Plant-Based Perfection: 10 Best Vegan Party Foods
Are you looking for delicious vegan party food ideas to wow your guests at your next party?
Planning a vegan party can be daunting, especially when you’re trying to create something that's both delicious and healthy. Here are some of the best plant-based party foods to make sure your vegan feast is a hit with everyone. From delectable dips and finger foods to hearty savoury dishes and sweet treats, there's something for every vegan partygoer.
Considerations For Vegan Foods
The trend toward veganism has grown in recent years, with some research demonstrating this dietary pattern has specific health benefits in certain populations. A recent systematic review found that vegetarians and vegans have lower BMIs, lower cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer compared to those following a meat-centric diet. However, other evidence suggests that a long-term poorly executed vegan diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, including low omega-3, iron, zinc, calcium, iodine and vitamin B12.
So when it comes to catering for a vegan party, getting creative and ensuring you've got a balanced mix of party food is always a good idea. Whether you're following a plant-based diet yourself or you have some vegan friends to feed, there are so many ways to cater for everyone's dietary needs with some delicious vegan party food at your next event.
Vegan-Friendly Foods To Get The Party Started
Healthy vegan dips like hummus and guacamole are a much-loved staple at any party. These dips are full of healthy fats, plant-based protein and go perfectly with crunchy vegetables and pita chips.
Vegan finger foods can be a simple or fancy affair, depending on whether you're having a dinner party or a summer BBQ. Vegetarian fritters, smoky mushroom and zucchini kebabs, sweet potato chips or wedges with sweet chilli sauce are always crowd pleasers.
For mains, why not try something different like spicy jackfruit tacos, pizza scrolls or hearty lentil burgers with the works? These are delicious vegan options, sure to satisfy even your most meat-loving mates at the party. All of these vegan party foods are bursting with flavour and plant-based goodness. For a sweet vegan treat, indulge your family and friends with fudgy chocolate brownies, vegan ice cream, vegan lollies or some healthy dried fruit.
Quick and simple vegan party snack ideas include:
- Platter of dried fruit, nuts and seeds
- Dark chocolate snacks
- Trail mix
- Seaweed rice crackers
- Wasabi peas
- Edamame beans
- Salted pretzels or vegan chocolate pretzels
- Vegan lollies eg - strawberries gummies
Let's take a look at some of the best vegan party foods and recipes to make your next party a success. Now you can create the perfect plant-based menu for your next gathering.
Best Vegan Party Foods & Recipes
- Zesty Guacamole
- Classic Hummus
- Crunchy Cauliflower Popcorn
- Kale Fritters
- Crispy Potato Wedges
- Spicy Jackfruit Tacos
- 'Cheesy' Pizza Scrolls
- Hearty Lentil Burgers
- Chocolate Banana 'Icecream'
- Chocolate Brownies With Coconut Caramel Sauce
Recipes
'Cheesy' Pizza Scrolls
Ingredients
- 1 package of ready-made pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup red capsicum, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded vegan mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Top the cheese with the chopped capsicum, sliced olives, and sliced mushrooms.
- Season everything with the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Starting from one of the shorter ends of the rectangle, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
- Slice the log into rounds, about 4 cm thick, and arrange them on the prepared baking tray.
- Brush the tops of the scrolls with a little bit of olive oil.
- Bake the scrolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the scrolls cool slightly before serving.
Chocolate Banana 'Ice Cream'
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Vegan chocolate chips or nuts for topping (optional)
Method
- Peel the bananas and slice them into coins. Place the banana slices in a sealable bag and freeze them for at least 2 hours, or until they're completely frozen.
- Once the bananas are frozen, place them in a food processor or high-speed blender.
- Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the food processor or blender.
- Blend everything together until it's smooth and creamy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times to make sure everything gets blended.
- At this point, you can either serve the ice cream immediately for a soft-serve consistency, or you can transfer it to a loaf pan or container and freeze it for another 2 hours for a firmer consistency.
- If desired, sprinkle some vegan chocolate chips or nuts on top of the ice cream before serving.
Chocolate Brownies With Coconut Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coconut Caramel:
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Method
For the Brownies:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C and line a 20cm baking pan with baking paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the brownies for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
For the Coconut Caramel:
- In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring regularly.
- Continue to simmer the mixture for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has reduced by half and thickened into a caramel consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes, then pour it over the cooled brownies. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the brownies in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the caramel has set.
- Once the caramel has set, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
Classic Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Method
- In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, and blend until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.
- Drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the top of the hummus and add the pomegranate seeds.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve the hummus with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.