By Megan Edwards,
Last Updated:Throwing a plant-based party? Don’t want to go empty-handed to a gathering? We’ve got you covered. These delicious vegan appetizers are guaranteed to wow a crowd. From crispy, crunchy onion rings to elegant bruschetta bites and tropical fruit skewers, we’ve rounded up our favorite vegan finger foods that will bring pizzazz to any social event. You can make most of these recipes in under an hour, and many come together in less than 30 minutes! Why settle for basic chips and dip when your dish could be the life of the party?
Fresh Spinach Hummus
A handful of spinach elevates delicious everyday hummus to a verdant party-worthy appetizer. And it takes just 15 minutes to prepare. The secret to achieving a light and fluffy texture is to add a few ice cubes when blending—a trick worth remembering for other hummus recipes. Serve with crudités or whole grain crackers.
“This is yummy!” —Stacy
“This is yummy!” —Stacy
Air-Fried Cauliflower Poppers with Smoky Garlic Dipping Sauce
Cauliflower florets, coated in bread crumbs and baked until crispy, make the perfect pass-around bite. Roasted garlic gives the creamy dipping sauce a lush, buttery flavor, while smoked paprika lends warmth. Feel free to experiment with other veggies—broccoli florets would also work well.
“Learned a good way to make breaded, air-fried veggies.” —Leslie
“Learned a good way to make breaded, air-fried veggies.” —Leslie
Lentil-Walnut Pâté
Brown lentils and walnuts give this fabulous dip—which one reviewer calls “amazingly simple and delicious”—a delightful, pâté-like flavor. Sautéed onion, garlic, and oregano add a tantalizing background richness, and lemon juice makes everything pop. This recipe calls for cooked lentils, so if you’re making them from scratch, prepare them beforehand, allowing time to cool.
“I’ve been making this for over a year now, and it’s always enjoyable. So easy and fast. Great with crackers or chips.” —Diane
“I’ve been making this for over a year now, and it’s always enjoyable. So easy and fast. Great with crackers or chips.” —Diane
Oil-Free Baba Ghanoush
If you’re a baba ghanoush fan looking for a healthier, oil-free version, check out this tasty recipe from Cathy Fisher. Baked eggplant becomes velvety, smooth, and flavorful when blended with classic baba ghanoush flavorings such as tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin, creating a top-shelf dip suitable for any gathering. This is a cinch, even when juggling other party preparations: Find a convenient time to bake the eggplant, scoop out the insides, and blend it with the other ingredients.
Savory Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze
These savory vegan meatballs will be a hit at your next party! They're remarkably easy to pull off and are ready in an hour from start to finish, including 20 minutes of cooking and stand time. The umami-rich "meatballs" hold together well with chickpeas, mushrooms, cooked brown rice, and whole wheat panko bread crumbs. Serve skewered with orange slices and an orange-infused cranberry dressing.
“These are fantastic. My tween loved them, too. Great holiday appetizer!” —Keri
“These are fantastic. My tween loved them, too. Great holiday appetizer!” —Keri
Vegan Jalapeño Poppers with Savory Sweet Potato Filling
A veganized version of classic pub grub, these party-worthy poppers will satisfy even the most skeptical guests. The spicy jalapeño shells are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy sweet potato mixture that melts in your mouth and makes it impossible to eat just one. Feel free to add some chopped cilantro or a drizzle of hot sauce to score some bonus points for presentation.
Spicy Black Bean Salsa
Cathy Fisher’s smoky black bean salsa is ideal for your next barbecue. Black beans, sweet corn, and tangy tomatoes form the salsa base, while fresh cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, and garlic rev up your taste buds. Serve with baked tortilla chips. Note: To make a smoother dip, partially blend the ingredients before serving.
“Tried this, and it was great.” —Dean
“Tried this, and it was great.” —Dean
Baked Kale and Artichoke Dip
Ashley Madden uses cannellini beans and cashews to create a rich, creamy base in this plant-based twist on a classic party dip. Kale adds green goodness and onion and garlic provide aromatic depth. This oil-free, dairy-free dip is perfect for every occasion and a must-try for your next Super Bowl party menu.
Taco-Spiced Tortilla Chips
Zhuzh up store-bought tortilla chips with this drool-worthy blend of Southwest spices. Cumin, coriander, chipotle chile powder, and paprika (among other seasonings) deliver a powerful burst of flavor to turn your basic chips into a taco-inspired snack. Dip these tasty triangles into salsa, guacamole, or vegan sour cream to enjoy the full effect.
Jackfruit Spring Rolls with Sweet-and-Sour Dipping Sauce
Fresh spring rolls are a godsend for partygoers wanting to nibble on good-for-you appetizers. These fresh spring rolls, loaded with a tasty mix of jackfruit, bok choy, shallots, and fresh mint and cilantro, take 45 minutes to prepare—but they’re worth it!
Spicy Buffalo Hummus
Sweet jarred roasted bell peppers and a Buffalo-style hot sauce give this sweet and smoky dip plenty of kick. Great Northern beans become creamy when blended and offer a nice change from chickpeas. Feel free to dial the hot sauce up or down to suit. Serve on a platter with a colorful array of veggie sticks and whole grain crackers.
“This was a tasty dip!” —VeggieT8r
“This was a tasty dip!” —VeggieT8r
Lemon-Garlic Roasted Baby Artichokes
Artichoke lovers will delight in every mouthful of these melt-in-your-mouth baby artichoke hearts. Perfect for your next spring soirée, these tender artichoke hearts, infused with the smoky notes of baked lemon, taste heavenly smeared with roasted garlic.
Sautéed Leek and Butter Bean Toasts
It’s impossible to have just one of these tasty toasts. Each piece of bread is slathered in roasted garlic, creamy avocado, and a savory leek and white bean mash. The symphony of flavors is brought to a crescendo with the addition of Aleppo pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon. With just one bite you’ve experienced an incredible variety of tastes that all build on top of each other to create a masterpiece.
Onion Rings
Kiki Nelson's oil-free onion rings are hands-down one of the best vegan party appetizers you could make. Sweet onion is encased in crunchy panko bread crumbs and savory spices before being crisped up in an air fryer. This classic finger food is just as delicious as the one served at your favorite bar, just minus all the greasy oil. Serve with ketchup, and dig in.
Air-Fried Arancini
“These were delicious,” one happy reader writes about these crispy stuffed rice snacks. Each air-fried arancini ball features an outer shell of cheesy arborio rice and a tangy filling made of olives and piquante peppers. The coating of whole wheat panko gets deliciously crunchy in the air fryer, and a bowl of spicy marinara dipping sauce rounds out this tantalizing vegan appetizer.
Homemade Vegan Sopes with Refried Beans
If you’re new to the delicious world of sopes, think of this tasty vegan appetizer as a Mexican version of bruschetta. Small balls of savory corn masa are flattened into disks and topped with spicy refried beans, creamy guacamole, and zesty pico de gallo salsa. The layers of flavors in this recipe are reminiscent of all your favorite elements of a burrito, just shaped into a bite-size form!
Smoky Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
Licorice-scented fennel is the secret ingredient in this sumptuous stuffed mushroom recipe. Each tender cap is filled with a savory mixture of roasted fennel, red onion, cannellini beans, and smoky seasonings. Chopped dates add a touch of sweetness, giving each morsel a flavor profile similar to your favorite BBQ sauce. Your party guests will love these one-bite wonders!
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
One of the most popular Forks Over Knives recipes of all time, these spicy Buffalo cauliflower wings are just what your friends are craving when you have them over for game day. Each “wing” is dredged in a well-seasoned batter and baked to crisp perfection. Once they’re tender, slather the snacks with hot sauce and serve with a side of vegan ranch to really get the party started.
Walnut Biscuit Stacked Fruit Appetizers
This easy vegan finger food recipe is perfect for nibbling on before the main course is served. Homemade walnut biscuits create a savory base for a tower of fresh fruit drizzled in sweet maple syrup. Feel free to use any combination of fruit that you have hanging around in your pantry; the result is bound to be delicious.
Orzo-Stuffed Tomatoes with Pesto Fluff
These pesto-topped campari tomatoes are perfect for popping in your mouth as you make the rounds at a sophisticated soirée. Each flavor bomb is bursting with a hearty mixture of orzo pasta, peas, pine nuts, basil, and bell pepper to create a mouthwatering Mediterranean medley that is bound to be a crowd favorite.
Spiced-Couscous Cucumber Bites
The secret to an incredible bite-size appetizer is prioritizing a good mix of textures and flavors, and these yummy couscous cups do exactly that. Refreshing cucumber slices are hollowed out and filled with spicy couscous, tangy dried apricots, and creamy tahini. Top each bite with aromatic mint, and you’ve got yourself a winning snack to serve to guests (or perhaps enjoy all to yourself!).
Sicilian Rice Balls with Mushrooms and Peas
What’s better than a bite-sized ball of creamy, veggie-loaded rice coated in crispy breadcrumbs? Not much, in our opinion! These vegan arancini are simple to make and are always a total crowd-pleaser. Let guests dunk them in marinara sauce or homemade pesto and enjoy your antipasti like the Italians do. One happy reader writes, “Fabulous recipe. Great finger food!”
Mini Bell Pepper Poppers
These adorable bell pepper poppers strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet flavors thanks to the winning combo of mango, tomato, cucumber, and scallion in the filling. Cilantro adds herbal zest while a dash of spicy Tajín seasoning kicks the heat up a notch. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group of friends, you won’t be disappointed by this amazing vegan finger food recipe one reader calls “fresh and delicious!”
Spicy Jerk Mushroom Kabobs with Mango Salsa
Chef Troy Levy’s spicy, char-grilled kabobs served over a juicy mango salsa are seriously pretty and will be devoured by your mushroom-loving guests. The fresh-tasting mango salsa gets extra heat from Scotch bonnet chile peppers, while mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar and jerk seasoning have a fiery, fruity flavor. If you’re not into spicy food, adjust the seasonings to suit.
Crispy Baked Polenta Sticks with Ranch Dip
Forget mozzarella sticks—polenta sticks are just as tasty and far healthier! These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside cheesy snacks are perfect for munching on during movie night or when you have company over to watch the game. The dip-friendly sticks pair perfectly with vegan ranch, but marinara sauce would work nicely as well.
Chipotle Black Bean Dip
Hummus is always a crowd-pleaser, but why not switch things up a bit with this delectable black bean dip? The hearty beans are blended with the intense flavors of chipotle chiles in adobo, garlic, onion, and lime juice until everything gets velvety smooth. Serve with tortilla chips and veggie sticks for a Southwestern centerpiece that will be gobbled up in no time.
Zucchini Fritters
Dreena Burton’s zucchini fritters are one of our most popular vegan finger food recipes of all time—and for good reason. The tender patties are packed full of savory ingredients like tahini, Dijon mustard, and dill seed before being baked to golden brown perfection in the oven. Serve these tantalizing snacks with a side of vegan sour cream, ketchup, or balsamic reduction for a delicious dunking experience.
Thai Fruit Skewers with Coconut and Lime
This fruit-forward vegan appetizer is ideal for a summer BBQ or garden party. Simply marinate your fruit of choice in coconut and lime juice (in this recipe we chose mango, kiwi, pineapple, and papaya), and then thread the sweet chunks onto skewers. A sprinkling on fresh mint right before serving helps to enhance the tropical flavors of this recipe that one reader calls “beautiful and wonderfully fresh.”
Tex-Mex Potato Skins
Bite-size potato skins? Yes please! These stunning snacks incorporate a slew of Southwestern spices to create the Tex Mex finger food of your dreams. Each tiny tuber is packed full of black beans, sweet corn, smoky chipotle powder, and tangy lemon juice before being drizzled in a creamy cheese sauce. A pico de gallo garnish ties it all together and leaves your taste buds begging for more.
Polenta Crostini with Chickpea Pesto
Switch up your standard bruschetta recipe with this creative twist on the classic Italian appetizer. Slices of hearty polenta are baked until golden brown and then topped with a creamy chickpea pesto, juicy tomatoes, tangy onions, and fragrant basil. Crack a little black pepper on top, and you have a tasty snack to tide you over until dinnertime.
Curried Tofu Summer Rolls
Summer rolls are the perfect vegan finger food because they’re refreshing, filling, and full of good-for-you ingredients. Our recipe packs each rice paper wrapper with baby spinach, shredded carrots, cilantro, and delectable strips of curry-infused tofu. Feel free to enjoy as is, or serve alongside a dipping sauce (such as Tomato Tamarind Chutney or Wasabi Orange Sauce) to pack in as much flavor as possible.
White Bean Toasts with Veggies
Colorful and cute, these epic appetizer toasts are stacked with all the best ingredients. Each slice of the whole grain baguette is topped with lettuce, cucumber, red onion, a savory white bean mash, and cherry tomatoes to create the perfect mini tartine. If you have extra bean mash, serve it on the side as a dip with crackers or veggie sticks. The best part of this recipe is its versatility, so get creative with the produce that you choose for the topping!
Roasted Tomato, White Bean, and Olive Bruschetta
Ideal for a summertime dinner party, these whole grain toasts are topped with a delectable mixture of tomatoes, red onion, olives, and cannellini beans. Italian herbs lend their aromatic freshness to the veggies, while a touch of white balsamic vinegar adds tantalizing tang. Garnish each toast with a crack of black pepper, and watch how quickly this plant-based party app disappears.
Air-Fried Vegan Lumpia
Crispy, savory, and totally dippable, these air-fried lumpia are an incredible way to kick off your next gathering. This vegan version of the traditional Filipino snack stuffs each wrapper with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and quinoa to create a robust plant-based filling. Popping them in the airfryer ensures they get deliciously crunchy sans oil, and you can easily set out a smorgasbord of dipping sauces for your pals to dunk the rolls into.
Vegan French Onion Dip
What party appetizer is more classic than French onion dip? Here, we’ve swapped the dairy and oil for a healthy plant-based mixture that uses tofu as the creamy base for this savory, herb-infused spread. Serve the dip with a platter of fresh veggies and whole wheat pita crackers when you’re in need of a vegan party appetizer everyone will love.
Dairy-Free Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Win over the hearts (and stomachs) of your guests with this plant-based version of a classic party appetizer. The traditional cheese sauce is replaced by a creamy mixture of plant-based milk and flour that’s dressed up with savory spices to highlight the earthy artichoke and spinach. One satisfied reader says, “This is my go to dip for gatherings.”
Summer Squash Roll-Ups
Before serving up these superb squash roll ups at your next gathering, be sure to tuck a few into your lunchbag for a delicious day-after snack. Crunchy matchstick veggies and creamy hummus are wrapped in tender squash ribbons so you get the perfect handheld version of a crudités platter. This recipe would be equally tasty if you swapped out the hummus for vegan ranch. Add a little hot sauce if you like a kick of heat!
Endive Boats with Summer Fruit
Take the stress out of your party prep by making these simple six-ingredient endive boats. The colorful, crunchy leaves are filled with a summery jumble of chopped peaches, tomato, blueberries, and fresh tarragon. (If you don’t have tarragon, feel free to use basil instead.) The savory-sweet combo will be a hit among your pals, and the whole thing comes together in just 15 minutes.
About the Author
About the Author
Megan Edwards
Megan Edwards is a staff writer and content producer for Forks Over Knives. She is also a certified RYT-500 yoga teacher who is passionate about cultivating holistic wellness through plant-based eating, mindful movement, and meditation. With a background in journalism and marketing, she supports both the online presence and quarterly print magazine for Forks Over Knives.
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