Around here, appetizers are synonymous with snacky dinners and the best-kind-of-eating.
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!
Simple Vegetarian Charcuterie Board
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
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Whipped Feta with Marinated Olives
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
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
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Burrata, Pesto, and Tomato Jam Appetizer (Spread)
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
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Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Bites
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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Whipped Ricotta with Herbs and Honey
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
Elevate your summer with this easy grilled brie appetizer recipe! Ingredients: almond slices, thyme, butter, honey, brie, apricot preserves
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Homemade Cranberry Goat Cheese Log
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!
Vegetarian Buffalo Dip with Jackfruit
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
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Edamame Hummus
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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Baked Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Cream Cheese Dip
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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Caramelized Onion and Garlic Dip
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
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
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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Baked Kale and Artichoke Dip with Leeks
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
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Grilled Sour Cream and Onion Dip
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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5-Ingredient Queso (so easy!)
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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Green Olive Tapenade
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
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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!
Jammy Tomato Red Pepper Spread
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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5-Minute Elote Corn Dip
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!
Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket
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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Fresh Balsamic Tomato Bruschetta on Crostini
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
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!
Mushroom Bruschetta with Gruyere and Thyme
Savory, rich, and buttery, this hot crostini appetizer is a crowd pleaser!Ingredients: baguette, gruyere cheese, crimini mushrooms, shallot, garlic, thyme
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Mediterranean Nachos
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
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Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
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
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Mini Carrot Corn Dogs
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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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
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How to Make Kimchi Fries at Home
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
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Crispy Baked Rosemary Garlic Parmesan Fries
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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Layered Spicy Black Bean Nachos
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
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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Baked Zucchini Fries & Aioli Dip (Not Soggy!)
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 Peach, Pesto, and Burrata Flatbread
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!
Crispy Falafel Sliders with Herb Mayo
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
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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!
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!
I made this for a catering event. The natural sweetness of the grapes really comes out when you roast them. I actually used the olive oil/juice from the pan to mix into the goat cheese instead of adding honey. Delicious and the food cost is nominal! I will definitely make this appetizer again.
Yum! Thanks so much, I’m glad it was a hit!