Around here, appetizers are synonymous with snacky dinners and the best-kind-of-eating.

Collage of vegetarian recipes with text overlay "easy vegetarian appetizer recipes"

Who doesn’t love dipping a chip in dip, picking up a crostini piled high with toppings, or having bite-sized snacks that are full of flavor? If it sounds like you, you’re in the right place!

We’ve gathered up our favorite appetizer recipes that just so happen to be vegetarian. Friends and family will love these recipes, whether they’re vegetarian or eaters of all things. Many can be made, or are, vegan, too!

These meatless recipes are perfect for entertaining a crowd, serving at a potluck, or for those times when you’re sitting down to enjoy a quiet evening at home and need a happy hour snack.

You can make many of these recipes ahead of time, saving you time when hosting parties. And most are easy enough to make mere minutes before your guests arrive. There are kid-friendly options, along with healthy appetizers, and both cold and hot options. So what are you waiting for?! Let’s dig in!

Table of Contents

Cheesy Appetizer Recipes

Everyone loves a little (or ok, a lot) of cheese!

Board with cheeses, tomatoes, artichokes, crackers, jam, and celery.

Simple Vegetarian Charcuterie Board

5 (3 ratings)
Make a simple vegetarian charcuterie board that's both beautiful and budget-friendly!
Ingredients: 3 cheeses, savory items like olives, pickles, roasted tomatoes, fresh veggies, dips and spreads, crackers
Get the recipe
Bowl of whipped feta with olives on top.

Whipped Feta with Marinated Olives

4.88 (8 ratings)
Full of flavor, fresh herbs, and bright lemon, this whipped feta dip is so easy to make and an elevated appetizer!
Ingredients: block of feta, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, marinated olives (optional)
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Cheesy Pepper Jelly Wonton Cups

5 (9 ratings)
Wonton cups filled with a cheesy mixture paired with pepper jelly, topped with cilantro, cashews, and scallions. It's an Asian-inspired appetizer that's full of texture and fun to eat!
Ingredients: wonton wrappers, cream cheese, jalapeno, scallions, ginger, garlic, pepper jelly
Get the recipe
Serving dish with tomato jam, pesto, and burrata next to baguette slices.

Burrata, Pesto, and Tomato Jam Appetizer (Spread)

5 (9 ratings)
Whether you want to dip it or spread it, the trifecta of burrata cheese, savory tomato jam, and bright pesto is irresistible!
Ingredients: burrata cheese, tomato jam, pesto, baguette or crackers
Get the recipe
overhead sweet potato rounds on black serving tray next to rosemary sprigs

Sweet Potato and Whipped Goat Cheese Appetizer Bites

5 (4 ratings)
Crisp up sweet potato rounds and top them with tangy, herb-filled goat cheese for a delicious, gluten-free appetizer!
Ingredients: sweet potato, goat cheese, fresh herbs, honey
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A large white plate topped with grilled baguette slices and a wooden bowl filled with ricotta next to two wine glasses.

Whipped Ricotta with Herbs and Honey

5 (120 ratings)
In just 10 minutes this irresistible appetizer is ready! Light, fluffy whipped ricotta topped with a fresh herb and honey mixture – serve it as a dip or spread on crostini.
Ingredients: ricotta, mint, parsley, lemon, honey, baguette
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Apricot, Almond, and Thyme Grilled Brie

5 (7 ratings)
Elevate your summer with this easy grilled brie appetizer recipe!
Ingredients: almond slices, thyme, butter, honey, brie, apricot preserves
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Slice of goat cheese log with cranberry on tray.

Homemade Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

5 (7 ratings)
Simple ingredients and ready in just 10 minutes! It's easy, make-ahead friendly, festive, and elegant!
Ingredients: dried cranberries, pecans, green onion, cinnamon, goat cheese
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Dip Recipes

Dip ’em, slather ’em, spoonful ’em, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these dips!

Buffalo dip with spoon

Vegetarian Buffalo Dip with Jackfruit

5 (12 ratings)
Just like buffalo chicken dip…but without the chicken! This dip is so easy to make and full of flavor…everyone will love it!
Ingredients: jackfruit, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, cheddar, green onion, spices, hot sauce
Get the recipe
up close edamame hummus with spoon

Edamame Hummus

5 (1 rating)
Mix up your traditional hummus with edamame hummus! Made with frozen edamame, this recipe is quick and easy to make.
Ingredients: frozen edamame, tahini, garlic, spices, lemon juice, olive oil
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Spoon in sun dried tomato and pesto cream cheese dip.

Baked Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Cream Cheese Dip

5 (28 ratings)
If you need an appetizer dip, this is it. Your guests won't be able to get enough of this irresistible combination, so you might want to make a double batch!
Ingredients: pesto, cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, sour cream, dried herbs
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Bowl of onion dip with caramelized onion topping and chives next to chips.

Caramelized Onion and Garlic Dip

5 (23 ratings)
This elevated onion dip is made with not only caramelized onions but also caramelized shallots and roasted garlic for a rich, savory, deep flavor infused throughout.
Ingredients: yellow onion, shallot, garlic, sour cream, mayo, white pepper, vegan Worchestershire
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Herby Roasted Garlic Olive Oil Dip

5 (5 ratings)
A classic olive oil bread dip, but even better; it's infused with loads of herbs and roasted garlic!
Ingredients: garlic, dried herbs, olive oil, lemon juice
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Sun-Dried Tomato & White Bean Hummus // Fork in the Kitchen

Sun-Dried Tomato & White Bean Hummus

5 (2 ratings)
A smooth, creamy white bean hummus with hints of smoky spice and rich sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients: cannellini beans, sun-dried tomatoes, tahini, lemon, garlic, spices, basil
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Creamy Artichoke Leek and Kale Dip | Fork in the Kitchen - A creamy, indulgent dip - with kale, leeks, and artichokes that add flavor, texture - that's changing the appetizer game!

Baked Kale and Artichoke Dip with Leeks

5 (7 ratings)
If you thought spinach artichoke dip couldn't get any better…wait until you try this elevated version made with leeks and kale!
Ingredients: leeks, garlic, kale, artichoke hearts, parmesan, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella
Get the recipe
Spoon in bowl of sour cream and onion dip.

Sour Cream and Onion Dip with Grilled Onions

Use your grill to make this sour cream and onion dip when you need a little snack before the big BBQ!
Ingredients: yellow onion, garlic, butter, spices, sour cream
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Chip dipping into bowl of queso.

5-Ingredient Queso (so easy!)

4.94 (158 ratings)
A cheesy dip ready in just 5-minutes with only 5 ingredients!
Ingredients: evaporated milk, pepper jack cheese, corn starch, onion and garlic powder
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olive tapenade with baguette crisps

5-Minute Green Olive Tapenade (No Anchovies Option)

5 (1 rating)
An easy 5-minute dip that's briny, light, and full of flavor! Serve it as part of a cheese board, with veggies, or on its own for a light appetizer.
Ingredients: green olives, anchovy paste or capers, garlic, lemon
Get the recipe

If you love tapenades, also be sure to check out our black olive tapenade, or the artichoke tapenade! They make excellent companions with this tomato and red pepper spread, too!

tomato onion spread in bowl next to crostini

Jammy Tomato Red Pepper Spread

4.20 (5 ratings)
Whether you dip or spread it, this mixture of simmered-down tomato, red pepper, and onions melts-in-your-mouth. It's hands-off and totally worth the cook time!
Ingredients: tomatoes, yellow onion, red bell pepper, garlic
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Bowl of elote corn dip with tortilla chips in it.

5-Minute Elote Corn Dip

5 (19 ratings)
It comes together quickly – under 5 minutes – and is packed with flavor! It’s perfect to make ahead and serve at BBQs and potlucks or on Taco Tuesday!
Ingredients: frozen corn, mayo, scallions, garlic, lime, cilantro, cheese
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Finger Foods

Perfect for grabbing and enjoying. Set them out for your guests and watch them disappear!

Pigs in a blanket on a plate.

Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket

5 (26 ratings)
Your favorite childhood snack, made meatless! Turn baby carrots into "carrot dogs", wrap 'em up, and enjoy!
Ingredients: marinade, baby carrots, crescent rolls
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Overhead looking at bruschetta on cutting board next to basil leaves.

Fresh Balsamic Tomato Bruschetta on Crostini

5 (21 ratings)
Homemade tomato bruschettaa goes to another level with aged balsamic vinegar. Top it on crostini for a delicious appetizer!
Ingredients: tomatoes, basil garlic, shallot, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar
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Blackberry Burrata Mint Crostini - the ultimate summer appetizer - easy and requires little prep work, full of fresh flavors, and pairs well with your favorite wine! | Fork in the Kitchen

Blackberry Burrata Mint Crostini

5 (6 ratings)
This crostini appetizer requires little prep – it's so easy to make in under 15 minutes! You'll love the bright freshness of it, too!
Ingredients: crostini, blackberries, mint, lemon, honey
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If you love crostini appetizers, be sure to check out our collection of over 14 crostini topping ideas!

up close mushroom bruschetta

Mushroom Bruschetta with Gruyere and Thyme

4.94 (33 ratings)
Savory, rich, and buttery, this hot crostini appetizer is a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients: baguette, gruyere cheese, crimini mushrooms, shallot, garlic, thyme
Get the recipe
Mediterranean nachos in serving bowl with tzatziki and hummus.

Mediterranean Nachos

5 (21 ratings)
Dive into a platter of Mediterranean Nachos at your next game-day get-together! Piled high with your favorite toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and banana peppers, and dipped in hummus and tzatziki.
Ingredients: pita bread, chickpeas, cucumber, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, banana peppers, shallot, feta, green onion
Get the recipe
serving tray with buffalo cauliflower bites next to celery and blue cheese

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

4.88 (32 ratings)
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are coated in crispy panko, oven-baked, and tossed with homemade buffalo sauce for an addictingly delicious, bite-sized appetizer (or dinner)!
Ingredients: cauliflower, cornstarch, egg, panko, spices, buffalo sauce
Get the recipe
Mini Carrot Corn Dogs in serving container with ketchup on newspaper

Mini Carrot Corn Dogs

5 (2 ratings)
A vegetarian-spin on a childhood – and fair food – favorite!
Ingredients: marinade, baby carrots, cornmeal, flour, sugar, milk, egg, oil for frying
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Plate of potstickers next to dipping bowl of ponzu sauce.

Vegetable Potstickers with Ponzu Sauce

Homemade vegetarian potstickers are easy to make, and full of flavor! Serve with homemade ponzu sauce and a spicy corn flake garnish for a gourmet appetizer!
Ingredients: red and green onion, ginger, garlic, chives, carrots, cabbage, cilantro
Get the recipe
Up close plate of kimchi fries with fork.

How to Make Kimchi Fries at Home

5 (2 ratings)
Loaded fries…but better. Topped with a cheesy layer, caramelized onions, spicy mayo, and kimchi. It's an irresistible, spicy combination!
Ingredients: french fries, cheese, mayo, shichimi, chili garlic paste, onion, kimchi, gochujang
Get the recipe

Crispy Baked Rosemary Garlic Parmesan Fries

5 (6 ratings)
Make homemade french fries in the oven – that are crispy! – and top them with fresh rosemary, garlic, and parmesan for the ultimate snack experience.
Ingredients: potatoes, corn starch, rosemary, garlic, parmesan cheese
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Hand pulling chip from nachos with cheese pull.

Vegetarian Nachos with Spicy Black Beans

5 (1 rating)
The only way to make nachos is to layer the chips, cheese, and toppings. This vegetarian version has a spicy black bean topping that packs flavor, texture, and protien.
Ingredients: black beans, spices, chips, cheese, toppings, as desired (like jalapeno, olives, onion, tomato, cilantro, avocado)
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scalloped corn arancini piled on white plate

Scalloped Corn Arancini

A twist on a classic Midwestern side dish (scalloped corn casserole), these aranchini are a unique and delicious appetizer to bring to game day or holidays!
Ingredients: creamed corn, fresh corn, crackers, eggs, panko
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Zucchini fries after baking on baking sheet.

Baked Zucchini Fries & Aioli Dip (Not Soggy!)

5 (9 ratings)
The panko coating on these zucchini fries gives them the best crunchy texture – and that aioli – don't sleep on it!
Ingredients: mayo, lemon, chili garlic sauce, zucchini, panko, spices, egg
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Grilled flatbread with peaches, burrata, and pesto makes for an easy weeknight dinner! #quick #summer #forkinthekitchen

Grilled Peach, Pesto, and Burrata Flatbread

5 (6 ratings)
Use store-bought naan flatbread to make these easy flatbread pizzas that are excellent as appetizers or dinner!
Ingredients: naan flatbread, pesto, burrata, peaches, arugula, honey
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If you love flatbread appetizers, be sure to check out our collection of over 10 flatbread pizza recipes!

Falafel sliders on boards.

Crispy Falafel Sliders with Herb Mayo

5 (11 ratings)
These flavorful sliders can be served as a fun and hearty appetizer or dinner. Don't forget you can also just go ahead and serve the crispy falafel as a delicious app!
Ingredients: homemade falafel, slider buns, pickled onions, lemon herb mayo
Get the recipe

If you’re looking for additional easy vegetarian appetizers, check out all of our appetizer recipes for even more ideas!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!

roasted grape crostini with wine
5 (5 ratings)

Get the Recipe 30+ Vegetarian Appetizers: Roasted Grape Crostini

Dive into this collection of over 30 easy vegetarian appetizers! From dips, to finger foods, to flatbreads, you'll love the endless possibilities of these meatless snacks!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups red grapes
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil, additional for crostini
  • 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped, plus 3 sprigs
  • 1 baguette, sliced on the bias (~14-16 slices)
  • 4 oz. goat cheese, room temperature
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • Salt, to taste + flakey sea salt for garnish

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss grapes in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, with 3 thyme sprigs (no need to destem them for the roast). Place the grapes on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip over, and continue to bake for an additional 6-8 minutes. Once roasted, remove the grapes from the vine (if you haven't already; you can roast them either way) and discard thyme stems.
  • Meanwhile, place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle olive oil across one side of the slices. Flip, and lightly drizzle additional olive oil, being careful to not drench them. Sprinkle on salt and pepper as desired. Bake for 5-7 minutes on each side, until toasted. 
  • While the crostini and grapes bake, stir together the room temperature goat cheese with honey and 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves. Add salt to taste.
  • Spread goat cheese mixture evenly across the tops of the crostinis. Top the crostini with roasted grapes and sea salt flakes, and an additional drizzle of honey if desired!
Serving: 2crostini, Calories: 173kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 7mg, Sodium: 245mg, Potassium: 117mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 215IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 52mg, Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!