Get ready to wow your guests with the ultimate spread of crowd-pleasers! These 14 Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers will kick off your holiday gatherings in style. From twists on classic favorites like vegan bacon-wrapped dates to stuffed mushrooms, homemade vegan cheeses, and walnut pâté. Whether you're hosting a big feast or an intimate dinner, these appetizers are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
With these delicious starters, you’ll have your guests reaching for seconds before the main course even begins. Many of these recipes offer oil-free and gluten-free options—just check the recipe notes for easy adjustments. Plus, many of them can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more moments with loved ones and less in the kitchen. Whether it’s the warm, spiced flavors or the vibrant seasonal colors, these appetizers are guaranteed to set the tone for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.
Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizer Tips:
Make-Ahead & Freeze
To save time on the big day, choose appetizers that can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Decorate & Garnish
Presentation is key, so consider adding fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts as a final touch.
Serving & Table Setup
Create an inviting appetizer station by using tiered trays or wooden boards for a cozy, rustic look. Group together small bowls of dips, spreads, and crackers for easy snacking.
Travel-Friendly Tips
If you’re bringing appetizers to someone else’s gathering, choose items that travel well.
- Vegan Baked Brie in Puffed Pastry: "Boom. This is so tasty melt in yo mouth. I used home made BlackBerry jam and walnuts. Yum. So much yum. Thank you!" -Kortneii
- Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Pâté: "I have made this at least a dozen times! This is such a tasty and satisfied flavor and texture. It really tastes like pate but IT'S VEGAN! Your recipes are the best!" -Jodi
- Vegan Bacon Wrapped Dates: "*chef's kiss* delicious" -Christine
- Easy Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms: "Made these for my vegan friends and they tasted great!" -Roxy
- Cranberry & Thyme Vegan Cheese Ball: "A favorite for the holidays! I love making a vegan cheese board to bring to holiday parties and this one is a staple because it looks as great as it tastes. Perfect combo of sweet, tart, and savory flavors." -Courtney
- Vegan Deviled Potatoes: "These are five-star-delicious and quite honestly they have better flavor than making them with eggs! Make them exactly as the recipe says and it's hard to eat just one : - )" -Diane
- Vegan Baked Brie Dip: "Delicious and no stovetop stirring! This recipe is a win-win-win!!! Thanks Sam." -Sue
- Vegan Cranberry Jalapeño Dip: "This is the prettiest, tastiest, party-in-a-bowl dip I have ever made!" -Tracey
- Vegan Truffle Cheese: "I've spent years mucking about with Vegan Cheese recipes, and this - so far - is hands down the tastiest, easiest and most addictive. It's creamy, but what really gets me is the umami, just like dairy cheese. THANKS Sam! This is set to be a regular thing in my kitchen!" -Willy
- Spicy Cranberry Salsa: "I made this tonight, pretty dang tasty!" -Trina
- Easy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup: "I just made this soup. it was so easy and soooo delicious
thank you for the great recipe!" -Nancy
- 4 Heads of Garlic Soup: "The whole family loved this soup, thank you!" -Maureen
- Easy Smashed Potatoes: These crispy, garlicky, delicious little bites are so delectable and easy to make!
- Vegan Swedish Meatballs: "This is my favorite Swedish meatball recipe. I've made it several times. It's easy, delicious, and nutritious. I will be making it again." -Debbie
And there you have it! A table full of vegan appetizers that are perfect for the holiday season—delicious, budget-friendly, and sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re making everything from scratch or mixing in a few store-bought items, these bites are guaranteed to bring the classic flavors and good vibes to your Thanksgiving menu. So kick back, enjoy the feast, and let the compliments roll in!
If you try any of these recipes, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
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