35 Best Vegan Christmas Appetizers (+ Easy Recipes)

Hosting the holidays and need something everyone can eat? Pass around these vegan Christmas appetizers. 

Dairy-free and meat-free, they’re the scrumptious nibbles everyone can nosh on.

With so many different diets, it can be hard to please all your guests.

That’s what makes these vegan appetizers so great!

They include healthy ingredients for conscientious eaters and tantalizing flavors that please meat lovers.

There are plenty of classics you can make vegan-friendly like meatballs, spinach artichoke dip, and pigs in a blanket. 

You’ll also find stunning sweet cranberry bites and spicy poppers on this Christmas list. 

Whether you need something quick or elaborate, there’s a festive array of vegan Christmas appetizers here to share.

‘Tis the season to be vegan!

1. Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip 

Here’s a tantalizing dip to jumpstart your Christmas. 

Sweet, creamy, and savory, caramelized onion dip is a can’t-miss.

Slather it on crostini or pair it with crackers and veggies.

You can make it in advance and there’s plenty to go around.

2. Vegan Bruschetta 

Bruschetta is a popular Italian appetizer that’s made for sharing. 

You take hardy crostini and pile on a fresh topping of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. 

Not only is it easy and quick, but it’s also traditionally vegan. So you won’t need to worry about substitutions. 

3. Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

Poppers aren’t just for game days, they’re great for Christmas too! 

They put the fiesta in the holiday with a little heat.

Halve your peppers, hollow out the seeds, pack with cashew cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips. 

It takes about 30 minutes. However, I’d double up on the recipe.

4. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach artichoke dip is a classic that needs no introduction. 

Creamy and cheesy, it’s just as addicting even when it’s dairy-free.

Speaking of which, you’ll swap out the sour cream and cheese for a nut milk cashew cheese and vegan parmesan. 

Don’t worry, it doesn’t take all day. Just 30 minutes.

5. Vegan Charcuterie Board 

Everyone will be swooning over this charcuterie board! 

It’s the best appetizer to serve a crowd and offers plenty of customization.

For some inspiration, take a few recommendations from these tips and tricks.

The festive spread features a dazzling array of fresh veggies, fruit, non-dairy cheese, dips, olives, and more. 

6. Vegan Eggplant “Meatballs” 

I fully admit, these don’t taste exactly like meat. However, nobody will care because they’re simply amazing. 

The combination of roasted eggplant, lentils, pureed sweet potatoes, herbs, and spices gives them a bold flavor.

Pierce them with a toothpick and they’re great for dipping!

The hard part is deciding whether to go with tzatziki or marinara sauce. If you can’t make up your mind, I say go with both!

7. Candied Rosemary Walnuts

For some tasty tidbits, serve candied rosemary walnuts before Christmas dinner. 

They’re nutty, sweet, and savory with a hint of cinnamon and heaping of rosemary.

They’re that perfect bite that lets you chat and mingle without filling up on hors d’oeuvres, ruining your appetite.

8. Maple Roasted Salted Almonds

While I’m thinking of nutty nibbles, these sweet and salty almonds are a fantastic Christmas snack.

You can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes, making them a great addition to large spreads as well as a last-minute app.

They’re also a fantastic gift to spread Christmas cheer. 

9. Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms 

These stuffed mushrooms are the foolproof appetizer your Christmas needs. 

Each white mushroom is overflowing with a savory mix of sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, garlic, and shallots. 

To accent the flavors, they all get a drizzle of lemon parsley dressing.

I think even mushroom naysayers will fall in love with these!

10. Vegan Zucchini Fritters

Before dinner or part of it, zucchini fritters are a holiday delight.

They don’t take long at all and they’re pretty easy too. So you can find some little elves around to help.

Before you flatten the shredded zucchini into patties, be sure to remove as much excess liquid as you can.

That way, they turn out crispy.

11. Mini Vegan Pigs in a Blanket 

Even the Grinch can’t help but get all giddy about these. 

Pigs in a blanket are like the ugly Christmas sweater your gathering needs. They’re fun, festive, and full of cheer!

For the vegan version, use baby carrot dogs. Anyone who’s had one before knows they’re actually tasty.

12. Christmas Pinwheels

Pinwheels don’t need meat and cheese to be a shining Christmas star. Just take it from this recipe.

You take a crescent roll sheet, slather it in pistachio pesto, add sun-dried tomatoes, and roll it all up.

Then, slice them into snackable sizes and bake.

It’s incredibly fuss-free and the color theme is very fitting for the holiday.

13. Vegan Cranberry Cheese Bites

These joyous bites are oh-so-jolly!

Captured inside each puff pastry cup are a bright orange cranberry sauce and vegan cranberry cheese. 

They’re a whimsical treat that you can whip up in 20 minutes.

You can even assemble them the night before if you know you’ll be short on time.

14. Vegan 7-Layer Dip

When you think about it, a 7-layer dip is practically vegan. 

All you have to do is use a non-dairy substitute for the cheese and sour cream, and make sure to use lard-free beans. 

Whether you’re having a Mexican Christmas or want a foolproof appetizer, this vegan appetizer will please all your guests.

15. Vegan Buffalo Wings

Your family and friends will devour these wings bite after bite.

Seitan, tofu, and jackfruit give them a meaty texture.

While it’s none other than Frank’s Red Hot sauce that gives them the classic buffalo wing flavor. 

You know what you need now, don’t you? A side of celery, carrots, and vegan ranch!

16. Easy Vegan Mushroom Crostini

Mushroom lovers, here’s another one just for you. 

Garlicky herb mushrooms and complex caramelized onions get piled on top of crusty sourdough with vegan mozzarella cheese.

Okay, so you might have to share, but ‘tis the season!

17. Vegan French Onion Dip

French onion dip is a party favorite that’s easy to make vegan.

Simply take non-dairy sour cream and mix it up with caramelized onions, Worcestershire, parsley, garlic, and onion powder. 

You can serve it with all sorts of yummy sides. However, I think vegan potato chips are a must!

Double check too that your Worcestershire is vegan. It often has fish sauce or anchovies in it. 

18. Vegan Whipped Feta Dip

You can never have too many dips for entertaining. And this one is heavenly!

Silky smooth and creamy, the consistency and flavor are similar to regular whipped feta.

This is surprising considering the base is cashews and white beans.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, it adheres to a range of diets.

19. Vegan Cheese Ball

It wouldn’t be the holidays with a cheese ball gracing the holiday table.

Kitschy as it might be, we all know deep down it’s everyone’s favorite.

So make it enjoyable for all by skipping the dairy and using cashew cheese.

It may not taste precisely like cheese, but it’s equally delicious.

20. Homemade Vegan Mozzarella Sticks

Here’s another classic with a vegan twist. 

You trade in cow’s milk mozzarella for vegan cheese and coat it in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture.

It’s a surefire winner that’s vegan-friendly.

21. Vegan Black Olive Tapenade

Crackers, crostini, charcuterie boards, there are a ton of ways to enjoy tapenade this holiday.

The fresh and bold Mediterranean flavors prove you don’t need dairy or meat to make a flavorsome party appetizer. 

What you do need, though, is sun-dried tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, basil, olive oil, and 5 minutes of your time.

22. Sweet Potato Tater Tots

These crispy and tender tots will make everyone feel jolly! 

Sweet, smoky, and garlicky, they have far more flavor than store-bought. 

Plus, all you need is a couple of pounds of sweet potatoes and six pantry staples.

Well, that, and your favorite sweet potato dipping sauce.

23. Best Homemade Hummus

Hummus is naturally vegan and perfect for a crowd.

This creamy dip takes you only 5 minutes to make and it’s super healthy too. 

You can adorn it with toppings like olive oil, paprika, and roasted chickpeas. 

Or customize the flavor with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic and artichoke, or anything else you fancy.

24. Easy Vegan Falafel

Do you know what will go great with that hummus? Homemade falafels!

These toothsome chickpea balls are popular among meat eaters and vegans alike.

Rather than drown them in grease, flatten them into patties and pan-fry or bake.

Oh, and don’t forget the four-ingredient garlic dill sauce!

If you want to make it a full Mediterranean Christmas, add skordalia, roasted veggies, and caponata to the feast.

25. Chickpea Shawarma Dip

Forget chicken shawarma, this chickpea shawarma is a show-stopping appetizer that will win over a crowd.

Take a bite, and you’ll instantly discover the flavor matches the presentation. 

I know, it’s hard to believe it’s vegan, but it’s true! 

26. Epic Baba Ganoush

If you want a top-notch dip that’s different from the usual routine, go with baba ganoush.

Smoky, savory, and super fresh, this Lebanese dip is seriously the best. 

Enjoy it with an array of veggie sticks, warm vegan flatbread, and pita chips. 

27. Vegan Mac n Cheese Bites

Vegan or not, there’s not a single Christmas guest that will pass on this appetizer. 

These gooey morsels wrap mac n cheese in a crispy package with marinara on the side. 

What’s the secret to the cheese? 

Carrots and nutritional yeast. Trust me, it’s divine.

28. Vegan Mushroom and Walnut Pate

Looking to strike up a conversation? Make vegan pate.

Nutty, earthy, garlicky, herby, and aromatic, there’s a surprising amount of flavorful notes in this plant-based dip. 

Serve it with artisanal bread and have the recipe handy. Everybody will ask about this dip.

29. Vegan Potato Croquettes

Deciding how to do your Christmas potatoes can be quite a task. There are so many options to choose from!

If you’re leaning towards classy and family-friendly, go with vegan potato croquettes. 

They’re like a cross between tater tots and mashed potatoes that got all gussied up for the holidays.

And yes, you can prep them a day in advance!

30. Vegan Baked Potato Skins

Potato skins are like fries, everybody loves them! 

These crispy skins get their wonderful texture from a double round in the oven. 

Meanwhile, the inside gets a filling of mashed potatoes, vegan cheddar, dairy-free sour cream, and fresh chives.

31. Vegan Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are an enticing finger food your guests will love. 

The inside is jam-packed with mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, and green onion. They’re the perfect medley for the crispy and crunchy wrapper.

To make it extra merry, serve them with a vegan Asian dipping sauce like sweet chili or ponzu.

32. Vegan Quesadillas

Liven up your Christmas party with vegan quesadillas.

They’re not your standard Christmas food, but rather, a fun new take!

They’re cheesy, spicy, fresh, and decked out with veggies. 

If you want to up the heat, trade the charred poblanos for pasilla peppers instead.

Or if you need to tone them down, omit the serrano.

33. Vegan Spinach Puffs

These spinach puffs are ready to rock around the Christmas tree!

On the outside, you have flaky puff pastry. Sink your teeth in to find spinach and tofu sauteed with aromatics.

You could also add some vegan feta for a sharp bite.

34. Crispy Cauliflower Bites

Did you grab a head of cauliflower, but you’re not sure what to do with it? These cauliflower bites are a great choice.

Breadcrumbs give them a wonderful texture and Buffalo-style sauce makes them even more alluring.

To complement the heat, drizzle vegan mayo on the top.

35. Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Kid-tested and parent-approved, vegan chicken nuggets are great for all ages.

Tender umami tofu is all bundled up in a seasoned breadcrumb coating for a poppable bite. 

And I do mean poppable! 

These are like popcorn chicken without meat.

And it’s good that they come in a large serving because they’re hard to stop eating.