30+ Vegetarian Appetizers & Finger Foods

If you’re looking for vegetarian appetizers, this carefully curated collection is for you! From crispy jalapeño poppers and stuffed mushrooms to savoury skewers, I’ve got plenty of delicious finger food, canapés, dips, platters and more. Vegan-friendly options are included.

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Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring plant-based options, these vegetarian appetizers cater to all taste buds. Dive into the art of crafting meaty, protein-rich dishes using beans and lentils, and discover creative new ways to assemble the perfect charcuterie boards and crave-worthy dips. 

These finger foods and party-friendly snacks will surely please both meat enthusiasts and vegetarians. Plus, many vegan options exist despite the slight bias toward cheesy dishes!

👉 Check out my other collections: 🌮 Mexican appetizers, 🍤 seafood appetizers, 🧆Mediterranean, 🛞 pinwheel sandwiches, 🥐 puff pastry appetizers, 🍣 Asian appetizers, 🍗Paleo appetizers.

Veggie Dishes

Vegetable Roasted Polenta Stacks

Crispy polenta serves as an excellent base to stack toppings on. These bite-sized delights are topped with oven-roasted veggies bursting with flavour and garnished with crumbled feta and balsamic for that *chef’s kiss* finishing touch. Recipe from A Spicy Perspective.Calories: 79Carbs: 8 gramsProtein: 2 gramsCooking time: 35 minutes

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Vegetable Patties With Kale & Sweet Potato

These hearty potato fritters are lightly pan-fried to perfection with a soft, veggie-packed interior and a crisp exterior. Serve with a garnish of green onion or any sauce of your choosing.Calories: 349Carbs: 53 gramsProtein: 8 gramsCooking time: 50 minutes

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Zucchini Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Baby bell peppers make a colorful appetizer option, stuffed with a simple blend of cream cheese, zucchini, and walnuts for a little extra crunch and texture in the mix. Recipe from Yay For Food.Calories: 71Carbs: 6 gramsProtein: 2 gramsCooking time: 35 minutes

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Sweet potato & Tofu Veggie Skewers

Add some tofu to the lineup with these oven-baked kebabs, easily made on the grill if you’re hosting outdoors. With veggies, sweet potato, and tofu, this combo will certainly tide people over or please vegetarians when other protein options are scarce. Recipe from Pick Up Limes.Calories: 51Carbs: 5 gramsProtein: 2.5 gramsCooking time: 50 minutes

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Herby Couscous Stuffed Eggplant Rolls

The combination of grilled eggplant, creamy tahini sauce and cauliflower couscous which is packed with fresh herbs is so tasty. Recipe from Every Last Bite.Calories: 102Carb: 10 gramsProtein: 3 gramsCooking time: 12 minutes

Get the recipe here

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Cheesy Bites

Cheesy Mushroom Sliders

Indulge in sliders that evoke the essence of a French dip, minus the mess and meat. Picture meaty mushrooms and melted cheese nestled between petite brioche slices, introducing a gourmet touch to your gathering. Recipe from Carolyn’s CookingCalories (per slider): 274Carbs: 25 gramsProtein: 10.5 gramsCooking time: 30 minutes

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Fried Mac & Cheese With Marinara Dip

Transform mac and cheese from an excellent side dish into a stellar appetizer. The key lies in its grab-and-go potential. Take it up a notch by frying and serving it with marinara for an utterly addictive snack that’s bound to leave taste buds craving more. Recipe from Whipped It Up.Calories: 271Carbs: 29 gramsProtein: 11 gramsCooking time: 4 hours 20 minutes

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Baked Brie in a Sourdough Bread Bowl

Experience the simplicity and undeniable charm of baked Brie in a bread bowl. This recipe is not only effortless but also impressively delightful, capturing attention with its appealing aesthetics and indulgent flavour. Recipe from Foodness Gracious.Calories: 650Carbs: 64 gramsProtein: 30 gramsCooking time: 25 minutes

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Cheese-Stuffed Soft Pretzel Bites

Try your hand at this delicious bite-sized comfort food recipe with an easy soft pretzel dough packed with gooey cheese. Recipe from Joy Food Sunshine.Calories: 186Carbs: 21 gramsProtein: 6 gramsCooking time: 1 hour 35 minutes

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Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

These goat cheese stuffed dates are the perfect sweet and salty appetizer that come together in 15 minutes with 4 ingredients. Recipe from Salima’s Kitchen.Cooking time: 15 minutes

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Dips and Salsas

Whipped Feta With Roasted Tomatoes & Garlic

Flavours explode in this whipped feta dip with roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic. Served with crispbreads, crackers, sourdough bread, or whatever low-carb dipping foods you have on hand.Calories (per serve): 193Carbohydrates: 6 gProtein: 5.3 gCooking time: 55 minutes

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Charred Roasted Salsa (Salsa Tatemada)

Roasted salsa with tomatoes, onions, garlic and chile inspired by the Mexican charred salsa tatemada – rich, smoky and complex. Recipe from this blog.Calories (per serve): 72 Carbohydrates: 9.5 gProtein: 1.7 gCooking time: 30 minutes

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Buffalo Cauliflower Dip

Everyone simply adores buffalo chicken dip. Try this lightened up, low-carb version of the classic dish and watch it be devoured! This copycat recipe uses the holy grail of secret veggie ingredients – cauliflower – to create an eerily similar texture. Recipe from Gimme Some Oven.Calories: 132Carbs: 4 gramsProtein: 8 gramsCooking time: 1 hour

Get the recipe here

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Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake

This comforting dish is hearty enough to stand as a main course. Pair it with crusty bread for an irresistible and protein-rich dip that promises satisfaction. Recipe from The Endless Meal.Calories: 297Carbs: 4 gramsProtein: 19 gramsCooking time: 20 minutes

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Mediterranean Nachos

Nachos are highly customisable, making it a breeze to create a meat-free version for a Mexican twist. Yet, the spotlight is on these sensational Mediterranean nachos featuring pita, tzatziki, hummus, and a plethora of vibrant garnishes. Recipe from Fork in the Kitchen.Calories: 340Carbs: 42 gramsProtein: 24.5 gramsCooking time: 20 minutes

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Easy Guacamole Recipe

No party is complete without chips and guacamole. Be the one to make everyone’s day with this quick and easy recipe. Recipe from Salt and Lavender.Calories: 168Carbs: 10 gramsProtein: 2 gramsCooking time: 15 minutes

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Layered Taco Dip

This taco dip features seven layers in case you’re plagued by indecision when deciding which dip to make. Simply combine them all using meatless crumbles in place of beef. Recipe from Side of Veggies.Calories: 213Carbs: 19 gramsProtein: 16 gramsCooking time: 2 hours 40 minutes

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Spicy Sweet Potato Dip

For a spicy kick to the taste buds. This vibrant vegetarian veggie dip has a hummus vibe without chickpeas. You can use it as a dip for crispy falafel, flatbread, carrot sticks, or pita chips. Recipe from Peas and Crayons.Calories: 73Carbs: 7 gramsProtein: 1 gramsCook time: 30 minutes

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Vegan Appetizers

Herb and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms

While the usual stuffed mushroom includes meat, the flavourful blend of garlic and herbs in this cream cheese filling – which can easily be adapted to accommodate vegans – doesn’t miss a beat. Recipe from Veggie Desserts.Calories: 98Carbs: 7 gramsProtein: 3 gramsCooking time: 35 minutes

Get the recipe here

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Break out the air fryer for all your healthy appetizer needs. You’ll still get the perfect crunch on these simple jalapeño poppers. Use vegan cream cheese to make them dairy-free. Recipe from Vegetarian Mamma.Calories: 58Carbs: 4 gramsProtein: 1 gram Cooking time: 20 minutes

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Samosa Rolls

This samosa recipe uses tortillas which makes crafting this Indian appetizer incredibly simple with a fluffy potato, chickpea, and veggie filling. They’re perfect for dipping into a sweet and sour sauce. Recipe from Monkey and Me Kitchen Adventures.Calories: 81Carbs: 17 gramsProtein: 3.5 gramsCooking time: 20 minutes

Get the recipe here

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Spinach Artichoke Dip

You’re already familiar with the grip spinach artichoke dip has on people’s hearts. Try this vegan version for a dairy-free rendition on the traditional recipe. Recipe from Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen.Calories: 195Carbs: 7 gramsProtein: 4 gramsCooking time: 40 minutes

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Barbecue Lentil Meatballs

Mock meat can easily be crafted into any animal-based dish, but these mini meatballs are lovingly crafted with lentils and rice, smothered in a tangy barbecue sauce. Recipe from Vegan With Curves.Calories: 405Carbs: 54 gramsProtein: 9 gramsCooking time: 1 hour

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Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

Bruschetta is a simple and elegant appetizer that nearly everyone enjoys. Minimal ingredients and prep time are needed for this quick and satisfying snack. Recipe from Ahead of Thyme.Calories: 117Carbs: 21 gramsProtein: 4 gramsCooking time: 20 minutes

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Vegan Cheese Ball

It’s creamy, super cheesy and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect appetizer to serve at a dinner party or holiday get-together and it’s 100% approved by both vegans and non-vegans alike. Recipe from Loving It Vegan.Calories: 166Carb: 7.5 grams Protein: 4.8 gramsCook time: 25 minutes

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Spicy Garlic Edamame

Say hello to salty-sweet perfection with this Spicy Garlic Edamame. The sticky sauce clings beautifully to each pod for savory flavor in every bite. Recipe from Minimalist Baker.Calories: 207Carbs: 17.3 gramsProtein: 14.9 gramsCook time: 25 minutes

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Boards & Platters

Mezze Platter

Inspired by Middle Eastern mezze, this mezze platter features pita, veggies, dips, and more. It’s the perfect party appetizer spread! From Love and Lemons

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Epic Vegetarian Charcuterie Board (and How to Build it)

The charcuterie board is an artist’s palette for any kitchen connoisseur. If you’re new to the art form, take guidance from this template featuring cheese, jam, (optional) faux meat slices, nuts, jam, and plenty of other tempting goodies for a wildly impressive display. Recipe from The Fiery Vegetarian.Calories: 534Carbs: 41 gramsProtein: 20 gramsCooking time: 30 minutes

Get the recipe here