Entertaining

Entertaining

16 Party-Perfect Vegan Appetizers

Posted by Claire Sibonney on December 8, 2017

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.

  • 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="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pistachio-crusted-cashew-cheeseball/15077/Pistachio-Crusted Cashew-Cheese Ball/" target="_blank"><strong>Pistachio-Crusted Cashew-Cheeseball</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>
  • 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>
  • 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>
  • 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>
  • Grilled Herbed Tofu with Avocado Cream
     
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    Grilled Herbed Tofu with Avocado Cream

    <p>Another tofu winner, Giada De Laurentiis’ super easy grilled tofu is seasoned with fragrant herbs de Provence and topped with a bright and zesty avocado puree.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-herbed-tofu-with-avocado-cream/20052/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Grilled Herbed Tofu with Avocado Cream</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>
  • Potato Vegetable Samosas
     
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    Potato Vegetable Samosas

    <p>Yukon gold potatoes, spinach and peas are married with fragrant spices in Anna Olson’s crunchy homemade samosa pastry. Or try premade puff pastry for a shortcut (and skip the eggwash at the end for a purely vegan treat!). Serve with a sweet and savoury mango chutney or finish with a drizzle of tart tamarind sauce for a layered flavour explosion. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/potato-vegetable-samosas/8931/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson’s Potato Vegetable Samosas</strong></a></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>
  • Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with Vegan Ranch Dip
     
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    Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with Vegan Ranch Dip

    <p>Attention all Buffalo wing lovers! You’ll be amazed at how the satisfying texture of cauliflower swaps out for chicken in this family-friendly recipe. The vegan ranch dip made with garlic aioli, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar and spices also tastes too good to be true.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cauliflower-buffalo-wings-and-vegan-ranch-dip/15226/" target="_blank"><strong>Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with Vegan Ranch Dip</strong></a></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 an elegant and mouthwatering appie.</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>
  • The Best Cauliflower Ever
     
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    The Best Cauliflower Ever

    <p>These perfectly crispy, fried cauliflower bites are topped with a fantastic garlicky tofu and roasted red pepper puree. Trust us, the name does not disappoint!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-best-cauliflower-ever/16379/" target="_blank"><strong>Daphne Brogdon's Best Cauliflower Ever</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>
  • 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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