Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

Vegan garlic dough balls are a delightful treat that everyone will love! Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, these dough balls are perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Paired with a creamy cashew dip, they quickly become the star of any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, these vegan garlic dough balls will have your guests coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These dough balls come together easily in less than an hour of active time.
• Flavorful: Infused with rich garlic butter and served with a cheesy cashew dip, each bite is packed with flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or party food, they suit any gathering or celebration.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves warm bread; these dough balls are sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like whole bread flour and cashews, they’re a nutritious option.

Tools and Preparation

To create your vegan garlic dough balls efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Baking sheet
• Ramekin
• Parchment paper
• Blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when kneading the dough to achieve the perfect texture.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of your dough balls.

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Ingredients

For this recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• 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 (lukewarm)
• 160 ml (⅔ cup) water (lukewarm)
• 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
• 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. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, add the bread flour.
2. Make a small well on one side of the flour and add the yeast. On the opposite side, add the salt and sugar, making sure they don’t touch directly.
3. Pour in the olive oil, non-dairy milk, and lukewarm water. Mix until it forms a rough dough.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Knead the dough by hand on an unfloured surface or use your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium/high speed for about 5–10 minutes.
2. The dough should be smooth and elastic but slightly tacky. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour as needed.

Step 3: Let It Rise

1. Transfer the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size; this takes about 1–2 hours.

Step 4: Prepare Cashew Cheese Dip

1. While waiting for the dough to rise, soak your raw cashews in boiling water for about an hour.
2. Drain and blend them with peeled garlic cloves, tapioca starch, salt, nutritional yeast, cider vinegar, and water until smooth.

Step 5: Shape Dough Balls

1. Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
2. Divide it into approximately equal pieces weighing about 30g each—aim for around 29 pieces total.
3. Roll each piece into smooth balls by pinching edges together.

Step 6: Arrange for Second Rise

1. Place arranged balls around an oiled ramekin on a prepared baking sheet.
2. Cover loosely and let them rise again for about another 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake & Serve

1. Preheat your oven to 210°C/190°C fan/425°F/gas mark 7 while waiting for the second rise.
2. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown, brushing with garlic butter halfway through baking.
3. Serve warm alongside your creamy cashew dip!

Enjoy these delicious vegan garlic dough balls at your next gathering!

How to Serve Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

Vegan garlic dough balls are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your dish.

With a Cheesy Cashew Dip

• This creamy and flavorful dip pairs perfectly with the warm garlic dough balls, adding a rich texture and taste that complements their fluffy nature.

Drizzled with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and flavor, enhancing the overall experience. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs for an extra touch.

Paired with Fresh Vegetables

• Serve alongside a platter of crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Their freshness balances the savory flavors of the dough balls.

As Part of a Vegan Charcuterie Board

• Arrange the dough balls on a charcuterie board with olives, nuts, and fruits. This creates an inviting centerpiece that’s perfect for gatherings.

How to Perfect Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

Achieving the perfect vegan garlic dough balls involves attention to detail in both preparation and baking. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Use Lukewarm Ingredients: Ensure your non-dairy milk and water are lukewarm to activate the yeast properly, promoting better rise and texture.
• Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten which gives the dough its structure.
• Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm location until doubled in size. Patience is key for fluffy dough balls.
• Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated accurately. An oven thermometer can help ensure consistent baking results.
• Brush with Garlic Butter Generously: Apply the garlic butter generously before baking to enhance flavor and achieve a beautiful golden color.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

Adding side dishes can turn your vegan garlic dough balls into a complete meal or snack platter. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vegan Caesar Salad
   A crisp salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and a creamy cashew-based dressing offers freshness that pairs well with the rich dough balls.

2. Roasted Vegetable Medley
   A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provides a delicious contrast in flavor and texture.

3. Hummus Platter
   Various hummus flavors served with pita bread or veggie sticks create a tasty dip option that complements the garlic dough balls nicely.

4. Stuffed Peppers
   Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa, black beans, and spices make for a hearty side that enhances your main dish’s flavors.

5. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch, making them an enjoyable side to accompany your savory dough balls.

6. Chickpea Salad
   A refreshing chickpea salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and herbs provides protein while balancing out the meal perfectly.

7. Spinach Artichoke Dip
   This creamy dip offers another layer of flavor that works wonderfully when paired with warm dough balls for dipping.

8. Garlic Roasted Potatoes
   Crispy potatoes roasted with garlic seasoning echo the flavors of your main dish while providing satisfying crunchiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Garlic Dough Balls, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the yeast activation: Always make sure that the yeast is properly activated before mixing it with other ingredients. This ensures that your dough will rise effectively.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, especially for flour and cashews.

• Over-kneading or under-kneading the dough: Kneading must be just right; too much can make the dough tough, while too little may lead to a dense texture. Aim for a smooth and elastic consistency.

• Ignoring rising time: Be patient during the rising process. If you don’t let the dough rise sufficiently, your dough balls will not achieve their desired fluffiness.

• Forgetting to preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This step ensures that your Vegan Garlic Dough Balls cook evenly and attain a nice golden color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

• Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Garlic Dough Balls

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C/350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat for 20-30 seconds; be cautious not to overheat as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Vegan Garlic Dough Balls:

How do I make Vegan Garlic Dough Balls gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that it is suitable for bread-making for best results.

Can I customize the flavors of my Vegan Garlic Dough Balls?

Absolutely! You can add herbs like rosemary or spices like chili flakes to enhance the flavor profile of your dough balls.

What is a good dipping sauce for Vegan Garlic Dough Balls?

A tangy marinara or a spicy hummus works well as great dipping options alongside the cheesy cashew dip.

How long does it take to prepare Vegan Garlic Dough Balls?

The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, including rising times and baking.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Garlic Dough Balls are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect as appetizers or party snacks. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and dips, allowing you to create a unique experience every time you make them. Give them a try at your next gathering!