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    Home / Small Bites

    Appetizers for the Holidays

    Published: Dec 16, 2022 · Modified: Feb 9, 2023 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    My family sometimes likes to serve appetizers for the holidays instead of a traditional sit-down dinner. I like making an array of vegan appetizers, so I offer a variety of foods without overeating.

    appetizers for the holidays

    I favor a menu with appetizers only for a fun change of pace. But then, when I serve delicious finger foods, it's less stressful and inexpensive.  However, the trick is choosing delightful appetizer recipes that mimic a traditional menu. 

    My vegan daughter hosted Christmas last year, requesting everyone bring a vegan appetizer or dessert to share. Her party was a huge success, and everyone enjoyed trying various foods and later exchanged recipes. 

    Selecting a Variety of Appetizers for a Holiday

    Even though I enjoy serving my favorite appetizers, providing various vegan appetizers your guests love is essential. 

    For that reason, when planning all appetizers for the holidays, keep these categories in mind:

    • Dips and Spreads: Everyone loves to dip regardless of vegetables, fruits, or crackers. Some of my family's favorite dip recipes are Vegan Layered Greek Dip, festive Vegan Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Spread, Spinach Artichoke Dip, and Vegan French Onion Dip.
    • Vegetables and Fruits: A vegan appetizer party isn't complete without a variety of raw, cooked, and stuffed vegetables. My kids love Vegan Baby Portobello Mushroom Bites Recipe, Asparagus Wrapped in Dough dipped in Mustard Dipping Sauce, and raw veggie trays are always a hit. 
    • Snack Mixes and Nuts: I always set out nuts, popcorn, or Vegan Chex Mix for my guests to nibble on. Salty snacks are always a crowd-pleaser.
    • Plant Protein: Where do we get our protein? Veggies, of course, but also from tofu, lentils, and beans. So, I like to serve Vegan Quiches and Vegan Tangy Crockpot Meatless Meatballs. 
    • Starches: Don't forget the vegan crackers, Vegan Bruschetta, or Sweet Potato Chips. 
    • Mini Desserts: Although not typically appetizers, I consider bite-sized desserts, appetizers for the holidays' menu. Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls and Simple Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberries are two of our favorites. 

    An Appetizer Party Planning Guide

    First, consider the colors of the appetizers for a colorful and festive table. 

    You want to relax and enjoy the party, too. So plan a menu ahead of time. That makes shopping for and preparing the appetizers much easier. 

    For instance, a couple of weeks to a month before my party, I create a shopping list. As a result, all non-perishables can be purchased ahead of time, while I buy perishables closer to the party date.  As a result, shopping during the holidays is less stressful.

    Then, about a week before the party, I make any food ahead of time which I can freeze, quickly thaw, and reheat the day of the party, 

    However, a day or two before my holiday party, I prepare appetizers that can be stored in the refrigerator and buy any perishables. 

    Once the holiday party day arrives, I only prepare the last-minute dishes and set my table. But, of course, it always helps to assign friends and family to bring a dish to share

    Favorite Dips and Spreads

    Vegan Layered Greek Dip
    Total Time: 40 mins
    Layer on top of layer of fabulous freshness. Take hummus to the next level and enjoy this festive vegan layer Greek dip! Serve with baked pita chips or vegetables; this dip is always a crowd-pleaser.
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan French Onion Dip
    Total Time: 30 mins
    Vegan French Onion Dip is so creamy and savory that you won't believe it's vegan. Vegan french onion dip is a family favorite, perfect for homemade oil-free chips, vegetables, or a spread for your favorite burger recipe. Nut-free option provided.
    Vegan French Onion Dip
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
    Total Time: 50 mins
    Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy all veggie sensation. Served hot or cold, this all-vegetable dip is oil-free, nut-free, and plant-milk-free. Even the cheesy sauce is made with only vegetables. This is skinny dipping at its finest.
    baking vegan spinach artichoke dip
    Check Out This Recipe
    White Bean Dip
    Total Time: 30 mins
    White bean dip is a savory, rich hot dip with incredible flavor. Healthy and robust, this white bean dip can also be served as a cold dip with bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping—skinning dipping at its best.
    White Bean Dip Recipe
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Spread
    Total Time: 10 mins
    A quick and easy holiday appetizer the whole family will enjoy. Creamy, spicy and sweet, this appetizer pleases everyone's palate.
    Edamame Hummus
    Total Time: 10 mins
    Edamame hummus is a delicious sandwich spread or appetizer dip for crackers, pita or vegetables. When you make your hummus at home, it is fresh without preservatives, and you control the amount of fat you add. It's so easy!
    edamame hummus recipe
    Check Out This Recipe

    Favorite Vegetables and Fruits

    Mustard Dipping Sauce
    Total Time: 10 mins
    If you love to dip, try this simple three-ingredient savory mustard dipping sauce. Perfect for just about anything, my mustard dipping sauce is one of my favorite dips. Asparagus recipe included.
    Mustard dipping sauce recipe
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Baby Portobello Mushroom Bites
    Total Time: 25 mins
    Mushrooms are a perfect capsule to stuff wonderful ingredients. These savory bite-sized mushrooms are to die for.
    vegan recipes for super bowl
    Check Out This Recipe
    Tahini Roasted Cauliflower
    Total Time: 1 hr
    Creamy, savory and delicious, you will obsess over this roasted tahini cauliflower recipe. YUM!
    Tahini roasted cauliflower
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
    Total Time: 28 mins
    Vegan jalapeno poppers are filled with creamy, spicy vegan cheese and topped with a light breading. Baked or air-fried, these bite-sized treats are the perfect appetizer for game-day!
    healthy vegan jalapeno poppers
    Check Out This Recipe
    Fruit Dip
    Total Time: 5 mins
    Vegan fruit dip is a creamy, dreamy dip perfect for fruit, cookies, or your favorite salty snacks. Sweet and delicious, this fruit dip recipe is made in a single cup blender with 5 simple ingredients. Get ready to amaze your friends with this yummy fruity treat.
    Dip for Fruit
    Check Out This Recipe

    Plant Protein

    Vegan Quiches
    Total Time: 20 mins
    Vegan Quiches are bite-sized appetizers or a quick and easy breakfast. These little bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion full of vegetables and savory flavors. Easy to freeze and even easier to reheat, these little treasures will melt in your mouth.
    vegan quiches
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Sweet and Sour Meatballs
    Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
    I veganized Grandma's sweet and sour meatball recipe. Even meat-eaters love these vegan sweet and sour meatballs! So, don't tell anyone. Shhh!
    Tangy crockpot meatballs
    Check Out This Recipe
    Crispy Polenta
    I love these crispy polenta cakes in the air fryer. Try this crispy polenta recipe in the oven or the air fryer for a quick and easy recipe that takes minutes to prepare.
    Check Out This Recipe

    Starches

    Vegan Potato Croquettes | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Vegan potato croquettes are crispy on the outside and soft and delicate on the inside. This vegan potato croquette recipe can be air-fried and baked.
    Vegan Potato Croquettes | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Pizza Pinwheels | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    I love pizza, so today I made vegan pizza pinwheels! As a child, my mom used to make us those frozen pizza rolls when we came home from school as a snack..
    Vegan Pizza Pinwheels | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Cheese Ball | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Creating a beautiful homemade vegan cheese ball is easy and takes a few ingredients. Make this vegan cheese ball recipe to wow your guests!
    Vegan Cheese Ball | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Bruschetta | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Vegan Bruschetta is the perfect appetizer or main course, depending on how and what you serve it with. Although most Bruschetta has cheese, using creative, savory ingredients can turn a fattening snack into a tasty
    Vegan Bruschetta | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Check Out This Recipe

    Mini Desserts

    Vegan Cranberry Bars | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Celebrate the season with some vegan cranberry bars. This cranberry bar recipe is ‘veganized’ from my sister’s kitchen and a delight for the holidays!
    Vegan Cranberry Bars | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Peanut Butter Balls | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    These are our delicious vegan peanut butter balls. Our recipe is simple, requiring only 4 ingredients & less time to prepare!
    Vegan Peanut Butter Balls | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Chocolate Pudding | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Vegan chocolate pudding is made with sweet potatoes, dates, and other simple ingredients. This vegan chocolate pudding recipe is so creamy and delicious!
    Vegan Chocolate Pudding | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Check Out This Recipe
    Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberries | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    When I’m looking for an easy, elegant dessert in minutes, I make simple vegan chocolate-dipped strawberries. Although I don’t make dessert often, chocolate-covered strawberries...
    Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberries | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen
    Check Out This Recipe

    With the holidays just around the corner, consider one of these appetizers for the holidays. Or, mix it up a little and have a party with all appetizers for a change of pace. Check out more vegan appetizers for a variety that suits your holiday and table. 

    Regardless of your holiday plans, I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday! 

    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

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