Sure, main dishes are great, but have you tried appetizers? There’s something about finger foods you get to eat before the actual meal that is just so satisfying. They’re the fun part of the meal (not counting dessert) – they’re colorful and varied, they satisfy your hunger, and they get the conversation started!
During the holiday season, you’re bound to host or attend a few family dinners, so why not impress with some amazing vegetarian appetizers? Just check out these recipes and you’ll have plenty of ideas, from fancy-looking platters to unpretentious frittatas:
9 Vegetarian Appetizers That Will Impress Your Guests
1. Roasted Garlic + Herb White Bean Dip
A big bowl of this roasted garlic and herb white bean dip served with fresh seasonal veggies is just the vegetarian appetizer you need to keep your friends coming back for more. The fact that it is incredibly simple to make (time after time) is just a bonus!
2. Carrot Walnut Meatballs
3. Roasted Winter Vegetable Kabobs with Sesame Tahini Dipping Sauce and Sriracha Mayo
4. How to Build a Holiday Dessert Board
Although technically a dessert, this snack board might as well start your meal, or even replace it! It combines cheeses with nuts and seeds, fruits, biscuits and dips, and it makes any table look fancy and festive.
5. Sweet Potato Flatbread with Cranberry-Pineapple Salsa
Though easy to make, this flatbread vegetarian appetizer has such a unique taste! The combination of thinly sliced sweet potato and red onions, melted cheese, and the tangy cranberry-pineapple salsa with fresh cilantro is just dreamy.
6. Easy Egg Bake Recipe with Roasted Autumn Veggies
This egg bake is fuss-free and perfect for those days in between holidays. It makes use of all of fall’s goodness, including sweet potatoes, bell peppers in different colors for a great look, and of course, carrots.
7. Edamame Hummus Crudité Platter
Keep it light before the main course with a crudité platter! Of course, it’s not going to be just plain veggies – a nice edamame dip, made with garlic and sesame oil, is the main attraction of this platter.
8. Pumpkin Caramelized Onion Dip
Many people bring chips to a party – but plain chips get old so soon. This pumpkin caramelized onion dip with sage and cashew will elevate any bag of chips, and will even taste amazing next to a crudité platter (see no. 7 for tips!)
9. Spicy Roasted Carrot Hummus
Carrots are puréed with chickpeas in this subtle sweet dip that’s great with flatbreads, chips, and even carrot sticks. Since it keeps in the fridge for up to a week, you can make a bigger batch and serve it more than once. Trust us, you’ll want to!
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