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Maybe you have a vegetarian on the guest list, or you're planning a meat-heavy main course and want to balance the meal. Whatever the reason, adding a vegetarian appetizer to your menu is never a bad idea.
No matter what kind of event you're hosting, whether a backyard BBQ or an elegant sit-down dinner, you're sure to find something here that fits your event (and everyone's diet!). From dips to handheld bites, these vegetarian appetizer recipes are delicious and unique—they're the party foods you need.
Queso Fundido
Although this melted cheese party starter often includes chorizo, it's delicious without the sausage. Our vegetarian version has two kinds of cheese and two kinds of chiles. Best of all, it's fast: Your cheese dip will be bubbling and delicious after only 10 minutes.
Gooey Gouda Puff-Pastry Bites
All you need to make these easy handheld parcels are store-bought puff pastry, nutty Gouda cheese, and Dijon mustard. Serve them with a dollop of lingonberry jam (or any jam, actually) for sweetness.
Beet Muhammara
This beet-centric take on the favorite Middle Eastern dip, muhammara, has a stunning color and plenty of flavor from walnuts, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, Aleppo pepper, and molasses. It's great with radishes or other crudités.
Creamy Broccoli-Spinach Dip
Here's a refreshing update to spinach artichoke dip, where fresh broccoli florets are swapped in for canned artichokes. And since this version is served at room temperature, you don't even have to turn on the oven.
Pan-Roasted Marinated Mushrooms
This quick and easy appetizer plays well with others, especially if the others include rich cheese and buttery crackers. Plus, you can make it up to two days ahead of time.
Kettle-Chip Nachos
Here's a fun twist on the appetizer everyone loves—it calls for kettle chips and melted Gouda and blue cheese instead of the usual tortilla chips and cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Date, Olive, and Goat-Cheese Tart
This appetizer has everything we love about a cheese plate—turned into a tart. It stars a creamy, tangy filling studded with sweet Medjool dates, briny Kalamata olives, and fiery pickled serranos on a store-bought puff pastry crust.
Broccoli Fritto Misto
This recipe transforms humble broccoli into a fantastic starter. You dip florets and broccolini, along with sage leaves and hot pickled pepper rings, in a light batter, then fry to perfection. Adding rice flour to the batter makes for a super-crispy coating; a zippy dipping sauce of vinegar, garlic, and pickle brine is a great accompaniment.
Baked Feta Marinara Dip
Marinara isn't just for pasta: This clever recipe has you doctor it with smoky piquillo peppers and tangy feta cheese for a dip that's delicious with crostini.
Greek Layer Dip
Serve this zesty spin on a traditional seven-layer dip with pita chips for a twist on the typical Mexican version.
Cheater's Deviled Eggs
Think of these as reinvented deviled eggs that are easier to make. Spread rice crackers with mayo and mustard, then top with a slice of hard-boiled egg, smoked sweet paprika, and fresh dill.
Seeded Feta Bites
These cheese bites are a snap to make and fun to eat. You set out cubes of feta and then let guests skewer them and roll in a fragrant blend of sumac, sesame seeds, and flaky sea salt.
Samosas with Potatoes and Peas
Although there are many steps to making them, this take on savory Indian pastries is well worth the effort; to make the process easier, spread the work out over two days. The cumin-studded dough is a lovely match for the hearty potato-and-pea filling. Serve fresh out of the fryer with a duo of homemade chutneys.
Warm Fennel-and-Parmesan Dip
A warm, golden dip always tempts guests, and this one is especially great with toasted rustic bread. It gets rich flavor from Parmesan cheese, caramelized fennel, and garlic.
Lima-Bean Crostini with Ricotta
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A bit unexpected, lima beans are a great addition to crostini. Although they're a bean, they feel like a fresh vegetable with delicious flavor and a creamy texture. And they pair nicely with rosemary, lemon juice, and ricotta in this easy hand-held appetizer.
Goat-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
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These two-bite classics are always a hit. This version uses simple white button mushrooms and soft goat cheese—and definitely don't skip the toasted bread crumbs on top!
Grilled-Asparagus, Tomato, and Fontina Pizzette
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You can make these mini pizzas as big or small as you'd like, and cut them into slices, wedges, or whatever works. The combination of asparagus, scallions, and tomatoes is a little different from what you usually find on pizza, but it's a winner, especially alongside shredded fontina and fresh thyme.
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