20 Irresistible Vegan & Vegetarian Christmas Starters

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to start planning your festive menu.

These starter recipes are not only plant-based and full of flavour, but they're also guaranteed to impress even the most die-hard meat-eaters at your table. So, grab your apron and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delightful vegan and vegetarian Christmas starters!

Vegan Christmas Starters

1.Vegan Mushroom Rolls

If you're looking for a delicious and vegan-friendly starter that will impress your guests, look no further than these mouthwatering vegan mushroom rolls. Packed with flavour and easy to make, these rolls are the perfect way to kick off your holiday feast.

Source: Sainsbury's

2. Baby Artichoke Bruschetta

If you're looking to impress your guests with a unique and flavourful Christmas starter, look no further than vegan baby artichoke bruschetta. With its combination of earthy artichoke and zesty lemon, this dish is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Source: Jamie Oliver

3. Roasted Parsnip & Carrot Soup with Kale Crisps

Why not start your festive feast with a delicious and nutritious vegan roasted parsnip & carrot soup with kale crisps? This hearty and flavourful soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it the perfect way to kick off your holiday meal.

Source: Waitrose

4. Middle Eastern Aubergine Skewers

Packed with aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, these skewers are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you're a vegan looking for a festive starter or simply want to add some plant-based options to your holiday spread, this recipe is a must-try.

Source: Tesco Real Food

5. Brussels Sprouts With Mushroom 'Bacon'

This creative and flavourful dish is sure to impress your guests, whether they follow a vegan diet or not. This recipe combines the earthy flavours of Brussels sprouts with the smoky and savoury taste of mushroom 'bacon'. You won't believe how easy it is to make this mouthwatering dish that will kick off your holiday meal in style.

Source: BOSH!

6. Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

This recipe is perfect for both vegans and non-vegans alike, with its savoury garlic flavour and creamy cashew cheese dip. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply want to add some pizzazz to your dinner table, these dough balls are sure to be a hit.

Source: Domestic Gothess

7. Vegan Pigs In Blankets

If you're following a vegan diet or have vegan guests joining you for the festivities, you may be wondering how to recreate some classic holiday dishes without animal products. Look no further than this delicious recipe for vegan pigs in blankets! These tasty treats are sure to impress even the most dedicated meat-eaters at your Christmas table.

Source: Meatless Farm

8. Portobello Mushroom Tarts

With their rich, earthy flavour and flaky puff pastry crust, these tarts are sure to impress your guests. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe is the perfect choice. So, grab your apron and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these mouthwatering Portobello mushroom tarts!

Source: Tesco Real Food

9. Cauliflower Fritters with Herby Dipping Sauce

These cauliflower fritters with herby dipping sauce are a flavourful and nutritious option that will impress your guests and leave them asking for more. Made with fresh cauliflower, herbs, and a few other simple ingredients, these fritters are easy to make and make a great starter!

Source: BBC Good Food

10. Holly Jolly Tartelettes

These delightful and visually stunning tartelettes make the perfect festive starter, featuring vegan filet pieces, pumpkin, red beets and flaky pastry. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Source: Garden Gourmet

Vegetarian Christmas Starters

11. Parsnip, Butterbean & Rosemary Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche

This hearty soup is packed with seasonal flavours and is sure to impress your guests. From the comforting taste of parsnips to the creamy texture of butterbeans, every spoonful will warm your soul. And the tangy twist of lemon crème fraiche adds a refreshing touch to balance out the richness of the soup.

Source: Waitrose

12. Beetroot, Goat's Cheese and Hazelnut Galettes

These savoury pastries are not only visually stunning but also packed with flavour. The earthy sweetness of the beetroot is perfectly balanced by the creamy tanginess of the goat's cheese, while the crunch of the hazelnuts adds a delightful textural element.

Source: Sainsbury’s

13. Sweet Potato And Feta Parcels

These sweet potato and feta parcels are the perfect addition to your Christmas spread. Packed with the perfect combination of sweet and savoury flavours, these little bundles of joy are sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering.

Source: BBC Food

14. Blue Cheese stuffed Dates With Maple Pecans

If you're looking for a delicious and unique appetizer to serve at your Christmas gathering, look no further than blue cheese stuffed dates with maple pecans. This flavour combination is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Source: Tesco Real Food

15. Squash, Sage & Chestnut Rolls

What better way to celebrate the festive season than with delicious homemade treats? These squash, sage, and chestnut rolls are the perfect addition to your Christmas feast. Packed with festive flavours and wrapped in flaky pastry, they're sure to impress your family and friends.

Source: Jamie Oliver

16. Whole Baked Camembert

From choosing the perfect Camembert cheese to serving it up with an array of tasty accompaniments - grab your apron and get ready to impress your loved ones with this indulgent treat that's guaranteed to spread some cheesy holiday cheer!

Source: Mob

17. Honey Glazed Parsnips with Baked Parmesan Dip

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of parsnips with a sticky honey glaze, paired perfectly with a creamy baked parmesan dip. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a big family feast, this Christmas starter is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Source: Delicious Magazine

18. Pear, Ricotta And Chestnut Bruschetta

With its combination of sweet pears, creamy ricotta cheese, and nutty chestnuts, this dish is sure to be a hit. It's simple to make and can be prepared in advance, making it the perfect choice for busy holiday entertaining.

Source: Marks and Spencer

19. Deep-fried Olives Stuffed With Ricotta And Guindilla Chilli

Looking to impress your guests with a unique and delicious starter this Christmas? Look no further than deep-fried olives stuffed with ricotta and Guindilla chilli. This recipe combines the briny goodness of olives with creamy ricotta cheese and a kick of heat from Guindilla chillies.

Source: Olive Magazine

20. Christmas Caprese Wreath

This Christmas caprese wreath recipe will make a great centrepiece and add a touch of holiday cheer to any gathering. With fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this dish is not only beautiful but also bursting with flavour.

Source: Taste

Sustainable Tableware

If you're looking to serve up your Christmas starters with an eco-friendly twist, sustainable tableware is the way to go! Options like palm leaf plates, bowls and serving trays are not only biodegradable but also sturdy enough to hold all your delicious appetizers and have a natural rustic charm. Don't forget about compostable cutlery made from plant-based materials like wood.

These options not only look beautiful on your table but also help reduce waste and minimize your environmental impact during the holiday season. So go ahead and serve up your delicious starters with a side of sustainability this Christmas!