21 Veggie Appetizers That’ll Vanish Before the Main Dish Arrives

These 21 veggie appetizers are the kind of dishes that barely make it to the table before they’re gone. Each one is simple, quick to make, and built to hold its own at any gathering. They’re made with vegetables but packed with flavor, so no one misses the meat. If you’re in charge of appetizers, these are the ones that’ll disappear before the main dish even shows up.

A hand dipping a tortilla chip into a tray of Copycat Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip. — Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli brings soft, nutty squash tucked into tender pasta pockets. Made with butternut squash, ricotta, and a touch of sage, it’s creamy and lightly savory with a hint of sweetness. It’s ready in about 45 minutes and works great as a starter or small plate. The taste is smooth, cozy, and just rich enough to stand on its own.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

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 Recipe features toasted bread topped with a mix of tomatoes, basil, olives, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze. It takes 20 minutes to make and layers bright, salty, and tangy flavors in every bite. Cherry tomatoes give it juiciness while the cheese adds richness. It’s fresh and bold, with just enough crunch to make it disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce are golden, crispy rounds with a tender center. Made with shredded sweet potatoes, onion, and a mix of spices, they’re pan-fried and paired with a chili-honey dipping sauce. They’re ready in about 30 minutes and offer a mix of sweet, earthy, and zesty flavors. The sauce gives it a little kick that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce are tender, pull-apart petals made for dipping. Steaming the artichokes take about 40 minutes and are served with a fruity sauce that blends peach, mango, and jalapeño. The flavor is bright, slightly sweet, and finishes with a little heat. Each bite is simple but loaded with contrast.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad combines juicy tomatoes and creamy burrata with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. It takes 15 minutes to prepare and uses ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and soft cheese for a balanced bite. The texture is light and creamy with a clean, tangy finish. It’s fresh and satisfying without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip, or Moroccan Zaalouk, is a smoky, spiced dip with bold flavor. Made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and paprika, it’s rich and spreadable with a chunky texture. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare and works well warm or at room temperature. The taste is earthy, slightly spicy, and deeply savory.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

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 stacks beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, olives, and green onions. It takes 20 minutes to layer and serve cold, with no baking needed. The flavors are creamy, zesty, and a little salty, balanced with cool freshness. It’s a classic party dip that vanishes as soon as chips hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

My Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries are flaky, handheld bites filled with herbed mushrooms and onions. The filling is earthy and peppery. They’re wrapped in golden puff pastry and ready in about 35 minutes. They’re rich without being too heavy and perfect warm or room temperature. Each bite tastes like comfort food in miniature.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms are savory bites filled with herbed tofu, garlic, and breadcrumbs. They take about 30 minutes to bake and come out golden on top with tender mushroom caps. The flavor is hearty and well-seasoned with a satisfying texture. They’re the kind of appetizer that surprises people who don’t usually go for tofu.
Get the Recipe: My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks are layers of crispy baked eggplant, marinara, and dairy-free cheese. Ready in around 40 minutes, they bring all the classic flavors with no meat or dairy. The texture is crunchy on the outside and soft inside, with a tangy tomato finish. These stacks feel filling but still appetizer-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked Butternut Squash Chips are thinly sliced rounds roasted until crisp and lightly sweet. Made with just squash, oil, and seasoning, they take about 25 minutes in the oven. The taste is naturally sweet with a little salty crunch. They’re light, snackable, and tend to disappear before anyone notices they’re healthy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Easy Cheese Ball without Nuts

Easy Cheese Ball in a plate — Easy Cheese Ball without Nuts. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Easy Cheese Ball without Nuts blends cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, and green onions into a creamy spread. It’s ready in 15 minutes and served chilled, usually rolled in herbs or spices. The texture and flavor are smooth and tangy with a savory bite. It’s a low-effort appetizer that pairs well with crackers or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheese Ball without Nuts

Pickled Eggs

Pickled Eggs are hard-boiled eggs soaked in a tangy vinegar brine with spices like dill, garlic, or mustard seed. They take about 15 minutes to prep but need at least 24 hours to pickle. The flavor is sour, salty, and slightly spiced, with a firm bite. They’re protein-packed and surprisingly addictive for snacking.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Eggs

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Two deviled eggs on a wooden table. — Deviled Eggs with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Deviled Eggs with Bacon are creamy, savory halves topped with crisp, smoky bacon bits. Ready in about 25 minutes, they use yolks, mayo, mustard, and a touch of paprika for extra flavor. The bacon adds crunch and depth to the smooth filling. These disappear fast, even when the table is full.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Sheet Pan Loaded Vegetarian Nachos

Sheet Pan Loaded Vegetarian Nachos pile black beans, cheese, and veggies over tortilla chips for a fast, shareable snack. They bake in about 15 minutes using chips, beans, tomatoes, peppers, and shredded cheese. The flavor is salty, cheesy, and fresh with every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Loaded Vegetarian Nachos

Mediterranean Sweet Potato Hummus Bites

A wooden board with sweet potato rounds topped with hummus and diced tomatoes. — Mediterranean Sweet Potato Hummus Bites. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Mediterranean Sweet Potato Hummus Bites layer roasted sweet potato rounds with hummus, cucumber, and olives. They’re ready in about 30 minutes using sweet potatoes, hummus, and simple toppings. The flavor is creamy, slightly sweet, and savory. It’s a finger food that feels light but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Sweet Potato Hummus Bites

Savory Pumpkin Bean Dip

Savory Pumpkin Bean Dip blends white beans and pumpkin into a smooth dip with garlic, lemon, and herbs. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and uses canned beans, pumpkin puree, olive oil, and spices. The flavor is earthy, creamy, and mild. It works well with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pumpkin Bean Dip

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are baked with a flavorful meat filling and a crisp, cheesy top. They take about 30 minutes and use sausage, mushrooms, cream cheese, and seasonings. The flavor is rich, savory, and satisfying in every bite. They’re bite-sized but always get the most attention on the table.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese are sliced, topped, and roasted until bubbly and golden. They take about 25 minutes using fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and grated parmesan. The flavor is juicy, salty, and cheesy. It’s a quick side or appetizer that always gets cleared off the plate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Baked potato slices topped with breadcrumbs and drizzled with white sauce, garnished with herbs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. — Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes roast up crisp on the outside with a cheesy, golden layer that sticks. They’re ready in about 40 minutes using baby potatoes, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The taste is salty, crunchy, and buttery. It’s a side that doesn’t leave any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip bakes into a warm, creamy dip packed with spinach, artichokes, and melted cheese. It takes about 30 minutes using cream cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, and garlic. The flavor is rich and tangy with a soft texture. It’s a classic party dip that holds up every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip