15 Vegetable Apps So Good No One Will Miss the Meat

Vegetable appetizers don’t have to be boring, and these recipes prove it. They’re easy to make, full of real flavor, and filling enough to stand on their own. Whether feeding a crowd or just needing something quick before dinner, these snacks get the job done. No one’s asking where the meat went.

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Homemade butternut squash ravioli take about an hour to make and use roasted squash, ricotta, and fresh pasta. The filling is creamy and slightly sweet, balanced by a simple savory sauce. Each bite is hearty enough to stand on its own. It works well as a starter that feels more like a main.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Loaded bruschetta is ready in 20 minutes and combines fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic. It’s crisp, fresh, and a little tangy, with just enough richness. The toasted bread makes it feel more filling than a typical appetizer. It’s the kind of meatless starter that gets eaten fast.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Sweet potato fritters take about 30 minutes and are made with shredded sweet potatoes, spices, and a quick dipping sauce. They’re crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, with a mix of sweet and heat. The sauce adds a little kick without overpowering. Great for snacking without missing anything.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Steamed artichokes take about 40 minutes and are served with a peach mango dipping sauce that’s sweet with a spicy edge. The artichokes are tender with a slightly nutty taste. The sauce keeps it interesting and gives each bite a bright finish. It’s a slow snack that still feels satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad comes together in 15 minutes with sliced tomatoes, burrata cheese, olive oil, and herbs. It’s creamy, juicy, and lightly seasoned for a fresh but rich flavor. The cheese gives it enough weight to hold up as an appetizer. It’s an easy win when you want meat-free but filling.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Roasted eggplant and tomato dip takes about 45 minutes to prepare and blends eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Its texture is thick and scoopable, and its taste is smoky and slightly tangy. It’s made to be eaten with bread or crackers. It’s a solid option when you want something meatless but bold.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Vegetarian seven layer dip takes 20 minutes and layers beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and veggies. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of familiar flavors. Each bite has a little bit of everything. It’s hard to miss the meat when the dip has this much going on.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Mushroom savory pastries bake in about 30 minutes and are filled with mushrooms, onion, garlic, and herbs. The filling inside the flaky pastry is rich and earthy. They’re small but satisfying enough to serve as a main app. It’s a good pick for anyone looking for something warm and meatless.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegan tofu stuffed mushrooms are ready in 35 minutes and filled with seasoned tofu, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. They’re tender, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite. The tofu blends right in for a hearty texture. You won’t miss the meat when the filling tastes this good.
Get the Recipe: My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Eggplant parmesan stacks take 45 minutes, and baked eggplant, tomato sauce, and dairy-free cheese are layered. They’re soft, saucy, and just a little crispy around the edges. The flavors are simple but comforting. They make a strong case for skipping the meat entirely.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked butternut squash chips take 30 minutes and are made with thin squash slices, oil, and salt. They’re crisp, lightly sweet, and easy to snack on. The texture is just crunchy enough to replace store-bought chips. A light start that still feels like something.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Dehydrated Cranberries

Dehydrated cranberries take several hours to make, and fresh cranberries and a bit of sweetener are used. They’re chewy, tart, and a little sweet. They’re great as a topping or eaten straight out of the container. They’re more of a snack than a dip, but they work well as a small app.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Cranberries

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Jalapeño popper pinwheels bake in about 25 minutes and use crescent dough, cream cheese, jalapeños, and cheddar. They’re creamy, spicy, and wrapped in soft, golden dough. The flavor is familiar and crowd-friendly without any meat. A fast favorite that gets picked off the plate quickly.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Air-frying blooming onion takes about 25 minutes and uses a large onion, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. It’s crispy and savory and pulls apart easily for dipping. The texture is crunchy without being greasy. It feels like fair food but without needing anything extra.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Air-fried zucchini chips take 20 minutes and use thin zucchini slices, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. They’re crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, with a mild flavor. They’re easy to dip and easy to keep eating. This is a light but satisfying option that doesn’t need meat to work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips