluten free and oil free too!

    Olive Tapenade

    Photo Credit: www.frieddandelions.com

    Sun dried tomatoes and artichokes join chopped olives, capers, and olive oil in this super simple dip perfect for a party tray.

    Small Bites

    Vegan Polish Mistakes

    Easy party appetizers served on cocktail rye toasts with mounds of meat and cheese. And my version is all VEGAN! This is one snack that will please even the carnivores in your life.

    Easy Vegan Bruschetta with Avocado

    A fuss-free easy appetizer for entertaining that will keep your guests coming back for more. Customize the toppings to your liking.

    Spiced Rosemary Roasted Nuts

    Delicious, crunchy nuts flavored with herbs and spices and roasted to perfection. A little sweet, a little spicy. Excellent for parties, the holidays, or any time you need to cure a snack attack. 

    Tortilla Rollups with Dairy Free Veggie Cream Cheese

    Packed with fresh raw vegetables, these make the perfect appetizer. Perfect finger food for kids too!

    Southwest Roll Ups

    An easy appetizer perfect for parties. Full of black beans, spinach, peppers, onion, cilantro and a dairy free southwest flavored ranch dressing.

    Pizza Bites with Pesto

    Quick and easy, these little pizza bites are full of fresh flavor. A party favorite!

    Cucumber Bites with Sun Dried Tomato Spread

    Flavorful little one bite appetizers perfect for entertaining.

    Almond Crusted Tofu Bites

    Photo Credit: www.veganosity.com

    Crunchy little bites dipped into a creamy lemon ginger dip make the perfect party food.

    Cheesy Quinoa Bites Recipe 

    Photo Credit: www.godairyfree.org

    Instead of using baguette slices to hold all of your toppings, try these nutritious and protein packed quinoa bites. You’ll find a nut-free option in the recipe as well! 

    Vegan Tomato Tartlets

    Photo Credit: www.diannesvegankitchen.com

    Filled with spinach pesto, they’re the perfect party treat. Your omnivore friends probably won’t even realize that they’re vegan! 

    Mushroom Crostini

    Photo Credit: vegetariangastronomy.com

    This party favorite uses a delicious tofu-based basil vegan ricotta spread, and is topped with a savory mushroom mixture for the perfect bite-size appetizer! 

    Buffalo Quinoa Balls

    Photo Credit: www.vnutritionandwellness.com

    A great meatless option to get that hot sauce fix. Perfect to give your party a little kick!

    Miso Glazed Eggplant "Scallops"

    Photo Credit: www.sunnysidehanne.com

    These could easily be a main meal paired with lentils or rice, but they also make perfect (and creative!) little bite size hors d’oeuvres.

    Fried Chickpea Flour Sticks 

    Photo Credit: sweetsensitivefree.com

    With just one ingredient plus salt, pepper, and water, this traditional Italian recipe is super easy to make!

    Dilly Smashed Baby Potatoes 

    Photo Credit: avirtualvegan.com

    Take the humble potato to a whole new level. Roasted, smashed, then roasted some more. They’re irresistible.  Serve warm with the  accompanying horseradish sauce. 

    Soft Pretzel Bites

    Photo Credit: www.whereyougetyourprotein.com

    Simple and easy to make, kid-friendly, party food that will satisfy that sweet & salty craving!

    Spicy Tortilla Rollups

    Photo Credit: veganinthefreezer.com

    Layers of flavor starting with a spicy pesto base and ending with fresh baby spinach. Roll up tight, slice and pop in your mouth.

    Vegan Cheese Sticks Recipe

    Photo Credit: www.elephantasticvegan.com

    Crispy on the outside, ooey gooey on the inside! Time to bring the comfort food to your party!

    Smoky Sesame Avocado Crostini

    Photo Credit: veganyackattack.com

    Creamy avocado paired with roasted sesame seeds, a smoky pepper shake, sprouts and hot sauce make for a fancy-looking crostini that is a quick and delicious appetizer!

    Vegan Fried Ravioli 

    Photo Credit: cadryskitchen.com

    Instead of frying in a vat of oil, these beauties are made in an air fryer. Dusted with a scant spritz of cooking spray, they are perfectly crispy and indulgent without being a heavy, oily mess.

    Stuffed and Wrapped

    Mediterranean Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

    These delightful mushrooms have a creamy filling with a distinctly cheesy taste. These make a great appetizer for when you’re having guests over—they may not believe that they’re vegan!

    Spicy Peanut Rice Stuffed Mini Peppers

    Make them as mild or as spicy as you like. An easy, fun appetizer for parties and get togethers of any kind.

    Buffalo Chickpea & Artichoke Taquitos

    A delicious, creamy, spicy snack that’s great for parties. Easy to make them as spicy (or not) as you want.

    Crabless Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

    Photo Credit: veganhuggs.com

    The filling has a crab-like texture and an ocean-like flavor that will really fool your omni friends. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, these are sure to be a winner at your party

    Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

    Photo Credit: www.cilantroandcitronella.com

    Easy to make and packed with fresh herb-y, garlicky, citrus-y deliciousness. The addition of parsley-lemon dressing brightens the flavor and pulls it all together.

    Gluten-Free Vegan Sausage Rolls

    Photo Credit: www.rhiansrecipes.com

    Equally delicious eaten hot straight from the oven as they are served cold. They’re a fab make-ahead appetizer for parties and other gatherings.

    Georgian Eggplant Rolls

    Photo Credit: happykitchen.rocks

    You only need three ingredients and a bit of spices to make it! Great finger food for parties!

    Vegan Zucchini Rolls 

    Photo Credit: avocadopesto.com

    With cashew ricotta, mint, avocado and crushed almonds – your new favorite no cook appetizer. It’s paleo too!

    Vegan Crab Rangoon

    Photo Credit: mayihavethatrecipe.com

    Crispy fried wonton crusts with creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy centers will make your mouth water.

    Raw Vegetable Nori Wraps 

    Photo Credit: www.sugarlovespices.com

    Unique nori houses wonderful vegetables such as carrots, red pepper, avocado, and pea shoots all dipped and dressed in the flavors of miso and orange juice.

    Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Spanakopita Triangles

    Photo Credit: www.themostlyvegan.com

    Golden, crispy phyllo triangles stuffed with creamy spinach artichoke goodness.

    More Appetizers and Light Bites

    • Vegan Green Goddess Dip
    • Vegan Garlic Bread
    • Sweet Pumpkin Hummus
    • Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips
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    Comments

    1. suzanne chavez says

      May 09, 2019 at 3:03 pm

      last i checked, won ton wrappers are not vegan.

      Reply
      • Jenn Sebestyen says

        May 09, 2019 at 7:46 pm

        There are some brands that are vegan. Check specialty stores.

        Reply
    2. Alyssa says

      March 15, 2019 at 2:58 am

      Jenn, these recipes look great! It’s awesome to see so many delicious recipes in one place.

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        March 15, 2019 at 9:29 am

        Thanks, Alyssa!

        Reply
    3. Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says

      January 03, 2018 at 2:15 am

      Thanks so much for including my recipe! I shared last week happy new year!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        January 03, 2018 at 1:17 pm

        Thank you, Anjali! Happy New Year!

        Reply
    4. Marlena | Where You Get Your Protein says

      December 29, 2017 at 10:35 pm

      So many fun ‘party food’ ideas! Thanks so much for including my pretzel bites! Happy New Year!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        December 30, 2017 at 10:02 am

        Thanks for contributing, Marlena! Happy New Year!

        Reply
    5. Alisa Fleming says

      December 28, 2017 at 11:00 am

      I love, love, love this post! We are so into appetizers at our house and I’m always looking for healthy inspiration.

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        December 28, 2017 at 8:57 pm

        That’s awesome! I love that you do appetizer dinners often – so fun! Thanks, Alisa!

        Reply
    6. Hanne says

      December 28, 2017 at 4:50 am

      Firstly thank you for including my miso eggplant scallops. I am having a New Year’s Party in THREE days and plan to use this round us the blue print for my edible offerings. Thank you and Happy New Year!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        December 28, 2017 at 9:52 am

        That sounds wonderful, Hanne! Cheers to a fabulous party and Happy New Year!

        Reply
    7. Dianne says

      December 27, 2017 at 4:26 pm

      Such a yummy collection of recipes! Thanks so much for including my mini tarts!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        December 27, 2017 at 8:36 pm

        You are so welcome – they look super yummy! Happy Holidays, Dianne!

        Reply
    8. Sonia says

      December 27, 2017 at 5:42 am

      Mouthwatering round up, SO many great recipes to try!
      And thank you for including my chickpea flour sticks!
      Happy Holidays and New Year!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        December 27, 2017 at 8:52 am

        Thanks, Sonia! Your chickpea sticks look so fun!

        Reply
    9. Melissa says

      December 26, 2017 at 8:37 pm

      So many tasty ideas! Thank you for including my recipe. Happy New Year! 🙂

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        December 27, 2017 at 8:51 am

        Your mushrooms look so amazing! Can’t wait to try them! Thanks, Melissa!

        Reply
    10. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says

      December 26, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      I’m hungry just looking at this post! What a delicious party spread! Thank you for including my White Bean Dip. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        December 27, 2017 at 8:50 am

        Thank you, Amy! Party food is the best!

        Reply
    11. Sophia says

      December 22, 2017 at 4:24 pm

      Thanks for including me Jen! Looks like someone is going to have a fun party!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        December 22, 2017 at 6:48 pm

        Definitely! Thanks, Sophia! Happy Holidays!

        Reply
    12. Linda from Veganosity says

      December 22, 2017 at 4:02 pm

      My mouth started to water as I scrolled through this amazing collection of appetizers! Thank you for including our Almond Crusted Tofu Bites, and for giving me so many great ideas for NYE. Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year, Jenn!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        December 22, 2017 at 6:47 pm

        Thanks, Linda! Happy Holidays!!

        Reply

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    Jenn Sebestyen of Veggie Inspired

    Hi, I'm Jenn! This is where I share delicious plant based recipes for the whole family. I love to cook; I can read cookbooks like novels; and I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen by making standard American favorites healthier.

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