11 Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipe Ideas That Bring Fresh Energy to the Table

Fresh, plant-based starters change the whole tone of a Vegan Thanksgiving gathering. In this collection of 11 vegan appetizers, the focus stays on bright flavors and lighter bites that still feel special. I like how each one adds its own kind of fresh energy to the holiday table without competing with the main event.

Close-up of a bowl of creamy vegan pumpkin soup, garnished with crunchy nuts and vibrant saffron threads. — Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Crispy Avocado Fries

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

Crunchy on the outside and soft within, avocado fries give people a reason to gather near the appetizer tray and linger a little longer. As part of your vegan Thanksgiving spread, they send a clear signal that this gathering is going to feel fun, modern, and full of fresh energy. The moment guests spot Crispy Avocado Fries on the table, conversation usually turns to how creative plant-based appetizers can be.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Avocado Fries

Creamy Hummus

A bowl of hummus garnished with whole chickpeas, chopped parsley, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil. — Creamy Hummus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bowls of Creamy Hummus have a way of bringing quiet focus to one corner of the room as people gather with chips and vegetables. Set out on the Thanksgiving table, it offers a vegan option that feels familiar to almost everyone, even the hesitant guests. The smooth texture and gentle flavor give folks a break from heavier dishes and salty snacks.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Hummus

Crispy Baked Tofu

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

Firmer bites like Crispy Baked Tofu give guests something hearty to nibble while the main course waits in the wings. Served alongside lighter snacks, it anchors the Thanksgiving spread with a plant-based option that still feels substantial. People who usually skip vegan appetizers start coming back for more once they realize how good each piece is.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Tofu

Creamy Vegan Onion Dip

Onion lovers light up when they realize Creamy Vegan Onion Dip fits right into a fully plant-based appetizer plan. Surrounded by crunchy dippers, it earns a permanent spot on many Thanksgiving menus because it reminds people of classic flavors without dairy. The smooth texture balances all the sharper, salty bites on the table and keeps people dipping again and again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Onion Dip

Crispy Party Crostini

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

Guests who like to linger near the appetizer table usually find Crispy Party Crostini first. Each bite brings a little crunch and color that keeps the Thanksgiving mood lively without weighing anyone down. I reach for this option when I want something that looks impressive on a platter but stays friendly to a vegan crowd.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Party Crostini

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin-forward hummus gives Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus a place right in the middle of the holiday excitement. On a busy Thanksgiving spread filled with rich sides, this dip brings gentle warmth and color that still keeps everything vegan and fresh. Guests who love seasonal flavors notice it first because it hints at dessert without being sweet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach artichoke fans feel relieved when they see Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip waiting near the start of the line. On a crowded Thanksgiving table, it offers that creamy, familiar comfort in a version that still keeps everything plant-based. People who think they know this classic style of dip often take a bite, pause, and then quietly move back to scoop more.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Golden Cauliflower Nuggets

Tiny cauliflower bites turn Golden Cauliflower Nuggets into one of those trays that empties faster than you expect. Set out early in the day, they keep the Thanksgiving crowd busy while you handle last-minute details in the kitchen. The golden edges and bite-sized pieces make them easy for kids and adults to enjoy without committing to a full plate.
Get the Recipe: Golden Cauliflower Nuggets

Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus

Slowly cooked onions give Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus a deeper flavor that feels right at home beside classic holiday favorites. Placed near the center of the Thanksgiving appetizer lineup, it draws in guests who want something familiar but still a bit different. The rich aroma makes people stop and look for a moment before they even take a scoop.
Get the Recipe: Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus

Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

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

Smoky notes in Muhammara with Pita Bread bring a different kind of depth to the usual spread of dips and bites. On the Thanksgiving table, this vegan option stands out with its bold color and cozy aroma that hints at something a little adventurous. Guests who enjoy trying new flavors often hover nearby, pairing small scoops with pieces of bread or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Steam from a warm bowl of Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup instantly signals that the holiday gathering has truly started. Served in small portions as an appetizer, it gives the Thanksgiving table a gentle, cozy moment before heavier dishes appear. Each spoonful feels silky and comforting, with pumpkin flavor that fits right into the season without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup