Gourmet Vegan Appetizers and Hors D'oeuvres

By
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
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Updated on 09/17/20

Everyone loves a quick and easy vegetarian chili cheese dip, but sometimes your night needs a little more sophistication. Fortunately, there are elegant alternatives to your typical vegetarian and vegan appetizers and hors-d'oeuvres.

  • 01 of 08

    Simple Vegan Bruschetta

    Easy Vegan Bruschetta

     The Spruce

    Forego the cheese often used to make basic bruschetta and go vegan with this simple bruschetta recipe. It's simply fresh ripe tomatoes and basil drizzled in olive oil. Add a bit of cracked pepper and artisanal salt to further tantalize your taste buds. 

  • 02 of 08

    Herbed Vegan Mushroom Pâté

    Mushroom pate canape
    Tastyart Ltd Rob White/Getty Images

    Nothing says "classy" like pâté. Make this vegan version with fresh mushrooms and plenty of fresh herbs for flavor. This dish is best chilled before serving with sliced French bread or whole-grain crackers.

  • 03 of 08

    Garbanzo Pesto Dip

    Vegetarian bean dip with pesto
    Vegetarian bean dip with pesto

    Add a gourmet spin to traditional bean dip by using garbanzo beans and adding a prepared pesto sauce. The garbanzo pesto dip is a no-cook recipe, best when prepped in advance, and can be served with toasted pita chips or spread on crackers.

  • 04 of 08

    Vegan Olive Tapenade

    Vegan Olive Tapenade

    The Spruce

    Whether you want to serve it as a cracker spread or use it to create dainty finger sandwiches, this vegan olive tapenade is delish! With the help of your food processor, the six-ingredient, two-step appetizer is so impressive that no one will know just how easy it was to make.

    Continue to 5 of 8 below.
  • 05 of 08

    Mushrooms With Garlic and White Wine

    Bring a classic Spanish tapa to your appetizer plate with this simple sautéed recipe. Minced garlic and whole, fresh mushrooms quickly cook up with olive oil and dry white wine. Serve it with a fresh baguette and a glass of wine to complete the experience.

  • 06 of 08

    Vegan Baba Ganoush

    Vegan, Gluten-Free Baba Ganoush Without Tahini

    The Spruce Eats / Anastasiia Tretiak 

    No tahini in the house? You can still make up vegan baba ganoush for the dinner party. This recipe also skips the oil, so it's fat-free, too. However, with roasted eggplant, garlic, onion, lemon, and parsley, it sacrifices nothing in the flavor.

  • 07 of 08

    Vegan Cucumber Spring Rolls

    Bright and colorful, these vegan cucumber spring rolls are very cheery hors-d'oeuvres for spring and summer affairs. Inside you'll find lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, rice vermicelli, carrot, basil, and cilantro. The rolls are brilliantly fresh and fun to make.

  • 08 of 08

    Spinach Fatayer

    Fatayers are tasty little Middle Eastern pies that are typically filled with meat and cheese. This spinach fatayer recipe is vegan with a filling of spiced spinach and walnuts, making it perfect finger food. They're not hard either and can be baked in advance.