19 Vegetarian Appetizer Recipes That Wow Every Guest

Appetizers set the stage for any meal, and these 19 vegetarian recipes prove that meat-free dishes can be just as bold, flavorful, and satisfying as any other. From crispy finger foods to creamy dips and bite-sized snacks, this collection offers something for every craving. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing holiday bites, or simply looking for a light starter, these vegetarian appetizers are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Keto Buffalo Cauliflower

This Keto Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a fun and healthy twist on the typical buffalo wings. It is perfect as a snack, side dish, or a game day appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Keto Buffalo Cauliflower

Cauliflower Rice Spring Rolls

cauliflower rice spring roll, vegan spring rolls, spring rolls without rice — Cauliflower Rice Spring Rolls. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Do you love spring rolls, but hate plain old white rice? I've got you covered then with these Cauliflower Rice Spring Rolls.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice Spring Rolls

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Zucchini chips without breading made in the air fryer in a bowl on a wooden plate. — Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These garlic flavored air fryer zucchini chips are crispy and addicting! With no breading, this recipe comes together quickly and easily for a delicious healthier snack, appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Chunky Guacamole

Image shows a white bowl with guacamole and a chip sticking in it with more chips on a tray to the right of it. — Chunky Guacamole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into the creamy and flavorful world of a San Antonio tradition. This copycat Boudro's guacamole combines ripe avocados, zesty lime, roasted tomatoes and pepper, and a medley of seasonings for a fresh and delicious dip. Perfect for sharing and enjoying in the sun.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Grandma’s Deviled Eggs

Four deviled egg halves on a green plate, garnished with paprika, accompanied by pink and orange artificial flowers. — Grandma’s Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

I love this recipe because it tastes delicious. However, it’s also really easy to make. I mean, you cannot boil eggs wrong.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Deviled Eggs

Paneer Pakora

Bite into a crispy, hot Paneer Pakora and it’s not hard to see why this north Indian snack is so popular. Pieces of tender paneer are batter fried to a crispy, crunchy golden brown.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Pakora

Easy Mango Salsa Recipe

This Mango Salsa is always a hit whether serving as an everyday dish or while entertaining a crowd. With ripe juicy mangos, lime, and a subtle touch of spice, the well-rounded flavors complement a large variety of dishes. This salsa recipe can also be found in my cookbook, The Vegetarian Family Cookbook.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mango Salsa Recipe

Stuffed Mushrooms

These cream cheese stuffed mushrooms are insanely good! Tender, juicy mushrooms are stuffed with a delicious filling made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bell peppers, and parsley, then baked until golden. If there’s one appetizer that can win over any crowd, it’s definitely these melt-in-your-mouth, stuffed mushrooms with cream cheese.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Pumpkin Cheeseball

Tangy cream cheese and sharp cheddar taste delicious in this cheeseball decorated to look like a pumpkin. Super easy and cute idea for a Halloween Party!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheeseball

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Three stuffed mushrooms on a white plate, topped with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and vegetables. . — Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Impress your guests with these tasty spinach artichoke stuffed mushrooms. They're perfect for all kinds of gatherings and so easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Avocado Egg Rolls

An avocado egg roll being dipped into a creamy cilantro sauce. — Avocado Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Creamy avocado inside an ultra crispy shell. Tastes like deep fried guacamole!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Zucchini

This easy, healthy Air Fryer Zucchini squash recipe is packed with flavor for the perfect side dish, appetizer or snack. Naturally vegan, keto and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini

Sweet Potato Hummus

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dip. Elevate your snacking experience with this vibrant hummus recipe, boasting the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Cucumber Tomato Bites

A hand holding a cucumber tomato bite. — Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Cucumber Tomato Bites are a quick, easy, and delicious low-carb vegetarian appetizer recipe that you can whip together in less than 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Air Fryer Tostones (Plantains)

Plate of tostones and salsa. — Air Fryer Tostones (Plantains). Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These Air Fryer Tostones are great as a healthier subsitute for chips or buns, whether on the Whole30 diet or you just want to eat healthier!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tostones (Plantains)

Deep Fried Mac and Cheese

A deep fried macaroni and cheese ball being dipped in marinara. — Deep Fried Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Creamy macaroni and melty cheese coated in a crispy, crunchy batter. Satisfy your craving with this tasty appetizer!
Get the Recipe: Deep Fried Mac and Cheese

Queso Blanco

A tortilla dip dipping into white queso sauce with green chiles. — Queso Blanco. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This smooth and creamy queso Blanco dip has just the right amount of spice. This restaurant copycat is ready in less than 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Queso Blanco

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Crisp, healthy and delicious Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans are super quick and easy to make. They’re a one-bowl treat that is just perfect when paired with a hint of zesty lemon. Ideal if you’re catering for gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian diets.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

This Korean cucumber salad is a quick and easy recipe with both spicy and tangy notes, for a truly delicious culinary journey. Naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad