Get the Party Started with These Vegetarian Appetizer Recipes

Whether you're not sure if you have a vegetarian on the guest list or are simply planning a meaty-heavy main course and want to balance the meal, adding a meat-free appetizer to your menu is always a good idea. No matter what kind of event you're hosting, these vegetarian meal starters and party foods are so delicious and unique that every guest is sure to love them.

If you're looking for dips, we've got you covered try our vegetarian version of queso fundido, which incorporates two kinds of cheese and two kinds of chiles. We also have an update on spinach artichoke dip that swaps in fresh broccoli florets for canned artichokes. A beet dip gets loads of flavor from walnuts, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, and Aleppo pepper, and there's also a baked feta dip incorporates marinara and smoky piquillo peppers.

There are handheld bites, too, from little parcels made with store-bought puff pastry, nutty Gouda cheese, and Dijon to an inventive take on deviled eggs, where rice crackers get topped with a slice of hard-boiled egg and seasonings including smoked sweet paprika and fresh dill. We also love cubes of feta, which you let guests skewer and roll in a fragrant blend of sumac, sesame seeds, and flaky sea salt.

And then there are big dishes that serve a crowd, like the Cheesy Lentil-and-Black-Bean Nachos pictured here, and our nachos that call for kettle chips and melted Gouda and blue cheese instead of the usual tortilla chips. Another fabulous option to feed a crowd is a tart made with everything we love about a cheese plate: tangy goat cheese, sweet Medjool dates, briny Kalamata olives, and fiery pickled serranos.

Pan-Roasted Marinated Mushrooms

This quick and easy appetizer plays well with others, especially if the others include rich cheese and buttery crackers. Plus, you can make it up to two days ahead of time.

Queso Fundido

Although this melted cheese party starter often includes chorizo, it's delicious even without the sausage. Our vegetarian version has two kinds of cheese and two kinds of chiles. Best of all, it's fast: Your cheese dip will be bubbling and delicious after only 10 minutes.

Gooey Gouda Puff-Pastry Bites

All you need to make these easy handheld parcels are store-bought puff pastry, nutty Gouda cheese, and Dijon mustard. Serve them with a dollop of lingonberry jam for sweetness.

Beet Muhammara

This beet-centric take on the favorite Middle Eastern dip muhammara has a stunning color and plenty of flavor from walnuts, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, Aleppo pepper, and molasses. It's great with radishes or other crudités.

Creamy Broccoli-Spinach Dip

Here's a refreshing update to spinach artichoke dip, where fresh broccoli florets are swapped in for canned artichokes. And since this version is served at room temperature, you don't even have to turn on the oven.

Kettle-Chip Nachos

Here's a fun twist on the appetizer everyone loves, calling for kettle chips and melted Gouda and blue cheese instead of the usual tortilla chips and cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Date, Olive, and Goat-Cheese Tart

Everything we love about a cheese plate is here, but we turned it into a tart. This delightful appetizer stars a creamy, tangy filling studded with sweet Medjool dates, briny Kalamata olives, and fiery pickled serranos.

Broccoli Fritto Misto

This recipe transforms humble broccoli into a fantastic starter. You dip florets and broccolini, along with sage leaves and hot pickled pepper rings, in a light batter, then fry to perfection. Adding rice flour to the batter makes for a super-crunchy coating; a zippy dipping sauce of vinegar, garlic, and pickle brine is a great accompaniment.

Baked Feta Marinara Dip

Marinara isn't just for pasta: This clever recipe has you doctor it with smoky piquillo peppers and tangy feta cheese for a dip that's delicious with crostini.

Greek Layer Dip

Serve this zesty spin on traditional seven-layer dip with pita chips for a delightful party starter.

Cheater's Deviled Eggs

Think of these as reinvented deviled eggs that are easier to make. Spread rice crackers with mayo and mustard, then top with a slice of hard-boiled egg, smoked sweet paprika, and fresh dill.

Seeded Feta Bites

These substantial cheese bites are a snap to make and fun to eat. You set out cubes of feta, and then let guests skewer them and roll in a fragrant blend of sumac, sesame seeds, and flaky sea salt.

Samosas with Potatoes and Peas

Although there are many steps to making them, this take on the favorite savory Indian pastries is well worth the effort; to make the process easier, spread the work out over two days. The cumin-studded dough is a lovely match for the hearty potato-and-pea filling. Serve fresh out of the fryer with a duo of homemade chutneys.

Warm Fennel-and-Parmesan Dip

A warm, golden dip always tempts guests, and this one is especially great with toasted rustic bread. It gets rich flavor from Parmesan cheese, caramelized fennel, and garlic.