Vegan Appetizers for the Big Game

There’s a lot to love about the Big Game, apart from the game itself: the camaraderie with other fans, the iconic commercials, the halftime show, and most importantly…the appetizers! Whether you’re bringing a snack to share or hosting a party and want your vegan guests to have an option besides potato chips, we’ve rounded up our favorite vegan recipes. From sweet to salty, there’s something for everyone – and they’re all so delicious, no one will even miss the processed, sugary game day standards.

What Snacks Can You Eat on a Vegan Diet?

The words “vegan game day snacks” might conjure up images of grocery store veggie trays going untouched on the counter, but if you’re willing to get creative, there are endless plant-based snack options! From straightforward whole foods to recreations of your traditional favorites, vegan snacks offer all the delicious flavors you love without the processed ingredients, sugar, and preservatives found in most snack foods.

Vegan snacks can include basics like fresh fruit, raw veggies, nuts, seeds, popcorn, and smoothies. Many stores also offer a growing variety of unique vegan snacks like chickpea puffs, veggie chips, dried fruit, and frozen vegan appetizers if you’re looking for something quick and convenient. For more variety, you can even mix and match fresh veggies or crunchy snacks with vegan dips like salsa, nut butter, ranch, or hummus.

A lot of popular packaged snacks such as Oreos®, Pringles®, Sour Patch Kids®, and Fritos® are also “accidentally vegan.” However, we always recommend focusing on whole or minimally processed foods that taste amazing and help you feel your best. With so many great vegan appetizer recipes, you just might find a new favorite.

Healthy Vegan Appetizer Recipes

Meet this year’s starting lineup for your game-day spread! These crowd-pleasing vegan appetizers offer a little something for everyone’s taste.

1. Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

It’s the quintessential game day snack – but vegan! These Cauliflower Buffalo Wings will give any traditional chicken wing a run for its money. With a light batter and quick roast in the oven, you’ll have super crispy “wings,” while the delicious vegan buffalo sauce brings all the spicy flavor everyone loves. Eat them hot or at room temperature for the perfect party snack.

2. Grilled Veggie Kabobs

If your Big Game celebration involves a cookout, these Grilled Veggie Kabobs belong on the menu! Skewers are a convenient way to serve a crowd, and you can use any vegetables that are fresh and in-season. Tip: choose vegetables that all have a similar cooking time, such as zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, onions, and mushrooms to avoid over or undercooking!

3. Cashew Sriracha Aioli

Say hello to the perfect pairing for any snack at your Big Game soiree! This spicy, creamy sauce is perfect with crunchy crudité, sweet potato fries, veggie skewers, or even on top of a veggie burger. Made with cashews, it’s a satisfying alternative to highly processed condiments and store-bought dips.

4. Vegan Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potato recipes have made the rounds on social media, and our vegan version gives you yet another reason to love them. With a crispy crunchy outside and a soft, creamy center, these will go so fast, you might want to make an extra batch. Serve with ketchup, vegan ranch, or even the Cashew Sriracha Aioli!

5. Homemade Hummus

If you’ve never made your own hummus, you’ll be shocked at how simple it is – and how fun it is to customize! Starting with a simple base of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon, you can easily blend in roasted red peppers, garlic, olives, or your favorite herbs. Serve with sliced veggies, crackers, or toasted baguette. You can even do a sweet version for dipping fruit or pretzels!

6. Vegan Ranch Dip

A veggie tray is a classic vegan snack – but that doesn’t mean it can’t get an upgrade from the store-bought version. This homemade vegan ranch dip has all the flavor without the questionable ingredients. Along with carrots, cherry tomatoes, celery, sugar snap peas, and your other favorite veggies, this dip is also delicious with chips or Cauliflower Buffalo Wings.

7. Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

If you’re thinking “brussels sprouts on game day?!” hear us out. With a crunchy exterior and a sweet and tangy sauce, these Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are surprisingly addictive. Plus, the ingredients are perfect for football season! Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.

8. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites

It’s not a Big Game party without the sweet treats! If you left the desserts to the last minute, you can’t go wrong with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites. They don’t require any baking – just mix, roll, and serve!

9. Berry Cheesecake Cups

Single-serve snacks are perfect for feeding a crowd, which makes these Berry Cheesecake Cups an ideal vegan appetizer. A chewy homemade crust is topped with cashew and coconut milk filling and plenty of berries – all prepared and served in mini muffin tins for an impressive no-bake snack everyone will love.

10. Vegan Pumpkin Bread

Not everyone will agree on which team to cheer for, but everyone can get on board with a delicious loaf of Vegan Pumpkin Bread! This recipe is also gluten-free, so it’s a great treat for anyone with special dietary needs. You can even make it a day ahead and wrap it with an airtight cover for one less thing to make on game day.

Whether you’re hosting, attending, or just cozying up alone at home this year, ditch the greasy chips and try out one of these vegan recipes! They might not help your team score any points on the field, but they’re sure to score some major points with everyone who gets to enjoy them. And if you need an on-the-go vegan snack to hold you over until game time, don’t forget to grab your favorite MacroBars!