23 BEST Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers & Recipes

Need some plant-based holiday bites everyone can enjoy? Then you have to try these vegan Thanksgiving appetizers. 

They’re easy to make, and totally family-friendly.

Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers

Finding festive vegan-friendly hors d’oeuvres does not have to be a challenge. Just take it from any of these delectable recipes.

There are epic dips, eye-catching bites, and fresh takes on timeless classics. 

Turn your deviled eggs into a plant-based masterpiece. Dazzle your friends with a striking charcuterie board. Or make the family happy with tantalizing beer cheese.

Whether or not you’re strictly vegan, one thing is for certain: everyone will gobble up these vegan Thanksgiving appetizers!

1. Pumpkin Hummus

Hummus is one of the most popular vegan dips around. So it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

But your table needs something more extravagant than the average flavors for the holidays. You need this pumpkin hummus!

It’s super creamy and full of pumpkin goodness. 

The cayenne and smoked paprika roasted pumpkin give it more depth. And the rest of the hummus calls for staples like chickpeas and tahini.

2. Best Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

These savory morsels will get devoured bite after bite! 

Each mushroom cap features a nutty mixture full of spices and herbs. 

Marinating the mushrooms in tamari makes them extra umami. They make them meatier too. 

Because of their size and flavor, cremini mushrooms are the best choice. You can also use white mushrooms.

3. Simple Panzanella Salad

Brighten up the spread with this simple panzanella. 

It is an enticing mix of all the best garden-fresh flavors. It features pepper arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and sliced red onion. 

Toss it with the day-old crusty bread and balsamic vinegar. Panzanella is super quick and a welcoming break from all the heavy, fatty dishes.

4. Sweet Potato Balls

Watch out! These poppable bites might just ruin your appetite. 

Savory, sweet, umami, and cheesy- they have a fabulous array of flavors. Pop them in the air fryer, and they take on an incredible texture. 

Don’t have an air fryer? No worries, bake them in the oven instead. 

Just be sure to time them well with your big spread.

5. Epic Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush is a Middle Eastern classic. It’s also one impressive dip!

The roasted eggplant makes it smoky, savory, and complex. Puree it with tahini, lemon, garlic, and spices until creamy.

Of course, no dip is complete without the dippers. So pair it with an assortment of fresh veggies and pita chips.

6. 5-Minute Lentil Dip

Need a last-minute appetizer? This dip has got you covered!

You can throw this together in just 5 minutes. Seriously, it’s that quick. 

Blend canned lentils with spices, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon, and tahini. Now, it’s ready.

This dip is a lifesaver for unexpected guests. And it saves you in a pinch when you’ve just realized you forgot an appetizer. 

7. Vegan Cheese Ball

This vegan cheese ball will have everyone talking!

Rolled in almonds and chives, it looks like the kitschy classic.

Take a bite, and you’ll be surprised there’s no dairy. Rather, it’s a creamy mix of cashew-cheese flavored to taste like the real thing.

Grab a cracker. You want to get in on this before it’s gone.

8. Vegan Pumpkin Basil Pinwheels

Not only do these look impressive, but they also take less than 30 minutes. 

Rolled up inside vegan puff pastry is basil and pumpkin puree. It doesn’t call for any spices or a long list of flavorings. Just a pinch of salt. 

I think even pumpkin naysayers cannot resist a bite.

9. Vegan Charcuterie Board

You don’t need cheese or meat to make an epic charcuterie. Just look at this stunning board! 

It has many goodies that are all vegan-friendly. All of which you can mix and match as you like. 

Hummus, roasted chickpeas, veggie sticks, fruit, chestnuts, and olives are some of the offerings.

Make it gluten-free, nut-free, or soy-free to fit any dietary needs.

10. Vegan Candied Nuts

Trying not to ruin your appetite before the main event? Serve these tasty tidbits. 

Candied nuts are always a treat around the holidays. 

They keep well, so you can always have some on hand. When you run out, they’re easy enough to throw together.

Plus, they’re a great snack that won’t fill you up. And you can munch on them throughout the day.

11. Easy Vegan Mushroom Crostini

Once these crostini hit the table, watch out. Everyone will flock around to get a bite!

These savory crostini turn humble mushrooms into an extraordinary appetizer. All thanks to some help from caramelized onions and balsamic Dijon dressing. 

Paired with the crunchy crostini and vegan mozzarella… it’s an immaculate bite.

12. Vegan Butternut Squash Bisque

Start Thanksgiving on a scrumptious note with this first course. 

Super thick and plant-based, this bisque is absolutely delectable! 

Canned coconut gives it a rich consistency. And the roasted squash has so much flavor. You need little seasoning. 

Just puree it with a mix of sauteed apples, onions, garlic, and rosemary. 

13. Easy Vegan White Bean Dip

This dip could give the creamiest of hummus a run for its money!

The pureed white beans have the smoothest texture. While the flavorings pull it all together. 

It has garlic, oregano, rosemary, and a pinch of red chili. Add lemon juice and lemon zest to make it bright and zippy. 

It will keep for about 5 days. So if you need a make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer, it’s a prime choice.

14. Best Kale Chips

Healthy and light, these kale chips are perfect for noshing. 

From Whole30 to paleo, they work for many diets. Top them with nooch, and they’re vegan-friendly too. 

You won’t ruin your appetite… no matter how many chips you eat! Good news because these are hard to stop munching on.

15. 5-Minute Vegan Cashew Queso

From parties to potlucks, I always find an excuse to serve this queso. That includes Thanksgiving. 

But can you blame me? It’s so creamy, cheesy, and delectable- it’s impossible to resist. 

Plus, it only takes 5 minutes. And it’s 100 percent plant-based. Try it, and you’ll find plenty of excuses, too.

16. Baked Vegan Samosas

Mix things up and add samosas to the table!

They might not be your classic Thanksgiving dish. But that’s also what I love about them. 

Each crispy pocket has the most toothsome filling. 

It’s a savory mix of potatoes and peas with many warming spices. There’s even a serrano and hint of Cayenne hiding there for heat.

Serve these vegan delights with a side of chutney for the perfect pairing.

17. Vegan Sliders

Nobody will miss the meat when these sliders hit the table!

There are endless ways to make mouthwatering sliders. But these will make vegans and meat eaters alike happy. 

The hard part is deciding whether to choose the chickpea or buckwheat patty. 

If you have the time, I say go with both! Everyone loves having options.

18. Vegan Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread

Who doesn’t love pull-apart bread?! 

Okay, maybe people trying to eat low-carb. But I digress. 

This cheesy pull-apart bread is a Thanksgiving must. It only takes six ingredients and 30 minutes. 

You slice the bread and cram each crevice with herby non-dairy butter and cheese. As it bakes, it infuses the whole round with flavor. 

Serve this fresh out of the oven while it is hot. 

19. Vegan Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites

These stunning bites will look so festive on your holiday table!

Not only that, but they taste like literal Thanksgiving. 

Each pastry cup is brimming with cranberry sauce, cream cheese, hazelnuts, and rosemary.

Don’t worry… everything is non-dairy.

It yields about eight servings. So you might want to double the batch.

20. Vegan Beet Hummus

You can never have too many holiday dips. After all, the whole point of Thanksgiving is to make a feast!

So add this to the collection of yummy dips you plan to serve. 

The eye-popping color is as alluring as the flavor. It’s sweet, savory, earthy, and lemony.

You could double up on the beets and serve the dip with homemade beet chips. Or take the easy route and go with store-bought pita chips and crackers.

Either way, the dip is fantastic!

21. Georgian Eggplant Rolls with Walnuts

When planning your Thanksgiving menu, add these to the list. You will not regret it!

These Georgian-style (country, not state) eggplant rolls are incredibly enticing. 

Wrapped inside the roasted eggplant is a walnut filling seasoned with warming spices. 

Serve it with pomegranate seeds for a sweet burst in between bites.

22. Vegan Beer Cheese Dip

Got any football fans in the house? This one also doubles as a Thanksgiving Game Day appetizer.

It’s a hot gooey mess of tantalizing vegan cheese perked up with a crisp lager. 

Grab the soft pretzel bites and dive in. You want to gobble it up while it’s still hot.

23. Vegan Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic American appetizer that is always a crowd-pleaser.

But how do you make them without the egg? You use tofu for the egg white and cashew milk for the yolk.

It’s a brilliant idea that will have everyone raving.