There are 25 tasty and filling appetizers on this diverse list, from divine dips to bright bites. There’s no need for fancy ingredients or vegan workarounds here. These recipes are made with whole foods, ingeniously crafted into addictive apps. Dairy-free or not, your guests will love crispy broccoli fritters, tomato and basil bruschetta, or jalapeno poppers. If you really want to impress, wow them with something different by trying watermelon canapes, cowboy caviar, or bang bang shrimp. Many of these dishes make great sides, too. There’s crispy sweet potato fries, fluffy biscuits, and piquant pico de gallo. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, cutting calories, or simply following a dairy-free regime, you don’t have to feel deprived. There’s a whole world of wonderful apps out there, so ditch the dairy and dive in!
1. Guacamole
With this easy copycat recipe, you can make Chipotle’s legendary guacamole from the comfort of your own kitchen. There’s no dairy needed in this chunky dip. Creamy avocado, zesty lime, red onion, fresh cilantro, and spicy jalapeno provide plenty of tempting flavors. For your next game day, ditch the store-bought stuff and make this amazing homemade guac instead.
2. Hummus
Hummus is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, where it’s enjoyed with meats, flatbreads, and vegetables. Tangy and creamy, it’s a great addition to any appetizer platter. And it’s so easy to make! Simply blend together chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and spices. This one is ready in minutes and will be devoured in seconds.
3. Bacon Wrapped Smokies
These cute smokies are perfect for summer camp-outs and backyard grills. Picture a juicy sausage, wrapped in bacon, and dipped in a brown sugar glaze. Are you drooling yet? If you’re grilling already, throw a few of these smokies alongside your meat. They’re a classic BBQ treat that’ll keep guests happy while you concentrate on the main dish. Sticky, sweet, and savory, these succulent smokies are impossible to resist so make extra!
4. Broccoli Fritters
These golden brown fritters are packed with antioxidant-rich broccoli, making them very nutritious nibbles. The batter is made from blended broccoli, chickpea flour, and flaxseeds, so it holds together perfectly. You’ll pan-fry these until brown and crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside. Yum! These flavorful fritters aren’t just dairy-free, they’re also keto, vegan, and gluten-free. You can happily serve them to a crowd and not worry about disrupting anyone’s diet.
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip
You may be avoiding dairy, but that doesn’t mean creamy dips are off-limits. This dreamy spinach and artichoke dip contains cashew cream in place of the usual sour cream or mayo. Blended together with spinach, artichokes, and garlic, it’s just as addictive as any dairy-loaded version. I love scooping this with tortilla chips, but it’s also great with celery or carrot sticks. On the very rare chance you have leftovers, save them to blend into soup or sauces.
6. Veggie Tray
A good veggie tray is the centerpiece of any foodie gathering. Healthy and light, it’s a great way to give your guests something to snack on amid greasier fare. This recipe features a variety of dips and crudites. It’s full of helpful suggestions about which veggies to pick to get the perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, savory, and soft. Garnish everything with fresh herbs, and you’ll have an impressive platter that’s full of superfoods and super tastes.
7. Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy caviar is a chunky, layered dip, and don’t worry, there’s no actual caviar involved. Beans, avocado, and vegetables are tossed in a zesty sauce to make a chunky salsa-style treat. Bright and colorful, this fresh app looks gorgeous. You could add more protein by tossing in cooked chicken or shrimp or just keep it vegetarian. This versatile app is easily customized and can be adapted to any occasion!
8. Bang Bang Shrimp
Spicy and tangy, bang bang shrimp is a firm favorite in our house. Juicy shrimp are coated in a cornstarch batter and then fried. You’ll know they’re done when they turn perfectly crispy and golden brown. That’s your cue to toss them in the spicy, sweet chili sauce. Pro tip – have lots of napkins on hand. These sticky shrimp can get messy. The good kind of messy.
9. Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer, first popularized in Tuscany. It’s best enjoyed in the summer when tomatoes are at their juicy best. But this delicious recipe will have you craving those fresh tastes all year round. Thick slices of crusty bread are topped with a bright blend of chopped tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil. This is an elegant app that’s simple, satisfying, and very healthy.
10. Tuna and Egg Canapes
These creamy canapes are packed with protein and taste. They’re small slices of fresh bread, piled high with a luscious tuna and egg mix. Serving a crowd? Dress them up with thick tomato and avocado slices for a splash of color and even more texture and taste.
11. Caramelized Onion Dip
Traditional onion dip is swirled with sour cream, but this vegan version is so delicious, you won’t miss the dairy. Soft and sweet caramelized onions are stirred together with a creamy mix of cashew, coconut cream, and Worcestershire sauce. You can easily make this ahead of time if you’re prepping for a big party. Let it come to room temperature before serving, and stir in a little extra water if necessary (it may thicken in the fridge).
12. Dumplings
This easy recipe shows you how to get restaurant-style dumplings at home, using your air fryer. Fun and addictive, Chinese-style potstickers are perfect for potlucks and parties. Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onion and serve with a tangy dip. Your guests will go crazy for these drool-worthy snacks.
13. Watermelon Canapes
Watermelon appetizers are perfect for beating the heat on summer days. Refreshing and sweet, these melon canapes provide bite-size hits of fresh flavor. They look gorgeous too! Bright red chunks of watermelon are wrapped in cucumber slices and topped with blueberry and a sprig of fresh mint.
14. Crab Cakes
If you thought crab cakes were a difficult appetizer to make, think again. This easy recipe contains just 7 ingredients and gets you warm, crispy crab cakes within 15 minutes. Served with a fresh green salad and your favorite dip, they make a mouth-watering appetizer or light lunch.
15. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a very traditional appetizer. Food historians believe they were even served in ancient Rome as a pre-main meal treat. So you can thank the Romans as you’re gobbling down these creamy bite-sized snacks. This classic recipe sticks to the tried and tested formula. You’ll mash egg yolks with mayo, stir in a few spices, and then spoon the delicious mix back into the hollowed-out egg white. These easy apps are a great time-saver too. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until needed. Just don’t let them hang around outdoors on hot days. Roman chefs would not approve!
16. Mango Salsa
This sweet and spicy dip takes salsa to a whole new level. Fruity and zesty, it’s made with chopped mango, jalapeno, red onion, and fresh cilantro. You’ll love how easy this fuss-free app can be. You won’t even need to measure your ingredients. Simply toss everything together in a bowl and go! It’s great made ahead, too. Chilling this snappy salsa in the fridge overnight only deepens the zesty flavors. This is a mouth-watering starter or side that’s just begging to be piled onto a tortilla chip and guzzled.
17. Sweet Potato Fries
Every so often I get an insatiable craving for crispy sweet potato fries. When those munchies hit, reach for this easy recipe. You’ll get perfect fries every time thanks to the clear instructions here, With suggestions on seasonings, cooking methods, and how to serve. Golden brown and with just the right amount of crunch, these homemade fries are so much better than the greasy restaurant kind.
18. Dairy Free Cheese Ball
This vegan cheese ball is truly one of the wonders of our age. It tastes like creamy, cheesy goodness, and yet there’s zero dairy. Made with cashews and coconut oil, there’s a lot of fun, funky flavor in this app. Mustard, paprika, and turmeric add a hint of smoky spice while a tablespoon of whiskey gives it rich depth. Roll in sliced almonds, cranberries, and fresh thyme before serving. Whether you’re vegan or not, this is a great option for festive gatherings and holiday parties.
19. Shrimp Cocktail
Store-bought shrimp rings are okay in a pinch, but there’s nothing like homemade shrimp cocktail. This recipe gives the classic appetizer a modern-day touch by roasting the shrimp beforehand. Roasting gives the seafood a richer flavor that works beautifully with the tangy, tomato-based cocktail sauce.
20. Pico De Gallo
This traditional Mexican dip is a chunky mix of fresh, juicy flavors. It’s the perfect sweet and spicy summer app. It’s so easy to make, you can throw everything together in minutes and get on with snacking. Simply toss together ripe tomatoes, white onion, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and lime. Stir, serve, and suck it down!
21. Jalapeno Poppers
Game day isn’t game day without a heaping platter of jalapeno poppers. There’s a lot going on with this zany recipe. Sweet, crunchy, spicy, and creamy, it’s a blast for your taste buds. And yes, the creamy center is 100% dairy-free. Vegan cream cheese is mixed with garlic and onion then spooned into crunchy jalapeno halves. They’re sprinkled with breadcrumbs and toasted until crispy. But what makes these poppers really special is the fruity dipping sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the cheesy, spicy goodness.
22. Fries
If you’ve ever tasted Popeye’s french fries, you’ll know they’re hard to forget and hard to stop eating. Next time you’re craving that irresistible crunchy goodness, make these homemade snacks. Tossed in a Cajun seasoning, these mouth-watering fries are the ultimate addictive app. They’re even better than the original, providing all the flavor without the grease and unhealthy fats.
23. Caponata
Caponata is a classic Sicilian appetizer, usually served in late summer when the ingredients are bursting with fresh, ripe flavor. You may not be able to get tomatoes fresh from a Mediterranean vine, but this recipe brings all the tastes of Southern Italy right to your door. It’s made with eggplant, tomatoes, onion, and capers. Fresh basil and garlic provide sharp flavor, and a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts adds a nutty finish.
24. Biscuits
You’ll be amazed that there’s no milk or butter in these beautifully moist and fluffy biscuits. Instead of milk, you’ll use water. And instead of butter, you’ll use oil. But don’t worry about all the substitutions. You’ll still get flaky, buttery-tasting biscuits. They only need 30 minutes in the oven to turn into airy, melt-in-the-mouth appetizers. And, as a bonus, they’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly!
25. Black Bean Soup
Black bean soup is a dense, hearty, and healthy appetizer. It’s perfect for chilly nights or as part of a South American-style feast. Delicately flavored with garlic and cumin, this warming stew is full of fiber and plant-based protein. I love to serve mine topped with roasted corn and a sprinkling of fresh coriander but you can easily customize this versatile app. Add slices of creamy avocado, or squeeze in some fresh lime juice! Click on a star to rate it!
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