9 Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes That Feel Like Tradition

Every Thanksgiving table has that warm-up round of food that somehow disappears before anyone officially sits down. 9 vegan appetizer recipes slip into that role without a fuss, making people feel like they’re reliving old traditions in a new way. They fit right alongside the usual spread but still stand out enough to get people talking.

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

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Baked Tofu

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

Crackling bites make party plates grab attention with every tray that comes out hot. Everyone loves dipping slices of Baked Tofu because they pack flavor and crunch in every bite. They work well with veggie sticks or crackers on the side. Handy for passing around at family gatherings. Don’t count on them lasting past the main course.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Creamy scoops bring friends together when bowls get set next to chips and bread rolls. You always see hands reaching for Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip since it never feels too rich or heavy. Good for spreading on toast or scooping with raw veggies. Packs up easy for potlucks or sharing. Bowls go back empty before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Cauliflower Nuggets

Crunchy bites line up next to sauce cups so people snack nonstop before dinner. Platters full of Cauliflower Nuggets always find fans who want seconds after just one. Handy for finger food parties since they fit any little plate. Works for picky eaters and nobody misses what’s not inside. You’ll want extra batch for bigger crowds.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Vegan Onion Dip

Tables get crowded when creamy dip lands next to crisp chips and bread. Bowls of Vegan Onion Dip seem to be the last thing anyone forgets to eat. Good for spreading on sandwiches or as a side for roasted veggies. Packs flavor that doesn’t overwhelm anything else on the plate. Watch out, this dip always disappears first.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Onion Dip

Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Soup mugs warm up hands while everyone waits for the main course to show up. Every spoonful of Vegan Pumpkin Soup gives you that traditional vibe with just the right amount of creamy goodness. Stays hot for ages in a thermos so you can keep sipping. Works for dipping bread or crackers if you’re hungrier than you thought. No drop goes to waste once people start grabbing bowls.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Dipping parties start strong when bowls filled with creamy spread hit the table. Caramelized Onion Hummus stands out above all the regular dips with its sweet twist on classic texture. Handy to pack for lunch or snack sessions. Good on wraps or just plain toast too. Lines form for this at holiday spreads before dinner even begins.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

Crispy Avocado Fries

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

Snack plates fill up quickly when crunchy slices get passed around with dipping sauces ready on the side. Bowls of Crispy Avocado Fries draw everyone near with colors you don’t see often at appetizer time. Good by themselves or alongside sliders and sandwiches. Stays crispy longer than you’d expect. Trays tend to be cleared out before you have a chance to grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Avocado Fries

Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Hummus bowls get a sweet upgrade when orange scoops show up at the table. Roasted Pumpkin Hummus brings something familiar but with fresh flavor. Great for pita bread or veggie sticks. Packs well for a snack pack or picnic basket. Everybody keeps scraping the bowl for more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Party Crostini

Crunchy bites carry strong toppings and make perfect starters for any big meal. Slices with Party Crostini always draw eyes for how nice they look and how easy they go down. Good for quick snacks before the main event. Fit well on any serving board or as a pass-around appetizer. Plates go back for refills until it’s time for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini