Easy Vegan Artichoke Dip Recipe
This easy vegan artichoke dip recipe is creamy, savory, and loaded with 3 vegan cheese flavors. All the ingredients in this dip get cooked up together in a baking dish until golden and delicious.
This recipe is a personal favorite of mine, and I really recommend you try it. I love that it’s made using simple ingredients and that I know exactly what’s going into it.
This creamy vegan spinach artichoke dip is an excellent choice for game day or any gathering. A rich and creamy vegan artichoke dip is always a winning crowd-pleaser, and this one is no exception. If you loved this dip recipe, then check out my recipe for a vegan cheese substitute.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Artichoke Dip
- Healthier alternative: This delicious recipe is a healthier option than dairy-based versions, as it typically contains less saturated fat and cholesterol. Even non-vegan friends will love it!
- Perfect for many dietary restrictions: Vegan artichoke dip includes various dietary restrictions, making it a safe bet for gatherings. It’s suitable for vegans, vegetarians, those with lactose intolerance, and anyone following dairy-free, gluten-free, or soy-free diets.
- Customization: One of the best things about this dip is that you can personalize it. Play around with different vegan cheeses, add-ins, and seasonings.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Fresh spinach: Loaded with healthy iron, I love to add spinach to my dips for a boost of health benefits. Use fresh spinach leaves, wash and thoroughly dry them before chopping. Removing any tough stems is recommended for a smoother texture.
- Chopped vegan Greek yogurt: Choose a high-quality, unsweetened, plain vegan Greek yogurt that is thick and creamy to mimic the texture of traditional Greek yogurt. Popular brands include almond or coconut-based options. I used Kite Hill.
- Canned artichoke hearts: Use canned or jarred artichoke hearts that are packed in water or brine, rather than oil, for this dip. Drain and chop them into small pieces.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are preferred for the best flavor. You can mince or finely chop the garlic. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
- Vegan feta: Look for a vegan feta cheese alternative from ingredients like tofu, almonds, or cashews. Crumbled feta will incorporate nicely into the dip and add a tangy, salty flavor. I used Follow Your Heart.
- Vegan mozzarella: Select a vegan mozzarella cheese that melts well and has a mild flavor. Brands like Daiya, Violife, or homemade cashew-based mozzarella are good options. I used Daiya.
- Vegan parmesan: You can use store-bought vegan parmesan or make your own by blending ingredients like nutritional yeast, cashews, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust the quantities to achieve the desired flavor. I used Violife.
How To Make TheVegan Artichoke Dip
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Next, grease either a 1-quart casserole dish or an 8×8 glass pan and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, chopped artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, garlic, crumbled feta, mozzarella, and shredded parmesan. Carefully fold all the ingredients together using a spatula until they are well-mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, then generously sprinkle additional mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cheese topping turns a lovely golden hue. Alternatively, you can switch the oven to broil during the last 5 minutes to achieve that golden cheese topping.
- Take it out of the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
- Pair it with your preferred vegan pita, chips, or crackers, and enjoy!
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Serve with a bunch of different dippers: Offer a variety of dippers for your vegan artichoke dip, such as toasted baguette slices, whole wheat crackers, tortilla chips, pita chips, carrot or celery sticks, or cucumber slices. This adds different textures and flavors to enjoy with the dip.
- Balance the flavors: If the taste is too rich, add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up.
- Garnish creatively: Elevate the presentation by garnishing the dip with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill before serving. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast can enhance the visual appeal.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the dip and refrigerate it until you can bake and serve. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it convenient for parties or gatherings.
- Leftovers: If you have leftover dip, repurpose it as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for baked potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Variations and Add-Ins
Here are a couple of thought starters for you to get creative with:
Variations:
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some hot sauce or Sriracha for extra heat.
- Spinach and kale: Combine spinach and kale for some extra nutrition. Kale adds a slightly different texture and earthy flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake) can add earthy richness to the dip. Chop them finely and cook until they release their moisture.
- Sun-dried tomato: Include chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy flavor. They complement the artichokes and spinach beautifully.
- Pesto: Add vegan pesto to the recipe. The basil and garlic in the pesto will add extra depth.
- Nutty crunch: Enhance the dip’s texture by mixing in toasted pine nuts, soaked cashews, or slivered almonds. These nuts add a pleasant crunch.
- Smoky: Add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to infuse a smoky flavor into the dip.
Add-ins:
- Olives: Sliced kalamata or green olives add a briny flavor.
- Vegan bacon bits: Crumbled vegan bacon bits add a smoky and salty flavor that pairs well with the creamy dip.
- Caramelized onions: For a sweet and savory depth. Cook them slowly until they turn golden brown.
- Nutritional yeast: Boost the cheesy flavor by adding a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast. It boosts the umami profile of the dip.
- Roasted red peppers: Diced roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky note and a pop of color.
- Vegan cream cheese: Blend in a few tablespoons of vegan cream cheese or sour cream for an even creamier texture.
- White beans: Add extra creamy texture and protein.
Make Ahead and Storage
Making ahead and storing vegan artichoke dip is a convenient way to prepare for gatherings. After preparing the dip, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or put it into an airtight container.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated and bubbly. If the dip thickens during storage, you can restore its creaminess by adding a splash of almond milk and stirring well before reheating.
FAQs
Is vegan artichoke dip as creamy and flavorful as the traditional version made with dairy?
Vegan artichoke dip can be as creamy and flavorful as its dairy-based counterpart. Vegan ingredients like plant-based cheeses, cashews, and vegan yogurt provide the creaminess, while seasonings, herbs, and add-ins contribute to the flavor.
What are good dippers for vegan artichoke dip?
This easy vegan artichoke dip recipe pairs well with various dippers, including tortilla chips, pita bread, crackers, carrot and celery sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. For a satisfying crunch, you can also serve it with toasted baguette slices or pretzel bites.
How can I adjust the spice level of the dip to suit my taste?
To control your vegan artichoke dip’s spice level, add ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount, taste, and gradually adjust until it reaches your desired level of spiciness.
Easy Vegan Artichoke Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups vegan Greek yogurt, unsweetened plain
- 1 14oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp minced)
- 1/3 cup vegan feta crumbled
- 1/3 cup vegan mozzarella plus more for topping
- 1/3 cup vegan parmesan plus more for topping
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Next, grease either a 1-quart casserole dish or an 8×8 glass pan and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, chopped artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, garlic, crumbled feta, mozzarella, and shredded parmesan. Carefully fold all the ingredients together using a spatula until they are well-mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, then generously sprinkle additional mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cheese topping turns a lovely golden hue. Alternatively, you can switch the oven to broil during the last 5 minutes to achieve that golden cheese topping.
- Take it out of the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
- Pair it with your preferred vegan pita, chips, or crackers, and enjoy!