14 Classic Veggie Appetizers Boomers Still Love

If you’re looking for simple, flavorful veggie appetizers that have stood the test of time, these recipes are for you. These 14 classic appetizers are loved by boomers for their easy preparation and satisfying flavors. Made with fresh ingredients, they’re perfect for any gathering or snack. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these appetizers are always a hit.

A zucchini bite being dipped into a dipping sauce. — Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Homemade butternut squash ravioli is a rich, comforting appetizer that takes about an hour to prepare. The ravioli is filled with a sweet butternut squash mixture and wrapped in pasta dough. It’s a hearty starter with a balance of sweetness and savory flavors. This dish is perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering.
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Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Two bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and avocado on a white square plate. — Loaded Bruschetta Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded bruschetta is a fresh, flavorful appetizer that takes around 15 minutes to prepare. The recipe includes toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, along with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of fresh ingredients gives it a tangy and savory flavor. It’s an easy dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
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Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Sweet potato fritters with sweet and spicy sauce are a crispy, flavorful dish that takes around 30 minutes to make. The fritters are made with grated sweet potato, herbs, and seasonings, then fried to golden perfection. The sweet and spicy sauce adds a kick to each bite. They’re an easy yet impressive party starter.
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Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Steamed artichokes with spicy peach mango sauce is a flavorful, light appetizer that takes around 40 minutes to prepare. The artichokes are steamed to tender perfection and paired with a sweet and spicy mango sauce. The dish offers a refreshing, slightly tangy flavor that complements the artichoke’s earthy taste. It’s a simple, yet impressive option for any gathering.
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Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad is a light and creamy dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It features ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil, offering a fresh and rich flavor. The burrata adds a smooth, decadent texture that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes. This simple salad is perfect for any occasion.
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Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Roasted eggplant and tomato dip (Zaalouk) is a savory, smoky dip that takes around 40 minutes to prepare. The roasted eggplant and tomatoes are blended with garlic and spices for a rich, deep flavor. This dip has a smooth texture and a slight smokiness, perfect for pairing with bread or crackers. It’s a great choice for those looking for something unique and flavorful.
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Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

A person holds a chip topped with diced tomatoes, green onions, cheese, and olives, over a bowl filled with the same ingredients. The background is a light-colored countertop. — Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Easy vegetarian seven layer dip is a colorful, hearty appetizer that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The layers include beans, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and more, creating a satisfying combination of flavors. It’s perfect for dipping chips or veggies into, with each bite offering a mix of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures. This classic dish is always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Copycat Applebee’s spinach-artichoke dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. It’s made with spinach, artichokes, and a combination of cheeses, creating a rich, comforting dip. This dip has a creamy consistency with a savory flavor, perfect for pairing with crackers or bread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home.
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Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with parmesan and mozzarella cheese is a quick and flavorful dish that takes about 25 minutes to make. The tomatoes are topped with mozzarella and parmesan, then baked until bubbly and golden. The result is a melty, savory bite with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes. This is a simple yet satisfying appetizer.
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My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Homemade mushroom savory pastries are flaky and flavorful, taking about 30 minutes to prepare. The pastries are filled with a savory mushroom mixture and wrapped in a light, flaky crust. They offer a rich, earthy flavor from the mushrooms and a satisfying crunch from the pastry. This appetizer is perfect for serving at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegan tofu stuffed mushrooms are a savory, plant-based appetizer that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The mushrooms are filled with a tofu-based mixture and seasoned with herbs and spices. The result is a flavorful, satisfying bite that’s both light and hearty. It’s an ideal dish for a vegan-friendly party starter.
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Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Vegan eggplant parmesan stacks are a delicious, hearty appetizer that takes around 45 minutes to prepare. The eggplant is breaded, baked, and layered with vegan cheese and marinara sauce. The result is a satisfying and flavorful stack that is both crispy and cheesy. It’s an ideal party starter for vegan guests.
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Baked Butternut Squash Chips recipe — Baked Butternut Squash Chips. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Baked butternut squash chips are a crunchy, healthier snack that takes about 35 minutes to make. The main ingredients are thinly sliced butternut squash, olive oil, and seasonings. These chips are slightly sweet with a savory edge, making them perfect for snacking. They’re light, crisp, and a great alternative to traditional chips.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Zucchini Bites

Zucchini bites are a light, savory appetizer that takes around 25 minutes to prepare. The zucchini is mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, then baked until crispy. These bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect snack. They’re an easy and healthy addition to any appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites