Entertaining

Entertaining

20 Party-Perfect Vegan Appetizers That Anyone Can Make

Updated by Food Network Canada Editors on November 23, 2018

Whether you or your guests are strictly vegan, or you’re simply trying to expand your vegetarian cooking repertoire, eating plant-based will certainly make you feel a lot lighter around the holidays. From an ingenious vegan cheeseball to a seriously satisfying cauliflower arancini, we’re pretty sure you’re not going to miss the meat (or dairy and eggs!) in any of these delicious appetizers.

  • Smashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Cashew Butter
     
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    Smashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Cashew Butter

    <p>Holiday suppers wouldn't be complete without creamy mashed potatoes. Turn the classic dish into a creative vegan starter with smashed fingerling potatoes topped with a dollop of roasted garlic cashew butter!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/thanksgiving/blog/vegan-smashed-potatoes-with-roasted-garlic-cashew-butter/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Smashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Cashew Butter</a></strong></p>
  • Vegan Crispy Cauliflower Arancini
     
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    Vegan Crispy Cauliflower Arancini

    <p>This inventive recipe reimagines the classic risotto arancini using cauliflower instead of rice and a creamy vegan cheese to make these addictive golden-fried little bites.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/vegan-crisp-cauliflower-arancini-for-a-healthy-snack/" target="_blank"><strong>Vegan Crispy Cauliflower Arancini</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip
     
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    Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip

    <p>Introducing warm, gooey spinach and artichoke dip with a nutritious, good-for-you spin. Made with raw cashews, lima beans and a whole host of spices, your guests will never guess it's vegan!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/healthy-vegan-spinach-artichoke-dip-38088/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip</a></strong></p>
  • Vegan Cashew Cheese Toasts with Poached Pears and Thyme
     
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    Vegan Cashew Cheese Toasts with Poached Pears and Thyme

    <p>Impress guests with an elegant app that's a cinch to make. These fancy and festive vegan toasts feature smoked cashew cheese topped with poached pears and a sprig of thyme.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/blog/vegan-cashew-cheese-toasts-with-poached-pears-37330/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegan Cashew Cheese Toasts with Poached Pears and Thyme</a></strong></p>
  • Grilled Polenta Crackers with Roasted Pepper Salsa
     
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    Grilled Polenta Crackers with Roasted Pepper Salsa

    <p>Looking for a simple yet standout starter? Make your own polenta crackers! They're even more addictive when topped with olives, fresh parsley and red peppers.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-polenta-crackers-with-roasted-pepper-salsa/19385/" target="_blank"><strong>Rachael Ray’s Grilled Polenta Crackers with Roasted Pepper Salsa</strong></a></p>
  • Pistachio-Crusted Cashew Cheeseball
     
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    Pistachio-Crusted Cashew Cheeseball

    <p>This brilliant and beautiful appetizer looks and <i>tastes</i> like the real thing, using soaked raw cashews, savoury miso paste, nutritional yeast and vegan probiotic powder for an extra nutritional punch.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pistachio-crusted-cashew-cheeseball/15077/" target="_blank"><strong>Pistachio-Crusted Cashew-Cheeseball</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Corn Zucchini Fritters with Jalapeno Cream
     
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    Vegan Corn Zucchini Fritters with Jalapeno Cream

    <p>These vegan corn fritters taste even better than they look. The jalapeno cream is also a quick and easy way to spice up your hors d'oeuvre table.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/healthy-vegan-spinach-artichoke-dip-38088/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vegan Corn Zucchini Fritters with Jalapeno Cream</a></strong></p>
  • Harissa Roasted Squash
     
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    Harissa Roasted Squash

    <p>Skewer this stunning North African-spiced squash with mint leaves and top with a scattering of pomegranate seeds for a mouthwatering app that calls for second helpings.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a target="_blank" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/harissa-roasted-winter-squash/15095/">Harissa Roasted Squash</a></strong></p>
  • Baked Falafel Sliders
     
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    Baked Falafel Sliders

    <p>Ditch the deep-fryer but don't lose any of the deliciousness in these falafel and mini pita sliders. The addition of mushrooms and almond meal make the chickpea mix extra moist, and maple syrup in the tahini is an added twist!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/baked-falafel-sliders-with-tabbouleh-and-maple-tahini-sauce-35387/" target="_blank"><strong>Baked Falafel Sliders with Tabbouleh and Maple Tahini Sauce</strong></a></p>
  • Potato, Pepper and Olive Phyllo Cups
     
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    Potato, Pepper and Olive Phyllo Cups

    <p>The mashed potato base in these addictive little morsels is made with olive oil and nutritional yeast for extra creaminess. Smoked paprika also adds a smoky bacon-like flavour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-potato-pepper-and-olive-phyllo-cups/19383/" target="_blank"><strong>Vegan Potato, Pepper and Olive Phyllo Cups</strong></a></p>
  • Tofu Skewers with Walnut Pesto
     
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    Tofu Skewers with Walnut Pesto

    <p>These sesame-crusted tofu skewers with Thai-basil and walnut pesto have a delightfully unexpected sweet and citrusy orange twist.</p> <p>Get this recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tofu-skewers-with-walnut-pesto/8930/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson's Tofu Skewers with Walnut Pesto</strong></a></p>
  • Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs
     
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    Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs

    <p>Pop these savoury mini meatballs onto skewers or serve them on porcelain Chinese-style soup spoons for an elegant bite-sized appetizer.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lentil-mushroom-meatballs/19517/" target="_blank"><strong>Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Meatballs with Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce
     
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    Vegan Meatballs with Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce

    <p>Don't have lentils on hand? Here's another plant-based "meatball" recipe, these ones crafted from bulgar wheat and tofu. Pair with homemade tomato sauce and place on a skewer for an easy-to-grab app.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-meatballs-with-oven-roasted-tomato-sauce/13672/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Vegan Meatballs with Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce</a></strong></p>
  • Vegan “Pulled Pork” Sliders
     
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    Vegan “Pulled Pork” Sliders

    <p>These “meaty” mushrooms slow roasted in molasses, soy sauce and spices are packed with rich umami flavour. Serve with creamy vegan coleslaw on mini hamburger buns.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-pulled-pork-sliders/20293/" target="_blank"><strong>Vegan "Pulled Pork" Sliders</strong></a></p>
  • Rustic Italian Caponata
     
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    Rustic Italian Caponata

    <p>Only five minutes of prep time is needed for this luscious Italian-inspired spread made with eggplant, tomatoes and toasted pine nuts.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/rustic-italian-caponata/16849/" target="_blank">Rustic Italian Caponata</a></strong></p>
  • White Bean Dip
     
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    White Bean Dip

    <p>You won’t want to bother with store-bought hummus and other dips after pulling this one off in mere minutes. Be sure to top with a generous drizzle of good quality olive oil at the end!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/white-bean-dip/13696/" target="_blank"><strong>White Bean Dip</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Chickpea Crab Cakes
     
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    Vegan Chickpea Crab Cakes

    <p>Get creative in the kitchen and try your hand at these chickpea-based patties, the perfect stand-in for crab cakes. Serve with vegan tartar sauce to round out the dish.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-chickpea-crab-cakes/20873/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegan Chickpea Crab Cakes</a></strong></p>
  • 3 Ways with Cauliflower Wings
     
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    3 Ways with Cauliflower Wings

    <p>There's enough indulgence to go around during the holidays. Whip up something healthier (and just as satiating) like these vegan cauliflower wings. This recipe features three addictive flavours: crunchy Thai peanut, maple chipotle BBQ and honey garlic.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/3-ways-with-cauliflower-wings/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>3 Ways with Cauliflower Wings</strong></a></p>
  • Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Salad with Mustard Dill Vinaigrette
     
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    Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Salad with Mustard Dill Vinaigrette

    <p>You can’t go wrong with this gorgeous seasonal and hearty salad as an appetizer, especially if you don’t mind a few more dishes.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-sweet-potato-kale-salad-with-mustard-dill-vinaigrette/15074/" target="_blank">Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Salad with Mustard Dill Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
  • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus in Cucumber Cups
     
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    Roasted Red Pepper Hummus in Cucumber Cups

    <p>Fresh, crispy cucumbers filled with a creamy white-bean hummus are a nice light option if you don’t want your guests filling up too quickly on starters.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-red-pepper-hummus-in-cucumber-cups/20286/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Roasted Red Pepper Hummus in Cucumber Cups</a></strong></p>
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