From canapes to desserts, find 34 easy yet impressive vegan appetisers
Whether you’re catering for someone on a vegan diet, you’re a vegan yourself, or you’ve simply been asked to bring a plate — finding great plant based recipes can often be a challenge.
These vegan-friendly recipes offer so much more than the customary side salad at dinner parties, BBQs, birthday celebrations or holiday festivities. From crisp and crunchy canapes to decadent desserts, here are 34 recipes we’re sure your guests will love.
01
Eggplant and chickpea bites
These bite-sized eggplant treats make the ideal canape. Crumbed and fried, they boast a deliciously crunchy exterior with soft eggplant on the inside. The chilli coconut yoghurt dip adds a touch of heat and creaminess. Your guests will be dipping and devouring these vegan nuggets in no time.
02
Cauliflower rice arancini balls
A spin on the classic Italian arancini, these small morsels swap white rice for scrumptious cauliflower rice and contain no cheese. Paired with fresh lemon and a tangy vegan tzatziki dip, these crispy arancini balls are sure to be a favourite.
03
Chargrilled vegetable platter with bean dip
Pimp up your vegan spread with a stunning chargrilled vegetable platter. Coupled with a creamy bean dip that’s tasty as it is easy to whip up, this ensemble is a showstopper that offers both colour and plenty of flavour.
04
Seedy tamari crackers
A nutty and umami-rich treat, these seedy tamari crackers are the perfect nibble to accompany any dip. The tamari gives them a deep, soy flavour, and each bite provides a crunchy sensation that'll have guests reaching for seconds. Top with a variety of toppings to cater for different dietary requirements and bring diversity to your party platter.
05
Crostini
Simple yet tasty, these vegan crostinis serve as the ideal base for a variety of toppings. Crisped to perfection, these bite-sized delights are waiting to be adorned with your favourite vegan toppings, be it guacamole, hummus or a bruschetta mix.
06
Pickled cauliflower and radish crostini
Tangy and tantalising, these crostinis feature pickled cauliflower and radish, delivering a burst of flavour and crunch. The pickling enhances the natural flavours, making this appetiser a refreshing addition to any vegan spread.
07
Charred corn with avocado dip
Experience this smoky creation of charred corn, complemented beautifully by a velvety avocado dip. This combination will have your guests craving seconds. For a twist, switch it up with this zesty mango guacamole.
08
Vegan mac and cheese spring rolls
Take this popular comfort food and wrap it in a crispy layer for a fun and innovative treat. These spring rolls encase creamy vegan mac and cheese, in a crunchy pastry and call for just six ingredients.
09
Vegan veggie tempura
Crispy, light and utterly addictive, this veggie tempura will steal the spotlight at any gathering. Coated in vegan batter and fried to perfection, these veggies become the ideal finger food that's both flavoursome and fun.
10
Fruit chips
Introducing a sweet and crispy snack, these fruit chips are a healthier alternative to traditional crisps. Thinly sliced and dried to perfection, they capture the essence of the fruit in a crunchy form, making for a moreish treat.
11
Baba ganoush
Whip up this creamy, smoky aubergine dip that's a Middle Eastern favourite and sure to become a crowd winner. An addictive blend of roasted eggplant, tahini and garlic, baba ganoush is the perfect spread for your vegan crostinis or dip for your veggie platter.
12
Vegan wontons
Steamed to perfection, these vegan wontons are pockets of joy filled with a delicate mix of vegetables, tofu and herbs. Paired with a spicy dipping sauce, they're an appetiser that'll transport your guests straight to the streets of Asia.
13
Air-fryer popcorn
Enjoy the classic movie snack in under 15 minutes Popped in an air-fryer to reduce oil content, this popcorn is fluffy, crunchy, and the perfect canvas for any vegan flavouring you desire. A true crowd-pleaser!
14
Green hummus
Elevate your traditional hummus with a green twist. Infused with coriander and avocado, this ultra creamy dip is both vibrant in colour and taste. Serve it up with vegetable sticks or seedy tamari crackers for an extra treat.
15
Veggie chips
A rainbow on a plate, these thin and crispy veggie chips are a healthier alternative to store-bought chips. Just 15 minutes to prep, simply cut into thin slices and pop in the oven. Made from a medley of root vegetables, they're a colourful, crunchy and utterly addictive snack.
16
Smashed potatoes with veggie tomato sauce
These golden, crunchy smashed potatoes are the perfect base for the hearty veggie tomato sauce. A comforting dish that's both filling and satisfying, it's a guaranteed hit at any vegan feast. What’s more, it's nutritionally approved and the perfect kid-friendly snack.
17
Salt and vinegar roasted nuts
A zesty spin on roasted nuts, these are seasoned with the tang of vinegar and a sprinkle of salt. Perfect for snacking, this crowd-pleaser provides a savoury snack that's hard to resist.
18
Dehydrated mango chips
Make the most of seasonal mangoes with these dehydrated mango chips. Season them with cayenne pepper or dip them in chocolate for a moreish sweet snack. Perfect finger food at your Christmas get-together. For more ideas on how to use up leftover fruit see here.
19
Mango 'brulee'
Indulge in this tropical take on the classic brulee. Featuring ripe mango with a torched sugar top, it's a vegan dessert that provides a tantalising contrast between cool, soft fruit and crunchy caramelised sugar.
20
Kids’ air-fryer chickpea, zucchini and spinach nuggets
Perfect for kids and adults alike, these air-fryer nuggets combine chickpeas, zucchini and spinach for a healthier twist. Crisp on the outside and soft inside, they're a hit when paired with your favourite vegan dip.
21
Vegan walnut and lemon thyme cheese
Zesty cashew-based vegan cheese with walnuts and herbs, this spread is perfect over crackers or with fresh carrot and capsicum sticks. Or mix it up and try this almond cheese version.
22
Vegan butter board
Showcasing a variety of plant-based butters, this board is perfect for spreading and dipping. With an array of flavours, this show stopping creation is an essential part of your vegan feast and the ideal dipper for these eggplant balls.
23
Vegan tahini and banana peel bread
Repurpose your leftover banana peels in this unique and moist bread, combined with the nutty undertones of tahini. This innovative loaf is not just waste-friendly but the perfect treat to impress your vegan guests.
24
Vegan beetroot dip
A vibrant blend of roasted beetroot, tahini and a squeeze of lemon. This dip is not only stunning in colour but also rich in flavour. Its earthy taste, combined with a hint of citrus, is a perfect pairing for any vegan cracker or bread on your grazing spread.
25
Healthier crunchy barbecue air-fryer chickpeas
A vegan party snack that's both crunchy and full of flavour! These chickpeas are air-fried to perfection, boasting a crisp exterior coated in smoky barbecue seasoning. A healthier alternative to traditional party nibbles, they're protein-packed and guaranteed to have guests reaching for more. Ideal for grazing tables or as a savoury accompaniment.
26
Vegan choc lamington pops
Treat your guests to this Australian classic with a vegan twist. These lamington pops are coated in luscious chocolate and desiccated coconut. Served on sticks, they make for a kid-friendly treat everyone will adore.
27
Healthier apple filo scrolls
Golden and crispy on the outside with a warm apple-cinnamon filling, these filo scrolls are the epitome of comfort. Using thin layers of filo pastry and apple slices, they're a healthier option that still delivers that sweet treat for your guests.
28
Brownie and raspberry ice-cream sandwich
The ultimate vegan party treat has arrived! Luscious vegan brownie layers envelope vegan cookies and cream ice-cream and fresh berries, creating the ideal bite-sized sandwich. These morsels balance rich chocolatey goodness with fruity zing, making them an instant hit at any festive gathering.
29
Coconut pecan pies
Delicate, vegan, coconut shortcrust pastry is the base for a rich, smooth caramel pecan sauce. Be sure to make enough of these beauties to go around, as they’re so tasty you’ll be wanting seconds.
30
Apple and cinnamon fritters
These sweet fritters are the perfect balance between soft and crunchy and sweet and spicy. Using slices of fresh apple, bake these cinnamon treats in a hot oven, brush with coconut oil or 100 percent nut butter and dunk them in decadent cinnamon sugar just before serving.
31
Toffee apples
Relive childhood memories with these shiny, sticky toffee apples. Perfectly caramelised on the outside, biting into one reveals a crisp, fresh apple. A winning combo of textures and flavours that's both nostalgic and vegan-friendly for your guests.
32
Iced coconut and lime with mint vegan ice-cream
Turning the oven on in summertime can be a struggle, but having a pre-prepared dish makes life easier for you, and when it’s frozen, helps cool you down, too. Add fresh mint and coconut sugar when serving. Ideal for a dessert treat, or serve small scoops in paper cups for the must-have canape.
33
Vegan chocolate coffee cake
This ripper of a layer cake features decadent chocolate and coffee flavours that are made richer by a few surprise ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and apple sauce. But most importantly, it’s an epic chocolate cake that vegans and non-vegans alike will love.
34
Vegetarian nachos
Enjoy the classic movie snack in under 15 minutes Popped in an air-fryer to reduce oil content, this popcorn is fluffy, crunchy, and the perfect canvas for any vegan flavouring you desire. A true crowd-pleaser!