9 Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers That Feel Like The Main Event

Nothing says holiday cheer like a table full of small bites that accidentally steal the spotlight. These vegan Thanksgiving appetizers might start as sidekicks but quickly turn into everyone’s main focus. They’re easy to make, gone in seconds, and guaranteed to make you question why you even made a main course. 9 options, and each one knows it’s secretly the star of the show.

Crispy tofu cubes piled on a plate with a dish of green dipping sauce in the background. — Baked Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

When everyone gathers for the holidays, creamy starters are an easy win at any party table. Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip shows up looking rich and piles onto crackers or fresh veggies with no fuss. Guests quickly scoop up every bite, not caring that it’s totally plant-based. Make room because this appetizer tends to disappear even faster than the rest. People keep asking for this dip at every big meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Party Crostini

Slices of toasted bread stacked together. — Party Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hosting is easier when finger foods double as conversation starters for the appetizer round. Party Crostini come stacked with bold toppings and crunchy bread, giving everyone something different to try. Plates fill up fast when these show up at the party. Every guest has a favorite version, and nobody can stop at just one. This simple starter often feels like the real spotlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Holidays feel a bit cozier with spreads that add color and comfort to appetizer platters. Roasted Pumpkin Hummus brings earthy orange tones that draw everyone’s attention near the snack section. Each scoop is smooth, rich, and easy to pair with veggies, pita, or crackers. Family members talk about this one every year as soon as the season arrives. Seconds are almost guaranteed with such a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Muhammara with Pita Bread

A bowl of tomato-based dip garnished with chopped parsley and walnuts, with pita bread pieces on the side. — Muhammara with Pita Bread. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

It can be fun to bring new flavors into seasonal celebrations and switch up the usual lineup. Muhammara with Pita Bread lands on the table with a bold color and creamy texture that stands out next to other spreads. Guests tend to cluster around this one until the bowl is empty. The combination works for dipping or spreading and makes a casual snack feel special. Leftovers rarely last long enough to see the next meal.
Get the Recipe: Muhammara with Pita Bread

Cauliflower Nuggets

Small bites that crunch and pack in flavor are always popular at big gatherings. Cauliflower Nuggets stack up well on appetizer platters and appeal to all ages. Friends love dipping and sharing, which makes them go quickly before the main event. Their popularity always surprises the crowd, especially when no one expects a vegan version to be such a hit.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Warm bowls make guests feel welcome as soon as they arrive for the holiday meal. Vegan Pumpkin Soup offers a creamy spoonful and gentle spice that fits perfectly with autumn’s cool weather. Bowls get emptied quickly whether served as a starter or right alongside the main course. People bring this soup up all season long. Many even ask for the recipe after their first taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Crispy Avocado Fries

Close-up of crispy, breaded Air Fryer Avocado Fries on a white plate. — Crispy Avocado Fries. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

New shapes and textures get people talking at appetizer time. Crispy Avocado Fries add crunchy coating to smooth insides, perfect for dipping or eating right off the tray. These fries draw in kids and adults, keeping snack time interesting before the main event. People often ask for another batch.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Avocado Fries

Vegan Onion Dip

Creamy, scoopable sides get everyone involved as they gather before the meal. Vegan Onion Dip fits perfectly with chips and veggies and vanishes just as quickly as it appears. Kids and adults alike cluster around the dip bowl until it’s scraped clean. Nobody notices it’s plant-based unless you mention it. Classic flavor keeps it on the menu for every future gathering.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Onion Dip

Baked Tofu

Changing up proteins for the holidays gives guests more variety to try. Baked Tofu lands on the platter lightly crisp outside but tender inside, offering a plant-based bite everyone can enjoy. It pairs easily with lots of dips or sauces, so no one gets left out. Family members are quick to grab just one more piece. This dish often feels like a surprise main, not just another starter.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu