12+ Vegetarian and Vegan Appetizers for any Occasion

No gathering is complete without some appetizer nibbles. Previously I suggested some make-ahead vegan-friendly sweets to please everyone with a sweet tooth, and now it's time for some savory bites to make the occasion extra special, no matter how small or large the affair. Whether you are looking for starters for a meal or little bites for appetizer trays and spreads to serve at parties or for afternoon or evening hangouts, you'll want to consider these straightforward but especially satisfying ideas.

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Roasted Cauliflower Bites with Sriracha Sauce

Add some spice to any occasion with some roasted pieces of cauliflower tossed in a spicy sriracha and vinegar "buffalo" sauce. This unique, zesty and colorful appetizer really ought to be doubled, as these won't last long. Do serve them alongside a peanut dipping sauce with sliced vegetables for an especially appealing presentation.

Coleslaw Bites with Jalapeño Dip

Coleslaw takes on a new role here. Think outside of the salad bowl and enjoy some simple, sweet and savory golden fried cabbage coleslaw balls served up with a creamy, tangy and zesty yogurt and jalapeño dip. Vegans can easily substitute their favorite dips, salsa and sauces for the yogurt-based one featured in the recipe, but do stick with the jalapeño theme to add some heat to the occasion.

Olive Cheese Balls

No tapas plate would be complete without some plump green olives baked in a slightly spicy and crispy cheese pastry. These little bites of bliss will set the standard for other appetizers in attendance. Olive fans will certainly want to double this recipe.

Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese and Harissa

These seasoned and baked slices of sweet potato topped with a sweet and spicy harissa goat cheese blend make an easy, colorful and delicious fall or winter appetizer.

Potato Patties Stuffed with Spiced Green Peas

If you are hosting an Indian-themed meal, these savory potato patties stuffed with spiced green peas might just be the star of the spread. Soft on the inside, with a spicy pea filling and a delightfully golden crust to complete the experience, resist the temptation to enjoy too many or there won't be room left for the main.

Chana Dal Peanut Patties with a Tamarind Chili Sauce

Also called "vadas", these shallow-fried Indian spiced chana dal and peanut patties are served with a tangy, creamy and zesty tamarind, chili and coconut milk sauce for an astonishingly good and quick-to-disappear Indian appetizer.

Baked Mini Vegetable Chickpea Samosas

It seems pretty much everyone enjoys samosas, and these mini savory pastries are stuffed with spiced vegetables and chickpeas and baked instead of fried. Served up with chutney, simply irresistible.

Whole-Meal Biscuits

Cheese plates are a popular choice for mingles, and these crackers are an elegant and welcome addition. Crisp, earthy and savory, whole wheat and oat mealy-textured biscuits are well suited to enjoy with spreadable cheeses. Consider featuring with grapes too.

Ethiopian-Style Hummus

Dips are always popular for parties and fun nights, and hummus is often a favorite served with vegetables, flat breads and crackers. For a different twist, serve up an Ethiopian-style version made with ground sunflower seeds in place of tahini and spiced up with aromatic chili spices. It's great served with raw vegetables, pita triangles, crackers or wrapped up in flat breads to make small sandwiches.

Herbed Marinated Mushrooms

A mix of tender succulent mushrooms marinated in a delicious oil and vinegar marinade with fresh herbs, no appetizer plate would be complete without something to delight mushroom aficionados.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Olives

Earthy mushrooms stuffed with all kinds of wonderful savory flavors, from tart sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives, spices and jalapeños, to creamy and salty goat cheese — an amazing appetizer for any occasion!

Baked Quinoa Balls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

These baked quinoa, bean and peanut butter balls served with a savory peanut butter, lime and tamari dipping sauce are a healthy appetizer and wholesome enough to make for a light after-party meal if you want.

Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers with Goat Cheese and Sun-dried Tomatoes

Fresh jalapeños stuffed with a creamy and tangy goat cheese and sun-dried tomato filling and baked in a spiced cornmeal coating — a great appetizer for a Mexican dinner or any kind of party of get-together.

Red Lentil and Toasted Walnut Tapenade with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Incredibly flavor-packed, this nutty and tangy tapenade, or pâté if you prefer, makes for a healthy dip or spread for fresh vegetables, crackers or flatbreads. Uniquely pleasing, addictive and guilt-free, this pâté you will not soon forget but it might not last long.

Kalamata Olive Tapenade

This is the tapenade of tapenades for olive lovers. Bold flavored, loaded with robust Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and herbs, you'll find yourself making this again and again.

Smoked Gouda Gougères

Light, airy and delicious smoked Gouda cheese puffs are a great hors d'oeuvre or snack, especially when served with red pepper dip. Guaranteed hard to resist.

Lime Biscuit Thins

Add some zesty richness to your palate with some soft and flaky savory biscuit thins. Gently spiced, with a gentle tart lime flavor, it's hard to resist more than just a few nibbles.

Quinoa Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Seasoned quinoa with pine nuts and fresh herbs wrapped in grape leaves are a perfect and delicious Greek appetizer. These little bites have a pleasant nutty flavor and slightly crunchier texture.