19 Vegan Recipes Worthy of Your Next Dinner Party (2024)

These restaurant-tier Swedish meatballs are *so* tasty. The creamy sauce truly makes the dish pop! If you're strapped for time, you can easily swap out the homemade meatballs for frozen ones. (via Alyssa Rivers of The Recipe Critic for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

You've had cheesy bread and stuffed crust, but cheese-stuffed meatballs are next level. Serve these with your favorite pasta or just dig into the meatballs on their own. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

This recipe can be altered to make sliders *or* meatballs so you have your pick when it comes to the kind of dish you pick. Honestly, as long as there are pickles, we're open to either. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Kick up store bought meatballs in a jiffy with these three super easy and ever-so-saucy recipes. You can experiment with them until you find the recipe you like the best, or make all of them for your holiday party instead. (via Brit + Co.)

Brit + Co

Chicken and ricotta taste amazing together, and when they're used on top of zucchini noodles, they make an unstoppable duo. (via Brit + Co)

Food52

Totally homemade, totally worth the effort, these meatballs are all-beef and are light, tender and Nonna-approved due to the choice of cut. We'll take as many servings as we can eat! (via Food52)

I Breathe... I'm Hungry...

No Rocky Mountain oysters here. Instead, ground chicken is mixed with a variety of cheeses and chopped celery then tossed in Buffalo sauce for a playful twist on wings. (via I Breathe… I'm Hungry…)

Beyond Meatballs

Beyond Meat is a great alternative for anyone who has to cut meat out of their diet for any reason. You can bet the first item on our to-do list is making these tasty gyros. If you also can't have dairy, try a vegan tzatziki recipe too! (via Beyond Meatballs)

Chew Out Loud

Since these meatballs are cooked in a slow cooker, you'll have plenty of time to practice your hula while you wait for them. Serve with pineapple to emphasize the flavor. (via Chew Out Loud)

Running to the Kitchen

An awesome sweet and savory thing is happening with these apricot- and mint-dotted lamb meatballs. Serve with a garlicky yogurt sauce for extra points. (via Running to the Kitchen)

Once Upon A Plate

A handful of aromatics and sauces jazz up otherwise lackluster ground chicken to create meatballs meatcakes ideal for serving atop spinach or arugula. (via Once Upon a Plate)

I Food Real

A 30-minute meal that's this gorgeous and healthy? Count us in! Serve with rice, quinoa, or our personal favorite, orzo. (via I Food Real)

Running To The Kitchen

Use your favorite Italian sausage as the base for these sweet-savory bites. Our personal favorite part is the cranberry sauce because it's the perfect contrast to the sausage bites. Our mouths are watering! (via Running to the Kitchen)

Simple Comfort Food

Next time you feel like cooking up a big batch of chili, consider making this Mexican meatball soup instead. The same kind of comfort food, plus avocado. (via Simple Comfort Food)

Damm Delicious

Big fans of Ikea here, but they've got nothing on this Swedish meatball recipe. You'll want to make some extra sauce for all your dipping needs. (via Damn Delicious)

Beyond Meatballs

Lady and the Tramp fans: here's your chance to finally have your own "Bella Notte" moment. (via Beyond Meatballs)

Budget Bytes

Skip the usual roll and serve all the usual banh mi fixin's atop steamed rice instead. You'll still want the sriracha, though. (via Budget Bytes)

On The Woodside

Surprise! There's a piece of molten mozzarella tucked inside each of these meatballs. A gravy-esque sauce makes this similar to a beef stroganoff so we're all over it. (via On the Woodside)

Feasting at Home

Looking for another meatless meatball option? Consider these lentil-based beauties. Packed with protein, they're sure to be satisfying. (via Feasting at Home)

Jehan Can Cook

With flavors reminiscent of chicken-apple sausage, we bet these meatballs would be just as big a star at breakfast as at dinnertime. (via Jehan Can Cook)

Ang Sarap

Despite the streamlined list of ingredients, this dish is sure to pack in tons of flavor with every bite. It covers both the land and the sea! (via Ang Sarap)

About The Recipe Critic

Photo by Erin Thunell

The Recipe Critic started out as a small blog that Alyssa created after moving cross-country from Utah to North Carolina. Though she was far away, the blog connected her Utahn friends and family members to her most-loved recipes.

“Interestingly enough, growing up, I didn't come from a cooking background,” she says. “It really wasn't until I had to learn for myself and cook for myself and for my family. That's when the love for cooking started for me.”

And after her efforts with The Recipe Critic started showing monetary returns, Alyssa was so excited about its potential – she lets that feeling guide her even today.

“Honestly, if you would have told me when I started it that I would be here today and have one of the world's largest food blogs, there is no way I would have ever believed it,” she says. “I try to go back to how amazing it felt in the very beginning when I realized that I could contribute something for my family.”

The Best Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Photo by Alyssa Rivers

“[Swedish Meatballs] is always a favorite,” Alyssa says. “Every time I make it, I truly believe that it’s one of the best Swedish meatball recipes. The creamy sauce on it is just so good and I could just serve it over noodles for my family.”

For a quick recipe hack, you can substitute making your own meatballs for frozen meatballs, Alyssa says.

“It honestly tastes like it’s from a restaurant, and you can ‘wow’ your family thinking it was a lot more complicated than it is.”

Let’s get into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1lb (450g) ground beef
• 1⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1⁄4 tsp ground allspice
• 1⁄4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1⁄4 cup finely chopped white or yellow onion
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1⁄8 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, white or yellow onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and egg.
2. Portion the beef mixture into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs, and roll into shape.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add the meatballs in batches, and cook, turning continuously, for 5 to 8 minutes or until brown on every side and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil, and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
4. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and the all-purpose flour to the skillet, and whisk for 2 or 3 minutes or until it turns brown. Slowly stir in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Add the meatballs to the skillet, simmer for 1 or 2 minutes, and serve.

Get Even More Recipes From The Recipe Critic

The Tried & True Cookbook: 150 Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Families

Instant Pot Tuscan White Bean Soup

This hearty soup is loaded with veg upon veg, with some white beans and sausage swimming throughout the savory broth. It's perfect for chilly evenings and makes a ton of leftovers to chow down on! (via Brit + Co)

Turkish White Bean Salad

This light, peppery white bean recipe combines red onion, bell pepper, and a tangy dressing that ties all of the components together perfectly. Eat it as a side dish or as the main course! (via Give Recipe)

Broccoli Dill Pickle Soup with White Beans and Potatoes

Any meal that includes pickles piques our interest, and this vibrant green soup is going on our to-make list immediately. (via The First Mess)

White Bean Avocado Sandwich

If you're searching for a high-protein lunch, this sandwich filling is the solution! It's super easy to make – just mash some avocado, white beans, oil, and seasonings together and smear it across your go-too bread. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sun-Dried Tomato, White Bean & Artichoke Pesto Pasta Salad

When it comes to summer recipes, pasta salads are that girl. This one gets doctored up with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and of course, a yummy, zesty dressing that lightens up the vibe. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

White Bean Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Miso Dressing

The miso dressing on this white bean salad takes it to a whole other level! While the onions and peppers bring a zingy-ness to each bite, the miso tames it down with umami, salty goodness. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Spicy Sriracha White Bean Dip

You can easily blend down some white beans to create a dip or a sauce. This recipe takes a spicy direction with notes of Sriracha. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Creamy White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a total classic when it comes to white bean recipes. The best part is adding a bit of *spice* via some jalapeños! (via Vikalinka)

Creamy Portobello Mushroom Soup

Mushrooms are the ultimate flavor companion for white beans, and this balanced soup highlights their partnership tucked into a creamy, savory broth. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Polenta with Broccoli Rabe and White Beans

This unique whit bean recipe sits atop a bed of hearty polenta, which hits so hard on chilly winter and spring nights. If you're not into the broc, just swap it for any other veg! (via Earthly Provisions)

White Bean Artichoke Burgers

Tender artichokes meet high-protein white beans in this recipe for burger patties. Eat 'em inside a bun or not, these are absolute perfection. Even the kids will be tempted! (via A Virtual Vegan)

Simple Cheesy Bean Dip

You could add cheese to practically any recipe, and it'd be tasty. In this case, a hearty medley of beans hides under a generous layer of melted, broiled monterey jack. (via The Original Dish)

Vegan Minestrone alla Milanese

Minestrone is a staple meal when it comes to healthy white bean recipes. This vegan version features​all​ the veg for a truly plant-powered bite.(via Gastroplant)

Orzo White Bean Salad

This lively salad mix would be the perfect thing to make for a summertime picnic or potluck. It's uber-fresh, and packed with healthy ingredients, plus it just looks gorgeous! (via Barley & Sage)

Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup with Potatoes

Cabbage can be hard to cook since one head of it results in so many leftovers! Luckily, this white bean recipe exists, simmering down the leafy veggie in a dense broth so it soaks up all the good flavors.(via Vanilla and Bean)

Slow Cooker Creamy White Bean Noodle Soup with Rosemary Bacon

When beans and noodles join forces, we are 100% here for it. This filling soup carries tons of mix-ins, including rosemary-cooked bacon, which is just heavenly. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vegan Alfredo Sauce (No Cashews)

If you're craving pasta, but still want that healthy edge for your meal, try whipping up a round of this "cheesy" vegan Alfredo sauce! It uses white beans for texture and taste, though you'd never guess it. (via The Edgy Veg)

Spinach and White Bean Patties with Yogurt Sauce

These nutrient-dense white bean and spinach patties can be made ahead of time, then frozen until ready to eat. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Ingredients For Our Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Photo by Antonio Filigno / PEXELS

• 1 (10 oz) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (14 oz) can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Image via StableDiffusion

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, and spread it out evenly.
4. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
5. Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor!
6. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crispy bread slices, or vegetables for dipping!

Notes For This Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Image via StableDiffusion

• Using frozen spinach and canned artichokes makes this recipe easier and quicker. You have the option to use fresh ingredients, if you want to!
• Add a sprinkling of red pepper flakes if you want the spinach artichoke dip to have a kick of spice.
• Keep an eye on the dip while it bakes, making sure it doesn't bubble over. If you're struggling to get that golden brown layer on the top, broil the dip for a few minutes at the end of its baking time.
• You aren't totally limited to Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Though these cheeses make for the most traditional flavor, you can throw in some different kinds of cheeses to amp up the taste.