10 Easy Plant-Based Appetizers That Are Anything But Boring
By: Suzanne Kvilhaug
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Anyone vegan knows they can always count on a fruit bowl or veggie platter to save them at an event. Or at least hold them over until they get home. But without other options, social gatherings can get a little redundant in the snack-department.
As much as plant-based eating is a growing trend, a lot of parties and events don’t always remember to include appetizers that are vegan. Maybe the majority of people consider them too “blah” for the mainstream but that is far from true. With a little innovation and creativity, plant-based appetizers can be healthy, interesting and delicious. Here are 10 plant-based appetizer recipes that are the perfect example of vegan delights that everyone at a party can enjoy.
Beet Hummus
Would ya just look at it! A bright pink appetizer is bound to turn heads, especially this particular recipe. And the best part is that the vibrant pink color comes from fresh beets instead of some kind of food dye. This Beet Hummus recipe from Waves In The Kitchen is easily made by placing all of the healthy ingredients in a food processor. Slightly sweet, this hummus falls in that sweet magical intersection of low maintenance and highly impressive-looking.
Sweet and Spicy Maple-Roasted Rosemary Cashews
The standard cashew bowl gets a major upgrade with this Sweet and Spicy Maple-Roasted Rosemary Cashew recipe from Vanilla and Bean. Roasted with coconut oil and mixed with a bit of cayenne, fresh rosemary, salt and a touch of sugar, this is one of those recipes where you should double the batch because it’s going to go fast.
Tex-Mex Spinach Dip
It’s pretty impossible not to love this Tex-Mex Spinach Dip By This Wife Cooks no matter what your dietary preference is. Think of this cheese dip as a kicked-up vegan version made with simple ingredients that takes only 15 minutes to make. And you can make it mild or make it spicy; you completely control the heat. Looking to go all out? Make these vegan veggie chips to go with it.
Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
There’s bound to be a few people with a sweet tooth at a party and this Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates recipe from Vegan Heaven will likely be devoured before dinner arrives. Described as a healthy tasting snickers made with only four ingredients: dates, peanut butter, dark chocolate, and peanuts. Healthy vegan candy, coming right up!
Firecracker Chickpea Meatballs
Who wouldn’t be tempted to at least try and see what meatless meatballs are all about? Chickpeas are versatile, easy to work with and can really make one delicious plant-based hearty option. Smothered in sweet and spicy firecracker sauce and served with a sprinkling of fresh chives, this Firecracker Chickpea Meatball recipe by Connoisseurus Veg could outshine any meaty appetizer it shares table space with.
Easy Baked Sweet Potato Tater Tots
Sweet potato fries with a subtle cinnamon flavor = what will they think of next! This 7-ingredient Easy Baked Sweet Potato Tater Tot recipe from The Minimalist Baker creates baked sweet potato tater tots tossed in a cinnamon panko coating that gives them a crisp outer crust. You really don’t need dip for these, but if you want, ketchup or a spicy aioli of some kind would work well.
Cajun Cauliflower Poppers
You’ll be glad you hopped on the cauliflower bandwagon with this Cajun Cauliflower Poppers recipe from Flora and Vino. These Cajun Cauli Poppers start with an easy cauliflower floret base, layered thick with a home-mixed spice mixture and fresh herbs for serving. Ready in under 30 minutes and made with less than 10 ingredients, dip in your favorite dressing, hummus, or guacamole.
Colorful Veggie Lettuce Wraps
Want a super healthy appetizer that’s not going to be overlooked because of its basicness? Ta-da, here you go! This Colorful Veggie Lettuce Wraps recipe from Cookie and Kate is made with crisp butter lettuce leaf topped with edamame hummus, sesame-soy soba noodles, and quick-pickled veggies. Aesthetically appealing and just as tasty as they appear, people will start to wonder if you’re switching careers to a plant-based chef after eating one of these.
Easy Vegan Deviled Eggs
This appetizer proves that just about anything veganized can taste as good as the original. Easy Vegan Deviled Eggs from Damn Tasty Vegan showcases that there really is a way to make eggs taste like eggs without using eggs. Say what! Made with potatoes, tofu and black salt - this high protein appetizer is filling, hearty and entirely plant-based. To sum it all up in one word, egg-squisite!
Vegan Smoky Cheddar Cheese Ball
Whoa! Creativity and a little innovation create a masterpiece in this Vegan Smoky Cheddar Cheese Ball from Bohemian Vegan Kitchen. Combining smoky flavor with delicious vegan cheddar cheese, rolled in pecans and herbs this appetizer looks like one you’ve spent all day in the kitchen making but it only takes about 10 minutes to put together.
Eager to continue to learn how to make plant-based options that don’t skimp on flavor? Check out the ultimate spice guide for vegan cooking.
