35 Vegetarian Appetizers to Try Now
These vegetarian appetizers are the best meatless snacks that everyone will love! These irresistible recipes are perfect for a crowd.…
These vegetarian appetizers are the best meatless snacks that everyone will love! These irresistible recipes are perfect for a crowd.
Need appetizer ideas? You’re in luck: many of the best, crowd-pleasing appetizers are vegetarian! Meatless recipes are ideal for entertaining, from cheesy chip dips to a pan of spinach artichoke dip warm from the oven.
As two cookbook authors and recipe experts, we’ve reviewed our recipe library to find all our top vegetarian appetizers that everyone loves! We’ve tested out these recipes on friends and family for the past decade, so you know they’re tried and tested by real people. These are the “hits” that people always crowd around at the snack table!
And now, our top vegetarian appetizers!
First up in our top vegetarian appetizers: 5-minute bean dip! Incredibly this dip comes together in...actually 5 minutes. It's cheesy, creamy, and everything you want for dipping chips. Everyone raves about this one: and it's beyond easy to make. Add warm homemade tortilla chips to step it up.
Also try: Easy Refried Bean Dip or Vegan Nacho Cheese (Queso)
This healthy vegetarian buffalo chicken dip is a lighter spin using chickpeas to make an irresistibly creamy, spicy appetizer! Everyone who tries it raves about this one—it’s perfect for a table of game day snacks or party finger food. Get ready to have your mind blown!
These tender roasted sweet potato bites are such a fun healthy appetizer or snack idea! Topped with creamy guacamole, crunchy corn, onion, and cilantro, they’re like crostini but with a vegetable base.
What’s better for parties than a good spinach dip recipe? This one is served cold, perfect for dipping pita chips or serving in a bread bowl. The recipe is a little healthier than most, relying on Greek yogurt for much of the creaminess. And because it’s not baked, it’s quick to put together: just 10 minutes! Literally the perfect finger food for easy entertaining.
This baked goat cheese is an ideal vegetarian appetizer: it always disappears in seconds when we set it out at a party! The creamy goat cheese melts into a zingy, garlicky tomato sauce in a way you won't want to stop eating. Dip with crostini or crusty bread.
You won’t believe this caramel apple dip recipe until you taste it! Stir just 4 ingredients into a glossy peanut butter caramel that’s vegan and gluten-free. It’s so simple and the best healthy snack!
Pinwheels are a fantastic vegetarian appetizer: they're totally customizable! Held together by cream cheese, you can put almost anything into these easy rollups. This recipe has spinach, sundried tomatoes and Italian spices, but feel free to customize.
Also try: Mexican-Style Pinwheels
“WOW, this is so good! Can I have the recipe?” is usually the chorus when we serve this spinach artichoke dip. This vegetarian appetizer is a perfect party snack, and borders on addictive territory. The creamy, cheesy sauce is perfect for dipping pita chips or bread. Or, try this amazing Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip without the dairy: it's even better than the original!
This delicious black bean dip is creamy, smoky, and full of flavor! Perfect as a snack or appetizer recipe, it’s so easy to whip up and pairs well with tortilla chips, veggies, or pita bread. It’s become a family favorite!
Here’s a creamy, irresistibly spiced party dip you need in your life: Taco Dip! It comes together in minutes, and we can confidently say almost no one turns this one down. This one is even better than the standard: it’s got a quick homemade seasoning blend, Greek yogurt, and a colorful mix of fresh toppings for the absolute best flavor.
Here’s a recipe that’s ideal for parties and entertaining in any season: Hummus Dip! This one even doubles as a tasty snack or a light dinner with a few other filling appetizers. Spread hummus on a platter or in a bowl, then top with cool cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and feta cheese.
This recipe dresses up whole almonds to make them the perfect salty-sweet snack. Roasting them with a mixture of honey, salt, sesame seeds and cayenne pepper makes for a crunchy, elevated take on this superfood nut.
Speaking of fruit dip, another go-to in our vegetarian appetizers list is this yogurt fruit dip! It's so simple, yet so delicious. The combination of Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon makes a magically sweet fruit dip that's loads healthier than the store-bought kind.
Calling all crunchy, salty snack lovers! This vegetarian appetizer is absolutely irresistible: roasted chickpeas! Each bite has a satisfying crunch with the perfect seasoning from chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Also try: Crispy Roasted Black Beans
Everyone is surprised by...and then loves this chocolate hummus! It's a sweet version of the typically savory dip that's sweet and dark chocolaty. Make it with either tahini or peanut butter and maple syrup as the sweetener. Then dip with strawberries or pretzels!
Want a favorite trick for entertaining? Goat cheese stuffed dates! The flavor of this simple pairing is outrageous. There’s the sweet caramel chewiness of Medjool dates. Pair that with tangy, fluffy goat cheese, and the sweet-savory combo is out of this world. To them with a dusting of pistachios and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and wowza!
Veggie platters graced our childhood family gatherings, and really: there’s no easier way to get people to eat their veggies. Here’s our go-to you’ll want to make again and again: this Veggie Dip recipe! It’s ultra creamy and savory, and simple to whip up with just the right combination of spices. No need for prepackaged ranch seasonings here!
This simple combination of sweetened yogurt, almonds and apple slices is so refreshing and delicious, it’s hard to stop sneaking bites. These apple slices can take any type of topping you like, from chocolate chips and caramel syrup to granola crumbles and cinnamon!
Looking for a fun vegetarian appetizer idea? Try Fruit Skewers! Everything tastes better on a stick, right? This is a simple concept that’s more like an idea than a recipe: but it makes everyone go crazy for pure, fresh fruit. Use whatever fruits you like and if desired, serve with our favorite 3 ingredient fruit dip!
For a spicy appetizer, try this Buffalo Ranch sauce! In just a few minutes, you can make a killer sauce that’s creamy, tangy, spicy, savory, and ideal for dunking just about anything. Try it with carrots, celery, bell pepper strips, or tortilla chips.
Need a fun vegetarian dip idea? This sun dried tomato pesto is bursting with so much zippy flavor, you’ll want to put it on everything! Dip it with with toasted or grilled bread or crackers, and it’s a burst of savory, sweet, tangy, and herby all at once. All you need are a handful of ingredients to whip up a batch.
There’s nothing more fun than food on a stick, right? Here’s an easy party appetizer that capitalizes on this idea: Antipasto Skewers! They’re everything that’s great about an antipasto platter, in skewer form. Thread olives, mozzarella, marinated artichokes and tortellini pasta onto a skewer, and it’s easily devoured by eaters of all ages.
Looking for a fun, creamy dip that’s simple to whip up for guests? Try this homemade French Onion Dip recipe! Sure, you can easily grab a tub at the store. But making this classic dip at home takes it to a new level. The flavor is fresh, savory, rich and tangy: ideal for drowning salty potato chips or crunchy veggies.
Looking for a fast and easy dip to impress at parties or a simple dinner? Try this Mexican inspired corn dip! This recipe celebrates the flavors of elote (Mexican street corn), riffing on them to make a tasty dip for eating with crunchy tortilla chips. The pops of sweet corn against the tangy lime, zingy green chiles and salty crumbled cheese is absolutely irresistible!
When it comes to simple and satisfying appetizers, this one’s at the top of our list. This Olive Tapenade recipe takes just 5 minutes and explodes with pure Mediterranean flavor! This traditional French spread is made with olives and capers, and the salty, briny flavor is otherworldly. Spread a smear on bread or a crunchy crostini, and the savory pop transports you right to the South of France.
Throwing a party? Here’s the best easy appetizer: the Ultimate Cheese Board! Cheese boards are our go-to for entertaining: they’re simple to put together, easy to customize for various diets, and look simply brilliant. Here’s an easy way to make a cheese board, with loads of cheese board ideas so you can build the spread of your dreams.
Appetizers should always be easy to whip up, we think! Because if you’re entertaining, there’s so much more to worry about. Here’s a trick that works for anytime and season: this Blueberry Goat Cheese appetizer! Imagine: a glossy, sweet tart blueberry sauce draped over a warm log of goat cheese, punctuated with pops of fresh herbs. Serve it on crackers or crostini, and no one will be able to stop dipping!
Also try: Cranberry Goat Cheese or Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer
Here’s a fun and easy appetizer recipe that takes just minutes of hands on time: Marinated Mozzarella Balls! You’ll be surprised by how quickly this comes together and how satisfying the flavors are for such little effort. Like many Italian-style appetizers, the genius is in its simplicity. Marinade fresh mozzarella balls in a mix of olive oil, chopped herbs and red pepper flakes, and the flavor is a burst of bold and herbaceous.
These homemade baked taquitos are an easy spin on that tasty Mexican rolled tortilla treat! This version is not so much authentic as an easy way for a tasty appetizer. The filling is vegetarian, a mix of refried beans, cheese, salsa, and spices. It makes for a snack that’s seriously tasty (and kids love them). They’re also great for parties. Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping
There's nothing better than a great homemade guacamole as a vegetarian appetizer. It’s a home run every time! When we serve it, a chorus of “Wow’s” fill the room. (Really. Not hyperbole!) What makes it so great? It’s classic and has the perfect balanced flavor: perfectly savory, creamy, and tangy. Serve it up with tortilla chips and your guests — and you — won’t be able to stop eating it.
Another favorite vegetarian appetizer: whipped feta dip! Whip this crumbly cheese into a creamy spread with olive oil, then top it with honey and dip with warm flatbread. It's next level good! We were instantly hooked.
Also try: Whipped Goat Cheese
Here’s a tasty dip that will surprise you with its irresistibly creamy flavor: Black Bean Hummus! This spin on the traditional Mediterranean chickpea dip might sound fun, but here’s the thing. It tastes even better than it sounds! Black beans, lime, tahini and a bit of smoked paprika make creamy dip magic.
Entertaining and not sure where to start? Try an Antipasto Platter! This board of Italian appetizers is an explosion of colors and flavors, and it’s almost guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any party. Add traditional antipasti like cheese, meats, marinated vegetables, olives, crackers, breads, and more to a platter and serve with small plates to let your guests get to snacking.
Last up in our vegetarian appetizers: skillet cheese dip! Check out that gooey, melty cheese, right? It’s perfect for parties: tailgating, a game day gathering, or a party table full of easy finger foods. It’s a play on white chili, using white beans, mild green chiles, corn, and a gooey mess of Mexican cheeses (sans the typical chicken so it’s vegetarian!).
More appetizer ideas
Still looking for ideas? We’ve got lots more ways to browse appetizers outside of this list. Here are a few top resources:
- 50 Appetizer Recipes to Wow Everyone Browse our master list of all appetizers.
- Top Cold Appetizers These ideas are easy to make ahead and save until the time is right.
- Top Vegan Appetizers All vegan recipes are also vegetarian! Here are our top ideas.
- Easy Dip Recipes or Best Dips for Chips Love dips? Here a few more ideas for dipping your chips and veggies.
- Healthy Appetizer Recipes Looking for fresh ideas for healthy ways to do appetizer night? We’ve got you covered.
35 Vegetarian Appetizers: Easy Bean Dip & More!
This intensely delicious bean dip recipe takes literally 5 minutes. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this party favorite!
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 15-ounce cans or jars borlotti or pinto beans*
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese**
- 8 ounces mild or medium salsa
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan: no need to drain or rinse the beans (add the can liquid too)! Warm it over medium heat until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Mash beans gently with a masher if you’d like a smoother texture. Taste and add another pinch of salt if necessary.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips. If desired, you can garnish with chopped veggies: we used a bit of finely chopped tomato, red onion and green onion with a drizzle of Cholula hot sauce.
Notes
*We used 2 13-ounce jars of borlotti beans we found at our local grocery, but pinto beans work just as well!
*For a healthy spin, use half the cheese or go to Refried Bean Dip (no cheese).
Updated January 31, 2024 to add additional recipes.