So you’re hosting a party! Maybe it’s your birthday, and you need cake? Or maybe you just want to impress your friends with a selection of great snacks and drinks? If it’s your first time hosting a party with plant-based food, don’t stress – try some of the ideas listed here, and then watch as your friends tuck in, oblivious to the fact that they’re eating food that’s totally free of animal products!
Birthday cake
If it’s your birthday, you should have cake. While store-bought cakes or cakes from local bakeries generally contain animal products such as milk and eggs, the market for vegan cakes is booming. Try looking online for bakers in your area who can help you make a delicious cake without any animal products – you might be pleasantly surprised.
If you prefer to go the home-baked route, try out a classic and fool-proof apple pie. Or if you’d prefer, try this black forest cherry cake. The fresh lemon-poppyseed cake in the picture below is also highly recommended. Of course, you could also try to veganise a favourite recipe by replacing the animal ingredients with a plant-based substitutes. Check out this article about egg replacements.
Savoury snacks:
To recover from the sugar rush after tea and cake, you’ll need some great savoury snacks: hummus and carrots is not impressive enough for a party! Read more about our suggestions and get started:
Everybody loves some Italian
There’s nothing more easily-pleasing than some familiar Italian-style cuisine. Here are some ideas for vegan-friendly Italian party snacks:
- An easy wrap with vegan ricotta and sun-dried tomato.
- Bruschetta with tomato, basil, and a little garlic.
- Homemade mini-pizzas with tomato sauce, grilled vegetables, and some vegan cheese.
- A small bowl with your favourite pasta recipe.
A taste of Asia
There is something for everyone in Asian cuisine. Try some of these exciting options:
- Vegetable spring rolls served with a dipping sauce.
- A delicious peanut satay, but with vegan chicken or tofu/tempeh.
- Vegan tempura vegetables.
- Vietnamese rice-paper rolls filled with fresh vegetables, fruit, and a delicious dressing.
- No-fish sushi. Leaving out the fish makes sushi a lot cheaper and makes for a fun snack.
- Vegan dim sum, with a mushroom filling, for example.
- Tempeh satay.
Go Med
Mediterranean cooking consists of much more than just hummus, and includes many plant-based options. Try:
- Falafel, served with fresh vegetables and dips such as homemade hummus or muhammara.
- Grilled eggplant or zucchini slices, rolled up with a little hummus in the middle.
- Dolmades.
- Spanakopitas, a Greek savoury filo pastry.
The Mexican way
Who doesn’t like Mexican tacos, guacamole, and salsa?
- For a cosy vegan party snack, fill a large bowl with nachos, lentils, and, of course, melty vegan cheese.;
- Try some mini Mexican tacos, filled with vegan chicken, peppers, and vegan cheese. To quickly make tacos, cut out squares from wraps and put them over an upside-down cupcake tin, so you get a mini taco!
- Quesadillas with guacamole and grilled peppers, heated in a sandwich grill or in a pan.
