Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

Vegan garlic dough balls are a delightful treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. These fluffy, golden balls are infused with a rich garlic flavor and served alongside a creamy cheesy cashew dip. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or any celebration, these vegan garlic dough balls are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic butter and cheesy cashew dip delivers an explosion of taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Great for Sharing: With 29 dough balls in this recipe, they’re perfect for gatherings or family meals.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a casual dinner.
• Vegan Delight: Completely plant-based, these dough balls cater to vegans and those looking for healthier options.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your vegan garlic dough balls successfully, gather the necessary tools and prepare your workspace.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Dough hook (if using stand mixer)
• Baking sheet
• Baking parchment
• Ramekin (11cm wide, 4cm deep)
• Blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort while kneading the dough to perfection.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking of the dough balls for a uniform texture.
• Blender: Creates a smooth and creamy cashew cheese dip that complements the dough balls perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Dough Balls

• 500 g (4 cups) white bread flour
• 10 g (3 teaspoons) fast action (instant) yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 160 ml (⅔ cup) unsweetened non-dairy milk (I use soy) (lukewarm)
• 160 ml (⅔ cup) water (lukewarm)

For the Cashew Dip

• 75 g (2 + ⅔ oz / ½ cup) raw cashews
• 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1 ½ teaspoons tapioca starch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
• 160 ml (⅔ cup) water

For the Garlic Butter Topping

• 85 g (rounded ⅓ cup) vegan butter/spread
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled and crushed)
• 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 heaped teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Place the bread flour in a large bowl. Add the yeast to one side and the salt and sugar to the other. This prevents direct contact that can kill the yeast.
2. Pour in the olive oil, lukewarm non-dairy milk, and water. Mix until you form a rough dough.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Knead by hand on an unfloured surface or with a stand mixer on medium/high speed for about 5–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. If it’s too wet, add more flour gradually but avoid making it dry.

Step 3: Let It Rise

1. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap.
2. Set aside in a warm spot until doubled in size, typically about 1–2 hours.

Step 4: Soak Cashews

While waiting for the dough to rise:
1. In a separate bowl, cover raw cashews with boiling water to soak them.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet

1. Line your baking sheet with baking parchment.
2. Grease both inside and outside of your ramekin before placing it in the middle of the baking sheet.

Step 6: Shape Dough Balls

1. Once risen, punch down your dough gently to release air bubbles.
2. Divide into small pieces weighing about 30g each; aim for around 29 pieces.

Step 7: Form Balls

1. Shape each piece into a ball by gathering edges together and pinching them closed.
2. Roll between your hands until smooth.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet

1. Place shaped dough balls around the ramekin in two circles—about 11 on the inner circle and up to 18 on the outer circle.

Step 9: Second Rise

1. Loosely cover with cloth/plastic wrap again and let rise for about 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 10: Preheat Oven

While waiting:
1. Preheat your oven to 210°C/190°C fan/425°F/gas mark 7.

Step 11: Make Garlic Butter

In a pan:
1. Combine vegan butter, crushed garlic, parsley, and oregano over low heat until melted.

Step 12: Make Cheesy Cashew Dip

1. Drain soaked cashews; blend with remaining ingredients until very smooth.
2. Heat this mixture in a pan over medium heat while whisking until thickened.

Step 13: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour cheese mixture into ramekin; drizzle some olive oil on top if desired.
2. Brush about two-thirds of garlic butter over dough balls before baking.

Step 14: Bake Dough Balls

Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Check internal temperature; it should reach at least 90°C/194°F before serving warm!

How to Serve Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

Vegan garlic dough balls are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience, making them perfect for any occasion.

With a Cheesy Cashew Dip

• Serve the dough balls warm alongside the creamy cheesy cashew dip. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly.

As Part of a Vegan Platter

• Arrange the dough balls on a large platter with an assortment of fresh vegetables, olives, and dips. This makes for an inviting appetizer spread.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the dough balls with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a pop of color and extra flavor.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• Pair the dough balls with a light salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. This balance of flavors keeps things fresh and healthy.

How to Perfect Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

To ensure your vegan garlic dough balls turn out amazing every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use warm liquids: Always use lukewarm water and milk when mixing your dough to activate the yeast properly.

• Don’t rush the rising: Allow the dough ample time to rise; this is crucial for achieving fluffy and airy dough balls.

• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when dividing the dough into equal pieces.

• Knead well: Proper kneading develops gluten, giving your dough balls a chewy texture that enhances their overall quality.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

These garlic dough balls pair wonderfully with various side dishes, adding diversity to your meal.

1. Vegan Caesar Salad – A classic salad made with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy vegan dressing, and crunchy croutons.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and herbs, roasted until caramelized for extra flavor.
3. Hummus Platter – A variety of hummus flavors served with pita bread and fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, and spices; they add protein and color to your plate.
5. Garlic Bread – Slices of toasted bread topped with vegan butter and garlic; it’s a perfect complement to the dough balls.
6. Chickpea Salad – A refreshing mix of chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and herbs tossed in lemon juice; it adds brightness to your meal.
7. Coleslaw – A crunchy cabbage salad dressed in a tangy vegan mayo; it provides texture contrast to soft dough balls.
8. Potato Wedges – Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs; they make for a hearty side that’s always a hit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan garlic dough balls can be fun, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Incorrect Yeast Measurement: Using too much or too little yeast can affect the rise. Always measure accurately to ensure proper fermentation.
• Not Kneading Enough: Insufficient kneading leads to dense dough. Aim for 5-10 minutes of kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Ignoring Temperature: If the water or milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Make sure both are lukewarm before mixing.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing dough balls too close together prevents them from rising properly. Space them out for even baking.
• Skipping the Second Rise: Allowing the dough balls to rise again is crucial for lightness. Don’t rush this step, as it affects texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover vegan garlic dough balls in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

• Freeze uneaten dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm, but note they may lose some texture.
• Stovetop: Lightly pan-fry over medium heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Vegan Garlic Dough Balls?

Vegan garlic dough balls are soft, fluffy bread rolls infused with garlic flavor and served with a creamy cashew dip. They make a tasty appetizer or party snack.

How do I customize my Vegan Garlic Dough Balls?

You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary into the dough for extra flavor or incorporate spices such as chili flakes for a kick.

Can I make these dough balls gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute white bread flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.

How do I store leftover Vegan Garlic Dough Balls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, allow it to rise, then refrigerate it overnight before shaping and baking.

Final Thoughts

These vegan garlic dough balls are not just delicious; they’re versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, they adapt beautifully to your preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and dips!