Keep It Simple, Flavorful, and Festive
Thanksgiving prep can easily get overwhelming — especially when you’re juggling side dishes, mains, and desserts. The last thing you need is a complicated appetizer list that requires hours in the kitchen. That’s why this guide focuses on vegan Thanksgiving appetizers under 5 ingredients — quick, crowd-pleasing recipes you can whip up in minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
These aren’t afterthoughts; they’re elegant, flavorful starters designed to impress with minimal effort. From savory stuffed mushrooms to vibrant crostini and make-ahead dips, each dish proves that plant-based can be both simple and indulgent.
So whether you’re a first-time host or just looking to save time this year, these recipes will keep your guests happy while you focus on the main event.
And if you want to celebrate compassion beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store for vegan-themed t-shirts made from soft, organic cotton — perfect for hosting, lounging, or gifting during the holidays.
1. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts Skewers
Ingredients (4 total):
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Brussels sprouts
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Olive oil
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Maple syrup
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Sea salt
How to make it:
Toss halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, maple syrup, and salt. Roast until caramelized, then skewer a few per toothpick or cocktail skewer. These are sweet, smoky, and perfectly poppable — a great finger food for mingling guests.
Make-ahead tip: Roast the sprouts the day before, then reheat briefly in the oven before serving.
2. Cranberry Crostini with Vegan Cream Cheese
Ingredients (4 total):
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Baguette slices
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Vegan cream cheese
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Cranberry sauce
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Fresh rosemary (optional garnish)
How to make it:
Toast baguette slices until golden. Spread a layer of vegan cream cheese and top with cranberry sauce. Finish with a tiny rosemary sprig for that holiday touch.
Why it works: The creamy, tangy-sweet combo feels festive yet effortless. Perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce too.
3. Stuffed Mini Peppers with Hummus
Ingredients (3 total):
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Mini bell peppers
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Hummus (any flavor)
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Paprika or chopped herbs for garnish
How to make it:
Slice mini peppers in half, remove seeds, and fill with hummus. Sprinkle with paprika or parsley. Done.
Pro tip: Use roasted red pepper hummus for extra depth and color contrast on your appetizer tray.
4. Balsamic Mushroom Bites
Ingredients (4 total):
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Button or cremini mushrooms
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Balsamic vinegar
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Olive oil
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Garlic powder
How to make it:
Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until tender, then add balsamic vinegar and garlic powder. Let it reduce slightly. Serve warm on toothpicks or over crostini.
Why it’s perfect: Deeply savory and umami-rich, these taste like they took hours — but take only 15 minutes.
5. Vegan Spinach Puffs
Ingredients (5 total):
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Frozen puff pastry (vegan)
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Frozen spinach (thawed & drained)
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Vegan cream cheese or cashew cheese
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Garlic powder
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Salt
How to make it:
Mix spinach, vegan cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Cut pastry into squares, spoon filling in the center, fold over, and bake until golden.
Shortcut: Use pre-rolled puff pastry to skip rolling and cutting.
6. Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado Mash
Ingredients (4 total):
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Sweet potatoes (sliced into rounds)
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Olive oil
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Avocado
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Lime juice
How to make it:
Roast sweet potato rounds with olive oil until tender. Mash avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt, then spoon onto each round.
Optional garnish: Crushed pecans or pomegranate seeds for texture and color.
7. Vegan Charcuterie Mini Cups
Ingredients (5 total):
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Crackers or breadsticks
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Grapes or olives
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Vegan cheese cubes
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Roasted nuts
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Fresh herbs for garnish
How to make it:
Assemble small cups with a mix of these items — think of it as a “grab-and-go” charcuterie. It’s fun, tidy, and perfect for guests who like to mingle.
Presentation tip: Use compostable cups or mini glasses for an elegant touch.
8. 3-Ingredient Vegan Spinach Dip
Ingredients (3 total):
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Vegan sour cream or cashew cream
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Frozen spinach (thawed & drained)
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Onion soup seasoning mix (vegan-friendly)
How to make it:
Combine all ingredients and chill for at least an hour before serving. Serve with crackers, chips, or veggie sticks.
Pro tip: Double the recipe — this one disappears fast.
9. Vegan “Cheese” Stuffed Dates
Ingredients (3 total):
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Medjool dates (pitted)
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Vegan cream cheese or almond ricotta
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Crushed walnuts or pistachios
How to make it:
Fill each date with a spoon of vegan cheese and sprinkle with nuts. The sweet-salty combo feels fancy but takes minutes to prepare.
Make it festive: Dust lightly with cinnamon or drizzle with maple syrup.
10. Mini Roasted Carrot Crostini
Ingredients (5 total):
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Baguette slices
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Carrots (thinly sliced)
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Olive oil
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Maple syrup
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Vegan cream cheese or hummus
How to make it:
Roast carrot ribbons with olive oil and maple syrup until tender. Spread hummus or vegan cream cheese on toast, top with the carrots, and finish with cracked black pepper.
It’s colorful, seasonal, and satisfying — a total crowd pleaser.
11. Herbed Cashew Dip with Crudités
Ingredients (5 total):
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Raw cashews (soaked)
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Lemon juice
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Garlic
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Water
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Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley)
How to make it:
Blend everything until smooth. Adjust consistency with water. Serve with celery, cucumber, and carrots.
Flavor tip: Add a touch of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
12. Vegan Tomato Basil Skewers
Ingredients (4 total):
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Cherry tomatoes
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Vegan mozzarella or marinated tofu cubes
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Fresh basil
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Balsamic glaze
How to make it:
Assemble skewers with tomato, basil, and cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
These mini caprese bites look fancy and take less than 10 minutes to prepare.
13. Spiced Nuts Snack Bowl
Ingredients (4 total):
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Mixed nuts
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Maple syrup
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Cinnamon or smoked paprika
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Salt
How to make it:
Toss nuts with maple syrup and seasoning. Roast until fragrant. Cool before serving.
Why it’s great: Guests can munch casually while you finish up main dishes.
14. Cucumber Rounds with Vegan Herbed Spread
Ingredients (4 total):
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Cucumber slices
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Vegan cream cheese
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Chives or dill
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Lemon zest
How to make it:
Spread vegan cream cheese on cucumber rounds, top with herbs and a hint of lemon zest. Light, crisp, and refreshing — a nice contrast to heavier holiday fare.
15. Roasted Garlic Crostini with Olive Tapenade
Ingredients (5 total):
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Baguette slices
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Garlic
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Olive oil
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Olive tapenade (store-bought or homemade)
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Parsley (optional)
How to make it:
Roast garlic cloves in olive oil until soft. Spread onto toasted baguette slices, top with tapenade, and garnish with parsley.
Time-saving tip: You can roast garlic a few days ahead.
Quick Hosting Tips for a Stress-Free Appetizer Spread
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Keep flavors balanced: Mix sweet, savory, and fresh options.
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Plan for easy plating: Serve on trays or boards guests can access easily.
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Make-ahead magic: Dips and roasted items can be prepped a day before.
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Temperature flexibility: Choose appetizers that taste great warm or room temp.
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Double up your recipes: These are simple — make extra to avoid running out.
Optional Appetizer Board Idea
Want to combine multiple ideas into one cohesive display? Build a vegan appetizer board featuring:
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Hummus-stuffed mini peppers
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Crostini with cream cheese and cranberry
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Roasted nuts and fresh grapes
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Mini skewers with vegan cheese and tomatoes
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A few small bowls of dips
Arrange them by color and texture for an effortlessly elegant presentation.
Presentation tip: Garnish with fresh herbs, rosemary sprigs, or edible flowers for a touch of holiday beauty.
Simple Doesn’t Mean Boring
Hosting Thanksgiving as a vegan doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. These vegan Thanksgiving appetizers under 5 ingredients are proof that minimal prep can still deliver maximum flavor and style.
By focusing on fresh ingredients and smart combinations, you’ll create appetizers that look stunning, taste great, and keep your holiday stress-free. Guests won’t miss the meat or dairy — and you’ll have more time to enjoy the celebration.
So light a few candles, pour a festive mocktail, and set out a platter of colorful, delicious bites. Simple can be spectacular when made with love (and plants).
And when you’re ready to relax after the big meal, check out The Dharma Store for cozy, sustainable vegan t-shirts made from organic cotton — perfect for the compassionate cook who does it all.