25+ vegan appetizers & sandwiches for Game Day

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Game Day isn’t complete without a tasty spread. Here are 25 favorite 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. Now you’re set for tailgating!

This time of year, football is inescapable – especially in the college town where I live. And while there are all kinds of rivalries and opinions, one place we can come together is over the appetizer table.

So today I’m sharing 25 favorite vegan appetizer recipes & sandwiches for Game Day.

Whether you’re tailgating, having friends over to watch the game on TV, or you know, just feeling snack-y, these enticing appetizer recipes and sandwiches 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.

In addition to tailgating, it’s great for parties & holidays!

Nacho bar

For this vegan nacho bar, put out a spread of vegan cheese dip, spicy black beans, seitan chorizo, salsa, and tortillas. Then let your guests put together their perfect nacho platter.

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!

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!

Hummus: Four Ways

Easy hummus recipe

Pizza hummus

Kalamata olive hummus

Buffalo hummus with vegan blue cheese

I know, I know. Everyone expects the vegans to bring hummus to a party. But hey, hummus is tasty! 

• Keep it classic with a basic easy hummus recipe.
• Turn it up a notch with the brininess of kalamata olives.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes and spices for the flavors of pizza. Then top it with any of your favorite pizza toppings for added texture and interest.
• Or go with everyone’s favorite tailgating flavor – buffalo.

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 Soy Curls sandwich

Keep that buffalo theme going with a buffalo Soy Curls sandwich. The Soy Curls come together in minutes in the air fryer. Load the sandwiches up with vegan blue cheese dressing. 

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!

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!

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 non-dairy ranch 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!

Banh mi sandwich

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

Originally posted December 2017. Content and photos updated September 2019.