Eat your vegetables!
You might figure that most things packed with veggies are healthy, but I'm here to dispel that rumor for you.
Whether you're looking to make some almost shamefully delicious vegetarian or vegetable-based appetizers for the big game, or you're cutting back on meat but want to indulge in something that actually tastes delicious, you'll absolutely adore these veggie-packed fried, loaded or otherwise indulgent treats -- a couple of these recipes are even healthy!
1. Baked Cauliflower Buffalo Tidbits
Nobody's stopping you from deep frying these (instructions here) if you'd rather. In case buffalo isn't your favorite sauce, consider orange chicken sauce or really any sauce you'd use to coat chicken wings.
2. Hearts of Palm Fries with Chipotle Mayo
If you want to make fries out of something that tastes a little more substantial than everybody's favorite humble potato, consider using briny, canned hearts of palm for a crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside effect. Want something with a bit more snap? Use fresh ones -- you can even bake them if you want.
3. Healthy Baked Onion Rings
Nothing against beer-battered and fried stuff, but you probably already know how to make those! These are perfect for when you're trying to be healthy but need a treat.
4. Potato Skins with Coconut Bacon
The coconut bacon is absolutely fabulous and will give you a nice meaty, smoky crunch, although you're more than welcome to use pork or turkey bacon or even just premade bacon bits (some are meat-free!) if you'd prefer.
5. Spinach Balls
These cheesy, crunchy snacks are actually pretty healthy, considering how indulgent they taste. You'll love them, whether you're trying to keep to a wholesome diet or not.
6. Game Day Vegetarian Chili Nachos
If you want the easiest snack ever, go ahead and buy canned chili, or make your favorite veggie chili recipe in advance and freeze it. Top with your preferred garnishes, like avocado, sour cream or hot sauce, and you're good to go.
7. 30-Minute Veggie Meatballs
You'll be surprised at how tasty cauliflower and quinoa can be! If you want even more of a savory punch, toss in a big handful of chopped mushrooms -- saute them for a few minutes after chopping if you can to get some of the water out.
8. Savory Stuffed Mushrooms
These 'shrooms are packed so full of good stuff like garlic, balsamic vinegar and walnuts that you'll forget you ever wanted meat.
9. Veggie-Loaded Pizza Dip
Pizza dip is one of those things that sounds too good to be true, but it's not. I highly recommend serving this with Easy Cheesy Breadsticks made from pizza dough. It's an amazing combination!
10. Fried Artichoke Hearts with Taratur Sauce
You're more than welcome to used canned artichoke hearts if you'd rather -- they'll give a nice briny saltiness reminiscent of calamari. Just make sure to rinse and thoroughly dry them before coating them in the breading.
11. Crispy Enoki and Onion Fritters with Thai Curry Mayo
You know those long, stringy mushrooms that you never know what to do with? Yeah, grab a bunch of them, fry them up and serve them with the easiest ever three-ingredient curry dip for a mind-blowing experience.