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Canapés or bite-sized food can be popped easily into one’s mouth while standing around and mingling at a party – allowing for a break between the drinking. Easily prepared at home, these appetisers have tons of variations – traditionally made by topping bread or a cracker with some veggies, meat and a garnish. While these are delicious, some variations also accommodate vegetarian and vegan preferences, making them perfect for your friends with stringent dietary choices. Choose from a wide range of vegetables and fruits like figs, cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes, as well as hummus, olives and capers to the roster.
Avocado-Tomato Crostini
A great vegan alternative for those with dietary allergies or preferences is a delicious slice of baguette topped with creamy avocado and sweet cherry tomatoes. Roast or grill the tomatoes slightly for a slightly smoky texture. You could also use sundried tomatoes from a jar for a boost of umami flavour and tartness.
Stuffed Mushrooms
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If there was one appetiser that is a hit with all kinds of party-goers, it is the stuffed mushroom. These bite-sized morsels made by mixing cream cheese, garlic, herbs and bread crumbs is put into the cavity of the mushrooms and baked with gooey cheese on top. Experiment with fillings of your choice and use plant-based minced meat for double the heartiness.
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Olive Tapenade Crostini
For a mezze style cocktail evening which serves delightful cocktails like martinis, margaritas and highballs, the olive tapenade brings in a much-needed palate cleansing flavour for guests to continue drinking. Prepare a baguette with homemade or store-bought tapenade and enjoy this as the perfect vegan alternative whilst ensuring your canapés taste creamy and indulgent.
Bruschetta
A vegetarian’s delight – bruschettas can be made in a variety of ways, with easy assembly while hosting at home. Use high quality bread topped with fresh tomatoes, herbs, garlic and olive oil for a refreshing taste. Pair these carb-loaded bites with vodka, gin and tequila based cocktails since their bright flavours balance the intensity of certain spirit-forward drinks.
Hummus Stuffed Peppers
For vegans and vegetarians, hummus can be quite versatile an ingredient – if used efficiently and creatively. Simply source fresh snacking peppers mini bell peppers to pipe in some creamy hummus and garnish with chopped chives or a dollop of sour cream. This slightly salty and umami appetiser is a perfect pairing for fruity cocktails like daiquiris.
Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwich Fingers
Easy to throw together, these sandwich fingers need exactly what their name says – freshly sliced cucumber, cream cheese and white bread. Replace regular bread with a seed loaf for extra texture and crunch and add a drizzle of chilli oil if you like a kick of spice. Alternately, use crackers as your foundation if you want a crispy texture to your canapé.
