Easy Appetizer

Serve up some vegetarian appetizers! As a vegan, I'm often disappointed to attend holiday parties and events that serve nothing but the same ol' veggies and ranch dressing, mini-meatballs and cheese and crackers. If you've got a party or a meeting coming up, serve some vegetarian appetizers or munchies that all your guests can eat! You can find more vegetarian and vegan appetizers for the holidays or anytime here or, view my complete collection of vegetarian dips.

1. Baba Ganoush Recipe

Baba ganoush is an middle eastern eggplant dip similar to hummus. This recipe even calls for chickpeas, which are the main ingredient in hummus, to give it a thicker texture. I find that even people who swear they don't like eggplant absolutely love this recipe. Baba ganoush is a vegetarian appetizer that you could serve for just about any occasion. Serve with warmed pita bread.
See also: Fat-free Baba Ganoush Recipe

2. Olive Tapenade Recipe

Olive tapenade is a great spread to serve with crackers for an easy appetizer or hor d'ouerves. I've come up with this recipe, which uses two kinds of olives, because I think the color combination adds to the dish. Although tapenade traditionally has anchovies in it, this recipe is both vegetarian and vegan, and can be prepared in just a few minutes. Serve with crackers or toasted slices of artisan bread.
See also: Olive Tapenade with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

3. Mango and Peach Salsa Recipe

The sweet taste of mangos and peaches combine with onions and garlic in this easy salsa recipe. Try it with chips for a light snack, or add an elegant touch to any Mexican food dish.
See also: More homemade salsa recipes

4. Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Bruschetta is my favorite excuse to buy an expensive good quality oil! Shop for fresh organic tomatoes and enjoy the natural flavors in this simple vegetarian and vegan bruschetta appetizer. Bruschetta is a simple vegetarian appetizer that most peope are familiar with. You can use toast points, sliced baguettes, or any artisan bread. You might also want to try this gourmet grapefruit and blue cheese brushetta or this bruschetta with balsamic vinegar.

5. Fried Eggplant Fingers

If you take something healthy then fry it, is it still healthy? I'll let you decide that one on your own, but healthy or not, these fried eggplant "fingers" will surely be gobbled up by all, including kids. Watch this quick video to get the recipe and see how it's done. Serve with a thin marinara sauce or homemade ranch dressing.

6. Black Beans con Queso

Photo by Bush'sR Beans

A very cheesy bean dip recipe that you can serve with tortilla chips. Try adding some vegetarian mock meat crumbles for a thicker and more meaty texture.
See also: Vegetarian Bean Dip with Goat Cheese

7. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Spice up some easy sweet potato fries with cayenne pepper and other spices. This recipe is baked rather than fried, so it is also very low fat, as well as vegetarian and vegan.

8. 30 Second Vegan Chili "Cheese" Dip

This dip is hardly a recipe (you just mix together two pre-made foods), but its so simple and sooo yummy that I just have to include it! Be warned however, that its called "30 Second" not only because that's how long it takes to make, but because that's how long it will last! Its just that good. So you might want to make more than one batch if you're expecting lots of people!
See also: Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip

9. Vegetarian Seven Layer Bean Dip

This classic seven layer dip recipe is a quick and easy vegetarian appetizer, inspired by the flavors of Mexico. Spread a layer of beans and top with salsa, olives and more. You might also want to try this vegan 7 layer dip.

10. More vegan appetizers and Hors d' oeuvres

If you`re not finding what you`re looking for here, scroll through these dozens of vegetarian and vegan appetizer recipe ideas and get inspired!
Pictured: Spicy Southwestern Two Cheese Fondue

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