30 vegan appetizer recipes & sandwiches for Game Day

Game Day isn’t complete without a tasty spread. Here are 30+ vegan appetizer recipes and sandwiches for the big game. The list includes dips, finger foods, spreads, and hearty sandwiches that require two hands to hold. 

There are all kinds of rivalries and opinions when it comes to sports. But if there’s one place we can come together, it is over the appetizer table.

Here are 30 vegan appetizer recipes & sandwiches, perfect for Game Day.

Whether you’re watching the game on TV or just feeling snack-y, these enticing vegan appetizer recipes will surely satisfy. There’s everything from dips and spreads to finger foods and filling sandwiches.

Seven layer dip

This vegan 7 layer dip includes vegan refried beans, easy guacamole, non-dairy cream cheese, and pico de gallo. It’s like deconstructed nachos!

Loaded nachos

Speaking of nachos, these loaded vegan nachos are packed with plant-based chorizo, black beans, tomatoes, and guacamole. They’re finished with a generous slathering of cashew queso.

Walking tacos

Take your tacos on the go with vegan walking tacos. Everyone can get in on the fun by adding the toppings they love most.

Chili cheese tater tots

Replace chips with tater tots for vegan chili cheese tater tots. These loaded tots are covered in 3 bean chili and cashew queso.

Chili dog

Of course, if you already have chili made, vegan chili dogs are a must! Ladle 3 bean chili over a grilled or pan fried veggie dog. Don’t forget the pickle plank!

Chili dog pizza

Keep the chili love going with this chili dog pizza. It has all of the flavors of that classic combo on a cornmeal pizza crust. Just add your favorite toppings!

Vegan chili cheese dip

Vegan chili cheese dip doesn’t get better than this! Three bean chili comes together with seitan chorizo and cashew queso. Just add tortilla chips!

Vegan jalapeño poppers

Calling all spicy food lovers! These vegan jalapeño poppers are filled with non-dairy cream cheese, breaded in panko, and fried. Or you can cook them in the air fryer or oven! Serve with vegan ranch dressing for dipping.

Spinach artichoke dip

There’s a reason that vegan spinach artichoke dip is a classic. With big chunks of artichokes in every bite, this one is sure to please the artichoke lovers out there. The base is made with cashews, making it wonderfully smooth.

Pineapple salsa

Pineapple salsa takes only 10 minutes to make! Fresh, juicy, and a welcome addition to your appetizer line-up. Just add tortilla chips!

Pizza hummus

Sun-dried tomato hummus has all of the flavors of pizza. Add your favorite toppings like seitan pepperoni, olives, or artichoke hearts. Then get dipping with toasted pizza crust instead of pita.

Buffalo hummus

Buffalo hummus is topped with a creamy layer of vegan blue cheese dressing. Hot sauce gives it a spicy edge, while the dressing cools it down. Serve with toasted pita chips or celery.

Tortilla pinwheels with buffalo hummus

Put that buffalo hummus to use in tortilla pinwheels. It’s a fun finger food option that is loaded with fresh vegetables.

Buffalo chickpea sandwich

Keep that buffalo theme going with a buffalo chickpea sandwich. Load the sandwiches up with vegan blue cheese dressing. 

Prefer a chewy bite? Make buffalo Soy Curls instead!

BBQ sandwich

Soy Curls also work beautifully for a vegan BBQ sandwich. Top it with a mound of cool & creamy cole slaw.

Taquitos with jackfruit carnitas

Crispy vegan taquitos are filled with wine-infused jackfruit carnitas. Cook them in the oven or in the air fryer.

Baked taquitos with sweet potatoes

Or make baked taquitos filled with smoky sweet potatoes and black beans. They can also be made in the oven or air fryer!

Fried olives

You’ll want to pop these fried olives into your mouth – one right after the other. They’re stuffed with vegan feta cheese, breaded, and fried until crisp.

Loaded potato slices with cashew cream 

Sliced roasted potatoes are the spud’s answer to crostini. They are topped with cashew cream, seitan bacon, and green onions. Make them in the oven or make the potatoes in air fryer!

Vegan fried shrimp

Hearts of palm take the starring role in this fried vegan shrimp recipe. Serve with cocktail sauce for dipping!

Fried ravioli

Vegan fried ravioli isn’t just for restaurants anymore! Using the air fryer, it’s ready in about 20 minutes. Pull out some jarred marinara & get dunking!

Crispy fried pickles

Crispy fried pickles

Fried pickles with vegan ranch dressing is a sure-fire crowd pleaser. Make them in the air fryer or in hot oil on the stove.

Crabless rangoon

In my pre-vegan life, I often got crab rangoon at a Chinese restaurant in Des Moines. Now you can make this simplified version of vegan crab rangoon at home with just a few ingredients.

Pierogi quesadillas

Pierogi-style vegan quesadillas are stuffed with potatoes, onions, non-dairy cheese, and kraut. And on the side, there’s homemade non-dairy ranch for dipping.

Refried bean quesadilla

Or for a more standard quesadilla experience, make a refried bean quesadilla. With a simple spread of homemade refried beans and non-dairy cheese, this appetizer is as easy as it is delicious.

Jackfruit Philly cheesesteak

For a heartier option, a vegan Philly cheesesteak is a heavy-duty sandwich that screams comfort food. It’s packed with savory jackfruit, cashew cheese, sautéed onions, and peppers.

Air fryer bagel pizzas

Pick up a dozen bagels at your favorite bakery, slice them, and then let your guests add their favorite toppings for air fryer bagel pizzas. They’re ready to go in about 10 minutes!

Vegan crab cakes

Vegan crab cakes are made with artichoke hearts and chickpeas. They’re finished with a dollop of lemon dill aioli. Plus, they can be fried, baked, or made in the air fryer!

Bánh mì sandwich

This vegan bánh mì is packed with seasoned seitan, carrots, radishes, cucumber, and cilantro. It’s a delicious mix of hearty, cool, and crunchy.

Vegan fried chicken

Vegan fried chicken is served drumstick-style, thanks to a bamboo skewer. It is covered in a rice paper “skin,” breaded, and fried. 

Vegan cheeseburger pizza

Get all the flavors of a cheeseburger in pizza form! Vegan cheeseburger pizza comes together quickly thanks to shortcuts like pre-made crust and a prepared veggie burger. You couldn’t get takeout in less time!

Content and photos updated January 27, 2021. Originally posted December 2017.