15 Appetizer Recipes That’ll Make ‘Em Say, “Wow, I Can’t Believe It’s Vegan!”

When you're hosting vegan guests for dinner, instead of relying on the same old store-bought hummus, flex your culinary muscles and try something really tasty — all without any meat, dairy, or eggs. Cooking vegan makes you see ingredients in a whole new light, whether that means turning cashews into cheese or chickpea brine, AKA aquafaba, into a fluffy mousse. Starting your meal with a creative and delicious vegan appetizer will send the message that you're a thoughtful host and make your guests feel welcomed. If you're not sure where to begin, these 15 recipes can show you the way.

Vegan Bavarian Pretzels: Soft, chewy pretzels made from scratch are reason enough for celebration in and of themselves. Serve with a variety of mustards. (via Well Vegan)

Roasted Beet Hummus With Hazelnut Oil and Rosemary: Skip the store-bought hummus in favor of this eye-catching spread. It'll add tons of color to your table, and the hazelnut oil and rosemary give it an elegant flair. (via Vegetarian Ventures)

Curried Butternut Squash Fritters: Curry spices and sweet butternut squash achieve a delectable balance of flavor in these fritters. The crispy exterior adds texture against the tender insides. (via A Dash of Megnut)

Chipotle Lentil Taquitos: Taquitos are a little more party-friendly than regular, often sloppy, tacos. The crispy tortillas wrap around a hearty chipotle-lentil filling, and a dash of guac finishes them off. (via The Nut-Free Vegan)

Easy Blender Fire Roasted Salsa: You can make this easy salsa whenever you have last-minute guests. Roasted veggies and canned tomatoes are just thrown in the blender and whizzed together until they reach your preferred texture. (via Get Inspired Everyday!)

Hoisin-Glazed Vegan Meatballs: Sticky sweet hoisin glaze clings to these party-friendly meatballs. Save time by getting frozen vegan meatballs to use as your base. (via Homegrown Provisions)

Maple Dijon Vegan Cheese Ball: It's just not a party without a cheese ball. Make an easy homemade cashew cheese, then add in maple syrup and Dijon mustard to give it a bit of a kick. (via Connoisseurus Veg)

Onion, Apple, and Squash Bites: Sweet butternut squash, caramelized onion, and apple achieve the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Flaky vegan pastry surrounds the filling. (via Dora Daily)

Simple Garlic Smashed Potatoes: Crispy and fluffy smashed potatoes are like the grown-up version of potato chips. Top them with garlic and fresh thyme to give each bite a boost. (via Simply Sisson)

Sticky Chipotle Cauliflower Wings: Wing lovers will go crazy for these crispy cauliflower bites. Drench them in a sticky, spicy chipotle sauce and watch your guests go wild. (via Simple Seasonal)

Eggplant and Hummus Flatbread: Flatbreads are basically the sophisticated answer to pizza, and people love them just as much. Drizzled with balsamic glaze, this tomato and eggplant flatbread gets a touch of creamy luxury thanks to a hummus base. (via This Savory Vegan)

Vegan Lettuce Wraps: Tender lettuce leaves are wrapped around a savory vegan filling to create these fun party bites. Dunk them in a tangy sauce made from soy and vinegar. (via Vegan Huggs)

Vegan Queso Fundido: Gooey loaded vegan queso fundido is so good, you'll want to eat it with a spoon. It's a fun treat to serve on movie or game night. (via Eat Figs, Not Pigs)

Rainbow Sushi Donuts: Whimsical sushi donuts wouldn't be out of place at your next garden party. Each vegetable and fruit nestled atop a circle of rice makes up part of an edible rainbow. (via Healthy Little Vittles)

Vegan Macadamia Cheese Spread: When you're pressed for time, this five-minute macadamia cheese spread will be a huge lifesaver. Unlike cashews, macadamia nuts don't have to be soaked ahead of time if you want to blend them into something tasty. (via Hello Spoonful)