7 Vegan Appetizers: Easy Recipes for Vegan Hors d'Oeuvres

Vegan appetizers are plant-based dishes or variations of classic appetizers or finger foods that either omit or replace any animal products. Various comfort food appetizers might contain meat or cheese, but there are simple ingredient replacements and substitutions that follow vegan food guidelines without sacrificing the flavor of your favorite side dish.

Consider these simple vegan appetizer options:

1. 1. Artichoke bruschetta: Toast a few slices of French bread and lightly coat them with olive oil before spreading an artichoke dip on top. Most artichoke spreads contain non-vegan ingredients like mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, but there are vegan substitutions available at most stores. Try this fifteen-minute recipe for artichoke bruschetta.
2. 2. Oven-roasted cauliflower bites: Toast bite-sized cauliflower florets in the oven or air fryer for a crunchy appetizer. Lightly season the cauliflower with your spice of choice and serve it with a BBQ or buffalo dipping sauce. Learn how to make roasted cauliflower.
3. 3. Pita chips with black bean hummus: Add some heat to your chickpea or white bean hummus with chiles or jalapeño peppers and finish it off with lemon juice and a cilantro garnish. This black bean hummus recipe features chickpeas, black beans, and tahini.
   
4. 4. Sweet potato fries: You can make oil-free sweet potato fries by chopping sweet potatoes and soaking them in water before you place them in the oven. Once browned and crispy, toss them with a pinch of salt and serve them with a side of vegan dressing. Try this za’atar sweet potato fries recipe with Mediterranean flavors.
5. 5. Vegan charcuterie board with crostini: In lieu of the meats and cheese you might add to a traditional charcuterie board, you can use creative combinations for a vegan charcuterie board. Pair pita chips or crostini slices with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions with Dijon mustard. Try this simple recipe for a kale pesto that will complement other charcuterie items.
6. 6. Vegan cheese nachos with guacamole: You can make dairy-free cashew queso with a food processor or use a store-bought vegan nacho cheese option. For additional color and spice atop your cheesy tortilla chips, mix up homemade guacamole and add diced red pepper. Learn how to make vegan cheese with cashews at home.
7. 7. Veggie spring rolls: This light appetizer incorporates veggies and fresh herbs. Fill the thin rice paper with zucchini, carrots, rice noodles, and red cabbage. Serve your spring rolls with a spicy peanut sauce or a sweet plum sauce for a nut-free option—or even a simple soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, both of which are naturally gluten-free. Try this fifteen-minute recipe for a teriyaki sauce you can serve as a condiment.
   

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