Vegan game day foods are essential, whether you're watching Super Bowl Sunday with friends or hosting a casual get-together. From buffalo cauliflower wings and vegan crab cakes to tasty tacos, brownie bites, and s'mores bars, there are recipes for everyone in my collection of vegan game day snacks!
Gone are the days when vegan options meant a simple veggie tray or some hummus on the side. Now, vegan foods for game day can be just as hearty, indulgent, and crave-worthy as any traditional snacks. My collection of vegan game day food recipes brings together everything you need to create an exciting, satisfying spread.
While not all vegan game day recipes double as tailgate foods, many of the recipes on my list are perfect for taking on the road as well.
Best Vegan Game Day Foods
Creating a spread of vegan game day snacks doesn’t have to be complicated, and with my selection of recipes, you can keep things both exciting and plant-based. Get ready to impress your family and friends.
1. Vegan Carnitas
My vegan carnitas are delicious. Made with jackfruit, they offer that satisfying, shredded texture you’d expect from traditional carnitas, but without the meat.
Seasoned with smoky spices and liquid smoke, and cooked to crispy perfection, they’re a fantastic filling for tacos, burritos, or even loaded vegan nachos.
I love to pair it with my fresh, zesty pico de gallo for some fresh Mexican flavor.
2. Vegan Crab Cakes
If you’re looking for a seafood alternative, my vegan crab cakes are where it’s at. Made with hearts of palm and chickpeas, they capture the flaky texture of real crab.
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re seasoned with Old Bay and herbs for that authentic flavor. Perfect when paired with vegan tartar sauce, this is one of those vegan game day foods that will impress.
3. Crispy Fried Tofu Bites
Crispy, golden, and totally yummy, these tofu bites are the perfect finger food for game day. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces—buffalo, BBQ, or even creamy vegan ranch dressing.
For a baked option, try my sesame soy marinated baked tofu!
4. Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
For those with a sweet tooth, my vegan peanut butter cookies are a must. Soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, they’re incredibly easy to make and even easier to eat.
They’re great for sharing, but don’t be surprised if they disappear before halftime.
5. Chickpea Tuna Salad
My chickpea tuna is a healthy, protein-packed alternative to traditional tuna salad. Mashed chickpeas combined with my vegan egg free mayo, with all the right spices, make it totally delicious.
Serve it as a dip with crackers, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a filling for lettuce wraps. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for snacking throughout the game.
6. Vegan Nacho Cheese Dip
Cheesy, creamy, and totally plant based, my easy vegan nacho cheese dip is the ultimate game day indulgence. Made from a base of cashews and potatoes, this dip is smooth and loaded with flavor.
It's the perfect companion for tortilla chips, pretzels, or even fresh veggies. It’s a cheesy vegan queso that’ll keep everyone dipping.
You could even use it to make a Mexican layer dip! Just use your favorite bean dip recipe and top with my guacamole and salsa.
7. Vegan Cookie Dough Bites
These little bites of cookie dough heaven are a sweet treat that you can feel good about eating raw. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and perfect for snacking during the game.
8. Blender Salsa
Fresh, zesty, and made in minutes, this blender salsa is a game day staple. Just throw canned tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro into a blender and pulse to your desired consistency. It’s as easy as that!
Serve it with tortilla chips or over tacos for a burst of freshness that will keep the party going.
9. Vegan Ceviche with Hearts of Palm
Light, tangy, and refreshing, my vegan ceviche is a bright addition to any game day spread. Made with hearts of palm, this dish brings all the flavors of the sea without the seafood.
It's a vegan game day snack to serve with tortilla chips or lettuce cups. A refreshing break from heavier foods, but just as flavorful.
10. Vegan Falafel
Crispy, flavorful falafel is a must-have. Made from a blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, these little bites are packed with protein and flavor.
I like to serve them with tahini or hummus for dipping, or tuck them into pita bread for a more substantial snack. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and totally satisfying.
11. Guacamole
No list of game day and super bowl recipes is complete without guacamole. Creamy, zesty, and packed with fresh flavors, it’s a go-to snack that everyone loves.
Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt, my guacamole recipe is the perfect dip for tortilla chips. It’s also versatile enough to pair with veggie sticks, top tacos, or serve alongside your favorite dishes.
12. Vegan No Bake Brownie Bites
Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly yummy, these vegan brownie bites are the perfect easy game day food. They’re bite-sized, which makes them easy to grab between plays, and they pack all the chocolatey goodness you expect from a full-sized brownie.
Perfect for guests with a sweet tooth, this vegan game day food is guaranteed to disappear quickly. It's also an ideal vegan tailgate food too!
I like to pair them with my vegan salted caramel sauce!
13. Cheddar Cashew Cheese Dip
My vegan cheddar cheese dip is a creamy, velvety delight that’s perfect for dipping. Made with cashews and a combination of simple ingredients, it has that familiar cheesy taste you crave, but without any dairy.
Serve it with pretzels, veggies, or even drizzle it over nachos for a cheesy hit that keeps everyone coming back for more.
14. Vegan Black Bean Burgers
Hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein, my vegan black bean burgers are a game day favorite.
Serve them on slider buns for easy handling, and don’t forget the toppings—lettuce, tomato, avocado, and a dollop of vegan chipotle mayo take these burgers to the next level.
15. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Everyone loves a classic, and my vegan chocolate chip cookies deliver all the nostalgia without the dairy or eggs. Crispy on the edges and gooey in the center, they’re packed with melty chocolate chips that will have your guests reaching for more.
Whether you bake them fresh or make them ahead of time, they’re sure to be a hit at your game day gathering and a perfect vegan tailgate food too.
16. Vegan Pupusas
Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish that brings something unique to the table. These thick, handmade corn flatbreads are stuffed with savory fillings like beans and vegan cheese, and then cooked to perfection.
They’re perfect for a game day snack because they’re easy to hold and bursting with flavor. Serve with a side of salsa or curtido (pickled cabbage) for an authentic touch.
17. Vegan S’mores Bars
These s'mores bars are gooey, sweet, and packed with nostalgia, making them a great vegan game day food option. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
18. Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Spicy and totally satisfying, crispy buffalo cauliflower wings need to be at every vegan super bowl party. These wings pack all the heat and crunch you’d expect from traditional buffalo wings.
Serve with my homemade vegan ranch for dipping! As far as vegan game day foods go, this recipe is a must try!
19. BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
These BBQ jackfruit sliders are the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and savory. Jackfruit shreds just like pulled pork, making it an ideal base for a plant-based slider.
Top with coleslaw for a satisfying snack that’s the perfect vegan tailgate food or game day party food. They’re small, but they pack a big flavor punch.
20. Vegan Jalapeño Poppers
If you like a little spice, vegan stuffed jalapeño poppers are the way to go. They’ve got the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making them a standout snack that’s hard to resist.
I like to serve them with a cooling dip like vegan ranch or a dollop of vegan cream cheese to take the edge off the spice.
21. Vegan Mac and Cheese Bites
Vegan mac and cheese bites are the ultimate comfort food turned into a perfect vegan game day snack. Creamy, cheesy, and baked into bite-sized portions, these little bites are golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft and gooey inside.
Serve them with a dipping sauce for an extra layer of indulgence, and watch them disappear. This is one of our favorites in my house.
22. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, vegan spinach artichoke dip is a crowd favorite. It’s the perfect dip to serve with crackers, pita chips, or veggie sticks.
Warm and savory, this dip will quickly become a go-to vegan game day food.
23. Cheesy Vegan Quesadillas
Who doesn't love a yummy quesadilla? I do! And this vegan version is no exception. Filled with melty vegan cheese, veggies, and beans, these quesadillas are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Plus, the recipe is easy to customize. Add some vegan taco meat, jackfruit carnitas, or any veggies you like!
Serve them with salsa, guacamole, and vegan sour cream for dipping, and they’ll be a standout.
24. Vegan 3 Bean Chili
A hearty bowl of vegan chili is perfect for game day, especially if you’re looking for something warm and comforting. Loaded with beans, veggies, and a rich blend of spices, this plant-based chili is as satisfying as it gets.
Serve it in bowls or use it as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes—it’s a versatile dish.
Plus, you can freeze the leftovers, which I love!
25. Vegan Soft Pretzel Bites
Soft, chewy, and just the right amount of salty, vegan soft pretzel bites are an easy snack that everyone will love. They’re perfect for dipping in mustard or my vegan cheddar cheese sauce.
Their bite-sized shape makes them ideal for sharing.
26. Vegan Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy on the outside, and melty on the inside, vegan mozzarella sticks are a vegan game day snack that’s hard to resist. Made with dairy-free cheese, these sticks are breaded and cooked until golden.
Serve them with my marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a nostalgic vegan game day food that’ll satisfy any cheese lover.
27. Vegan Corn Dogs
These vegan corn dogs take the classic game day food and give it a plant-based twist. Coated in a crispy, golden batter, they’re perfect for dipping in mustard or ketchup.
These handheld hotdogs are easy to eat, making them a great vegan tailgate food and vegan super bowl snacks.
28. Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
Vegan stuffed mushrooms are one of my favorite savory vegan super bowl appetizers. Filled with a flavorful mixture, these mushrooms are baked until tender and golden.
They’re bite-sized and fully loaded with umami flavor, making them a great appetizer. But my favorite part is how easy they are to make.
29. Vegan Pizza Rolls
Everyone loves pizza, and these pizza rolls are one of my favorite vegan super bowl recipes. Filled with vegan cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, these rolls are baked until crispy and golden.
Serve them with a side of marinara for dipping, and you’ve got a fun, easy-to-eat snack that’s sure to be a hit with all ages.
30. Baked Vegan Taquitos
Crispy, crunchy, and filled with flavorful plant-based ingredients, vegan taquitos are a great handheld snack for game day. Stuffed with Mexican flavors, they’re rolled up like spring rolls and baked until crispy.
I serve them with guacamole, vegan sour cream, and salsa for dipping!
31. Vegan Pigs in a Blanket
These vegan pigs in a blanket are a fun twist on the classic party snack. Plant-based sausages wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry make for a savory, bite-sized treat that’s a perfect vegan super bowl food.
They’re easy to make and even easier to eat, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard or BBQ sauce.
32. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
This is one of my favorites! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and naturally sweet, sweet potato fries are a healthier yet delicious option for game day.
Baked to perfection, these fries are packed with flavor and can be seasoned with anything. Serve them with a side of vegan aioli or ketchup for dipping, and you’ve got a gluten free snack that’s as versatile as it is tasty.
33. Baked Vegan Onion Rings
Golden, crunchy, and deliciously addictive, vegan onion rings are a perfect vegan game day snack. They are the perfect balance of crunchy coating and sweet onion flavor inside.
Serve them with my vegan ranch or a spicy dipping sauce to bring out the flavors.
34. Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Crispy, bite-sized, and packed with flavor, vegan chicken nuggets are the ultimate finger food. These small, breaded nuggets are fried until perfectly golden.
Whether you serve them with buffalo sauce, BBQ, or a classic vegan ranch, these little bites are perfect for game day munching and will definitely be a favorite.
35. Vegan Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
If you're looking for vegan game day foods that are easy to make, this vegan version of the popular Mexican street corn, or elote, is bursting with flavor. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with a delicious mixture. It's smoky, spicy, and creamy all at once.
Street corn is an irresistible snack that will bring a little extra flair to your game day or super bowl spread.
36. Vegan Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
These vegan jalapeño cornbread muffins bring just the right amount of heat. Moist and slightly sweet with a bit of kick from the fresh jalapeños, they’re perfect for pairing with vegan chili or serving as a standalone snack.
Plus, their muffin-sized portions make them easy to grab and go, making them a great vegan tailgate food.
37. Vegan Loaded Potato Skins
For a hearty and savory option, loaded vegan potato skins are a guaranteed hit. Crispy baked potato halves are scooped out and stuffed with a black bean filling, vegan cheese, and crunchy plant-based bacon bits.
Trust me, these potato skins are comforting, flavorful, and hard to resist. This is a popular dairy free game day foods!
38. Vegan Sloppy Joes
Vegan sloppy joes bring all the comforting flavors of the classic sandwich without the meat. Made with lentils, these sandwiches are packed with smoky, tangy flavors that are sure to win over your guests.
Messy, saucy, and incredibly delicious, sloppy joes are a fun and tasty vegan super bowl food that's a great addition to any vegan game day menu.
39. Vegan BBQ Cauliflower Pizza
Pizza lovers will be excited about this unique take on a classic—vegan BBQ cauliflower pizza. The smoky, tangy BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with roasted cauliflower and onions.
The flavors are bold, and the pizza is easy to slice up and serve for a crowd. I like this recipe because it's a great way to switch things up while still offering something familiar and satisfying.
40. Vegan Spinach Pinwheels
These flaky vegan spinach pinwheels are a deliciously savory vegan game day food. Puff pastry is filled with a spinach mixture, then rolled up and baked until golden.
They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and a great vegan super bowl food!
Tips for a Winning Game Day Spread
Hosting a game day party isn’t just about the vegan game day foods—it’s about having a good time too!
1. Prep Ahead of Time
Game day is all about enjoying the game, so do as much prep work as you can before your guests arrive. Most dips, sauces, and baked goods can be made ahead of time and simply warmed up or set out when it's time to eat. This way, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen missing all the action.
2. Serve Finger Foods
Keep things easy and fun by offering finger foods that are quick to grab and easy to eat. Guests will appreciate vegan game day snacks that don’t require utensils, and you’ll appreciate not having to worry about extra cleanup. Think sliders, nachos, and crispy bites—perfect for balancing on a plate while cheering for your team.
3. Have a Variety of Dips
Dips are a game day essential, and having a variety keeps things exciting. Serve up a mix of creamy, cheesy, and spicy dips to suit different tastes. Make sure to have plenty of chips, crackers, or veggies for dipping.
4. Balance Savory and Sweet
Don’t forget the desserts! A great game day spread has a balance of savory snacks and sweet treats. While your guests enjoy their vegan wings or sliders, they’ll love being able to grab a brownie bite or cookie to satisfy their sweet cravings.
5. Set Up a Self-Serve Station
A self-serve food station makes it easy for everyone to grab what they want without interrupting the game. Lay out all the dishes buffet-style with plates and napkins nearby, so guests can help themselves. It also keeps the flow moving and lets everyone eat at their own pace.
6. Keep Things Simple
Finally, remember to keep it simple. Game day is all about fun, so don’t stress about making things perfect. Choose easy-to-make recipes that you know will be crowd-pleasers, and let the good vibes flow.
Storage
To keep your vegan game day foods fresh for later, always transfer leftovers to airtight containers. This helps preserve both flavor and texture, ensuring your snacks stay as delicious as they were on game day.
Most dishes, whether it’s dips, baked goods, or savory bites, will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge, but it’s always a good idea to check the recipe for specific storage instructions.
Also, make sure to refrigerate everything promptly, ideally within two hours of serving, to maintain freshness and food safety.
For vegan game day foods like chili or taquitos, freezing is also an option—just be sure to use freezer-safe containers and label them with the date for easy reheating later.
⭐️ One Last Thing! If you make any of these amazing vegan game day foods, please leave a review and rating to let me know how you liked it! Doing so helps other readers and me too! Your feedback makes a difference.
🌟 Featured Recipe
Best Vegan Game Day Food Recipes
Ingredients
Jackfruit Carnitas
- 2 20oz cans of young green jackfruit in brine or water
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil or any neutral oil (canola, vegetable also work)
- 1 medium white onion, small dice (1 ½ cup diced)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 pinches ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup low sodium tamari (low sodium soy sauce if not gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Pico de Gallo
- 3 roma tomatoes, deseeded and diced to medium size (a little bigger than the onion dice)
- ½ medium red onion, diced small (a little smaller than the tomato dice)
- 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, deseeded and diced very small
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lime juice
Instructions
Make Pico de Gallo
- Deseed and chop the tomatoes to a medium dice. You want the tomatoes to be a tad bigger than the onions. All the cuts should be about the same size.
- Chop the red onion to a small dice. The onion should be chopped a little smaller than the tomato.
- Deseed the jalapeno pepper and chop to a very small dice. Smaller than both the tomato and onion
- Chop enough cilantro to fill 2 tablespoons.
- Add the diced tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice to a bowl. Then gently mix together.
- Taste for salt, lime, and spice. Add more lime and salt to your desired taste. More diced jalapeno can be added for more spice as well.
Make Vegan Carnitas
- Drain the jackfruit well. Then shred the jackfruit. There are few different ways to do this.You can do this by cutting the hard core off the triangles and shredding the softer bits with a fork into what looks like pulled pork. Then chop the cores into finer pieces to match the shredded. You can also throw all the jackfruit into a large bowl and squeeze the jackfruit with your hands, which will shred the softer bits and leave the core. If you choose the squeezing method you have to pick out the hard cores that are left over and chop them into pieces just as you would with the first option. This is how I do it.When you complete this step drain the jackfruit again to remove any extra liquid.
- Combine all the spices in a small dish so they are ready to go before you start cooking. This includes the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, cinnamon, and salt.
- Heat the oil at medium high heat in a large saute pan. Then add the onions and garlic to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Next add the spice mix of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to coat the onions well and continue cooking for about 1 minute.
- Now add the jackfruit, maple syrup, water, low sodium tamari, and liquid smoke. Stir to combine and cook at medium heat uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. Check every few minutes and turn the jackfruit as needed. You want for the liquid to reduce and the jackfruit to turn into what looks like shredded pork.
- When the jackfruit liquid has reduced to virtually nothing, turn the heat up to high and cook for 2-3 minutes turning often to evenly crisp up. For extra crispy carnitas, you can also spread the jackfruit out onto a sheet pan and place under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up. I find that I can achieve the same results on the stove top. It's just a matter of preference.
- Serve as a filling for tacos, burritos, bowls, and more!
Notes
- Feel free to use the carnitas to make any of your Mexican favorites.
- The vegan carnitas will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days or in the freezer for about 3 months.
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