Thanksgiving might be known for grand entrées and overflowing sides, but before the main feast is ready, people usually gather in the kitchen or living room looking for something to nibble on. That’s where great appetizers come in, and nothing satisfies early guests faster than a beautiful spread of dips and spreads. For plant-based hosts, vegan Thanksgiving dips and spreads are the perfect way to set the tone for a flavorful, inclusive holiday.
This guide brings together a variety of vegan Thanksgiving dips and spreads that work beautifully on grazing tables, appetizer boards, or as small bites before dinner. These recipes reflect the season’s flavors, using warm spices, fall produce, herbs, and hearty textures. They’re designed to be simple, approachable, and perfect for serving whether you’re feeding a large group or having an intimate celebration. They’re also great for prepping ahead, making them especially holiday-friendly.
As always, keeping Thanksgiving plant-forward aligns wonderfully with a sustainability-minded lifestyle. If you’re someone who appreciates ethically made goods, you might enjoy exploring items from The Dharma Store, which offers vegan-themed clothing made from organic cotton—a great fit for those who love compassionate, eco-conscious living.
Below, you’ll find a mix of classic, modern, and creative vegan Thanksgiving dips and spreads to elevate your holiday snacking.
Why Vegan Dips and Spreads Work So Well for Thanksgiving
Dips and spreads are the ideal pre-meal offerings because they’re flexible, flavorful, and easy to serve buffet-style. When made vegan, they’re naturally inclusive for a range of guests, including those who avoid dairy, eggs, or animal-based ingredients.
Vegan dips tend to feature whole foods—beans, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and spices—so they’re nourishing and satisfying without being heavy. That makes them the perfect warm-up act before a big holiday meal. Plus, many can be made 100 percent ahead of time, reducing stress on Thanksgiving Day.
Another benefit: dips keep grazing guests happy while you finish the final touches on your mains and sides. When people have something to snack on, they’re more patient, more relaxed, and more social, which makes for a smoother Thanksgiving overall.
Keys to Amazing Vegan Thanksgiving Dips and Spreads
To help your dips stand out, use these guiding principles:
1. Highlight Fall Flavors
Thanksgiving is all about seasonal comfort. Incorporate roasted roots, winter squash, nuts, rosemary, sage, thyme, and warm spices.
2. Balance Creaminess and Texture
Great dips rely on contrast. Pair creamy bases like cashews or white beans with crunchy toppings like toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or crispy shallots.
3. Offer a Variety
If you’re hosting, provide at least one creamy dip, one savory spread, and something bright or herb-forward. Gastronomically, variety equals satisfaction.
4. Use Vibrant Colors
Bold colors—from beetroot to curry-hued squash—add visual appeal to your table.
5. Make-Ahead Whenever Possible
Prepping dips the day before allows flavors to deepen and your schedule to stay manageable.
The Best Vegan Thanksgiving Dips and Spreads
Below are several dip and spread ideas that align beautifully with Thanksgiving flavors while staying completely plant-based. You can use these recipes as written or adapt them with your own creative touches.
1. Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Dip
This velvety dip feels like classic holiday comfort. Roasting brings out natural sweetness, while garlic and herbs balance it with savory depth.
Ingredients
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Roasted butternut squash
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Roasted garlic cloves
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice
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Fresh thyme
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Salt and pepper
How to Serve
Pair with toasted baguette slices or whole grain crackers. Garnish with thyme sprigs or toasted seeds for visual appeal.
Why It Works
It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and full of warming flavors, making it ideal for Thanksgiving snacking.
2. Creamy White Bean Rosemary Spread
Inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors, this spread combines white beans with garlic, olive oil, and fresh rosemary for a dip that’s both hearty and elegant.
Ingredients
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Cannellini beans
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Fresh rosemary
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Lemon zest
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Olive oil
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Sea salt
How to Serve
Spread onto crostini or serve with crudités like carrots, celery, and radishes.
Why It Works
It’s simple, nutrient-dense, and carries a woodsy aroma that fits perfectly with fall menus.
3. Caramelized Onion and Walnut Spread
Caramelized onions bring richness and depth to any appetizer. Here, blended with walnuts, they create a rustic, savory dip with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
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Slow-cooked caramelized onions
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Toasted walnuts
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Balsamic vinegar
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Salt
How to Serve
Serve warm with rustic bread slices or as a topping on crackers.
Why It Works
The combination of sweet onions and earthy walnuts feels like quintessential Thanksgiving.
4. Roasted Beet and Horseradish Dip
For a burst of color on your table, this magenta-hued dip delivers both tang and spice. Horseradish cuts the sweetness of roasted beets for an unexpectedly balanced flavor.
Ingredients
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Roasted beets
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Vegan yogurt or blended cashews
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Horseradish
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Lemon
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Dill
How to Serve
Great with sliced sourdough, pita chips, or crisp vegetables.
Why It Works
It adds brightness and contrast to the table—a nice break from richer holiday flavors.
5. Maple Pumpkin Hummus
A fall twist on a classic favorite, this pumpkin hummus uses maple syrup, cinnamon, and chickpeas to create a sweet-savory hybrid perfect for the season.
Ingredients
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Chickpeas
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Pumpkin puree
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Maple syrup
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Cinnamon and nutmeg
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Tahini
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Lemon juice
How to Serve
Serve with cinnamon-sprinkled pita chips or sliced apples for a unique duo.
Why It Works
It brings Thanksgiving flavors into an already-familiar hummus format, appealing even to picky eaters.
6. Smoky Lentil and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
This hearty spread is packed with protein and deep savory flavor thanks to smoked paprika and concentrated tomato richness.
Ingredients
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Cooked lentils
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Sun-dried tomatoes
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Smoked paprika
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Olive oil
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Salt
How to Serve
Spread on crackers, crostini, or use as part of a mezze-style grazing platter.
Why It Works
The smoky flavor and hearty texture make it satisfying without being heavy.
7. Herbed Spinach and Artichoke Dip (Vegan)
This plant-based take on the beloved classic uses cashews or vegan cream cheese to capture that creamy, indulgent feel.
Ingredients
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Spinach
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Artichoke hearts
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Raw cashews (soaked) or vegan cream cheese
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Nutritional yeast
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Garlic
How to Serve
Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pretzel bites, or tortilla chips.
Why It Works
It’s familiar, crowd-pleasing, and doesn't feel like a compromise at all.
8. Curried Cauliflower Dip
Warm spices transform roasted cauliflower into a smooth, aromatic dip with comforting heat and depth.
Ingredients
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Roasted cauliflower
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Curry powder
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Coconut cream
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Lemon juice
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Salt
How to Serve
Pair with naan wedges or roasted vegetables.
Why It Works
It brings global flair to a Thanksgiving table while still feeling seasonal.
9. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Spread (Vegan)
This spread captures the sweet-tart flavors of cranberries combined with creamy vegan cheese, perfect for the holiday theme.
Ingredients
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Vegan cream cheese
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Dried cranberries
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Toasted pecans
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Orange zest
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Maple syrup
How to Serve
Serve with wheat crackers or baguette rounds.
Why It Works
It blends classic Thanksgiving ingredients in a fun, festive format.
10. Sweet Potato Cashew Spread
Sweet potatoes create a naturally creamy texture, while cashews provide body and richness. A few warm spices make this an ideal seasonal dip.
Ingredients
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Roasted sweet potatoes
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Soaked cashews
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Cinnamon
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Smoked paprika
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Olive oil
How to Serve
Delicious with crackers, flatbread triangles, or vegetable chips.
Why It Works
It’s both sweet and savory, making it a versatile addition to any appetizer board.
What to Serve With Your Vegan Thanksgiving Dips and Spreads
The right dippers elevate the entire experience. Here are options that pair beautifully with these vegan spreads:
Bread and Crackers
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Sliced baguette
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Sourdough toast points
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Whole grain crackers
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Pita chips
Vegetables
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Carrot sticks
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Celery stalks
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Radishes
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Bell pepper strips
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Roasted root vegetable wedges
Seasonal Touches
To enhance the Thanksgiving aesthetic, incorporate fall produce: apple slices, roasted squash wedges, or even spiced nuts can be great accompaniments.
A well-curated grazing board makes a perfect centerpiece, capturing the essence of plant-based abundance and seasonal comfort.
Make-Ahead Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
One of the best things about dips is how well they store. Follow these tips to prepare ahead and reduce holiday stress:
1. Prepare One or Two Days in Advance
Most of these dips taste even better after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Store Properly
Use airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent dips from absorbing other flavors.
3. Revive Texture Before Serving
If needed, stir in a splash of water, lemon juice, or olive oil to revive consistency.
4. Serve Warm Dips Freshly Heated
Spinach artichoke dips and caramelized onion-based spreads taste best warmed right before serving.
By prepping early, you make room for relaxing, enjoying guests, and savoring the actual holiday.
Final Thoughts: Setting the Tone With Flavorful, Inclusive Appetizers
A thoughtful selection of vegan Thanksgiving dips and spreads can set a warm, welcoming tone for your celebration. These recipes show how plant-based options can be rich, satisfying, and deeply seasonal, highlighting the best of fall flavors. Whether you’re hosting longtime vegans, newcomers to plant-based eating, or a mix of dietary preferences, dips and spreads bring people together in a casual, festive way.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can mix and match, prepare them ahead, and serve them with a wide range of dippers for a visually appealing and delicious appetizer spread. With just a few ingredients and a bit of planning, you can create a grazing table that feels abundant, thoughtful, and perfectly aligned with the holiday spirit.
And if you enjoy embracing compassionate, eco-friendly values not just at the table but in your lifestyle as a whole, you may appreciate the vegan messages and organic cotton apparel from The Dharma Store. It’s a meaningful way to express plant-based pride long after Thanksgiving is over.
With these flavorful, crowd-pleasing vegan Thanksgiving dips and spreads, you’ll be ready to kick off your celebration with style, comfort, and joy—one snack at a time.