I’m always looking for easy ways to make simple meals more exciting. For example, spreads are one of my favorite ways to do it. Whether it’s something creamy for sandwiches, a drizzle for bowls, or even a dip for veggies, a good spread can completely transform a dish.
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In addition, they are quick to prepare and can elevate almost any meal in minutes.
The best part is that vegan spreads are incredibly easy to make. Many come together in just a few minutes using simple ingredients like nuts, seeds, beans, and spices. Once you start making them, it is hard to go back to store bought versions.
In this roundup, I’m sharing over 20 of the best vegan spreads, including several favorites from my own kitchen as well as some great recipes from other bloggers. Among them, you’ll find creamy spreads, tangy sauces, cheesy options, and even a sweet one.
Whether you’re looking to add flavor to sandwiches, bowls, or snacks, these spreads are sure to make simple meals much more exciting.
Spreads and Sauces
These vegan spreads and sauces are some of my favorites to keep in the fridge. They are quick to make and add tons of flavor to everything from sandwiches and wraps to bowls and roasted veggies.
Vegan Cashew Ricotta
This quick and easy vegan ricotta is made with cashews and has the perfect balance of creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors. It works great in pasta dishes, lasagna, stuffed shells, or simply spread on toast or crackers.
Vegan Honey Mustard
This vegan honey mustard is sweet, tangy, and comes together in just a few minutes. It makes a great dipping sauce for veggies, a dressing for salads, or a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Vegan BBQ Sauce
This vegan BBQ sauce has the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. It is made with simple ingredients and is ready in under 25 minutes. Use it as a spread for sandwiches, a sauce for bowls, or brush it over roasted vegetables.
Vegan Nacho Cheese
If you are looking for a delicious vegan nacho cheese sauce, this one is a must try. Not only is it creamy and flavorful, but it is also made with a base of potatoes and carrots that blend into a smooth sauce. Additionally, it is oil free and nut free, making it a great allergy-friendly option for everyone.
Korean BBQ Sauce
This Korean BBQ sauce is packed with bold flavor. It is savory, slightly sweet, a little spicy, and perfectly tangy. It works well as a marinade, a sauce for stir fries, or a flavorful spread for wraps and bowls.
Vegan Cottage Cheese
If you miss cottage cheese on a plant-based diet, this vegan version is a great alternative. In fact, it is made with tofu and has a creamy, tangy flavor that is surprisingly similar to the original. You can enjoy it on toast, add it to bowls, or have it as a quick, protein-packed snack.
Dijonnaise
Dijonnaise is a simple condiment that combines the creamy richness of mayo with the tangy flavor of Dijon mustard. It is perfect as a sandwich spread, a dip for veggies, or even a quick and creamy salad dressing.
Vegan Crema
This vegan crema is creamy, rich, and slightly tangy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a dairy-free Mexican-style crema in minutes. It is perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, roasted vegetables, and more.
Vegan Walnut Pesto
This vegan walnut pesto is fresh, flavorful, and ready in about five minutes. Toasted walnuts give it a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with basil and garlic. It is great tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or spooned over roasted vegetables.
Salted Tahini Caramel
This salted tahini caramel is a simple and delicious sweet spread. Made with tahini and maple syrup, it delivers a creamy, rich flavor that comes together in just minutes. Once prepared, you can drizzle it over fruit, pancakes, or desserts, or simply enjoy it straight from the spoon.
Vegan Mushroom Pâté
Smoky and packed with umami flavor, this vegan mushroom pâté is a simple yet fancy appetizer or snack. It’s also gluten-free with one easy substitution. I love serving it on toast or crackers, and it’s just as tasty for a casual snack at home.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Thick, creamy, and sweet, this slow cooker apple butter comes together with no peeling required. All those fresh apples slowly cook down into a smooth, aromatic spread that is gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and allergy-friendly. It’s perfect on toast or stirred into oatmeal.
Homemade Eggless Mayonnaise
This simple eggless mayo is thick, light, and fluffy. Plus, it’s vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. I use it on sandwiches, in salads, or as a dip—it’s a versatile staple in my kitchen.
Rhubarb Strawberry Jam
This rhubarb strawberry jam are sweet, slightly tart, and made with just four ingredients, this jam is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. The combination of tart rhubarb and juicy strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavors. It does take a little longer to cook the rhubarb, but the result is worth it.
Eggplant and Olive Tapenade
This eggplant tapenade is a fun twist on the classic French spread. It’s tangy, rich, and full of flavor. I love smearing it on toast or using it as a dip for veggies, and it’s also perfect for picnics or casual appetizers.
Creamy Homemade Nutella Spread
If you want a rich and creamy homemade Nutella, this is the one to try. With simple ingredients, it comes together quickly and tastes just as indulgent as store-bought. It’s perfect for toast, pancakes, or just a spoon straight from the jar.
Moroccan Cooked Tomato and Pepper Spread
Matbucha is bold, smoky, and savory, making it an incredible spread or dip. It combines cooked-down tomatoes, roasted red peppers, garlic, and spices into a thick, jam-like consistency. I love using it on sandwiches or alongside roasted vegetables.
Lemon & Dill Roasted Zucchini Dip
This lemon and dill roasted zucchini dip is smooth, creamy, and refreshing. Roasting the zucchini gives it a subtle sweetness, and it’s perfect for summer when zucchinis are abundant. I like it with crackers, veggies, or as a spread for wraps.
Pumpkin Dip With Crown Prince Pumpkin
Crown prince pumpkin is the star of this sweet and slightly tart pumpkin dip. Inspired by my experience as a Japanese chef, the flavors are mellow, gentle, and comforting. It’s a unique addition to party dips or cheese boards.
Apple Cranberry Compote
This apple cranberry compote is lightly spiced and comes together in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or as a twist on classic cranberry sauce. I also love it on toast, bread, or even desserts.
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
This roasted red pepper pesto puts the peppers in the spotlight. Blended with cashews, lemon, garlic, nutritional yeast, and basil, it’s a quick, flavorful vegan pesto that works on pasta, toast, or roasted vegetables.
Liptauer “Cheese” Spread
Liptauer is a traditional Austrian savory spread, and this vegan version is just as creamy and flavorful. With two easy variations, it’s simple to make and perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or party platters.
Vegan Mushroom and Walnut Spread
This mushroom and walnut spread is earthy, savory, and reminiscent of Mediterranean tapenade or pâté. Made with mushrooms, onions, garlic, walnuts, tomato paste, and fresh herbs, it’s whole-food plant-based, oil-free, and perfect for spreading on toast or crackers.
