Name: Vegan Garlic Dough Balls with Cheesy Cashew Dip Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
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 (soy), 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

Jump to Recipe

If you love snack time to be both indulgent and wholesome, then you’re absolutely going to adore this Vegan Garlic Dough Balls with Cheesy Cashew Dip Recipe. Imagine soft, pillowy dough balls drenched in garlicky butter served alongside a luxuriously creamy and cheesy cashew dip that feels like pure magic. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for parties or a cozy night in, with each bite boasting the perfect balance of savory, herby, and cheesy flavors — all completely plant-based and utterly irresistible.

A round white plate filled with 24 small, golden brown rolls arranged tightly in a circle, each roll brushed with herbs and garlic, giving a speckled green and dark brown texture on top. In the center of the circle, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth creamy dip, lightly sprinkled with herbs. A woman's hand is holding one roll dipped halfway into the creamy dip. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with some garlic cloves and herb sprigs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Vegan Garlic Dough Balls with Cheesy Cashew Dip Recipe plays a vital role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor combination. From the soft, elastic dough to the nutty richness of the cashew dip, every element is simple but essential for that unforgettable taste.

White bread flour (500g / 4 cups): Provides the structure and chewiness essential for fluffy dough balls.
Fast action (instant) yeast (10g / 3 teaspoons): Ensures the dough rises perfectly and becomes light and airy.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavor and strengthens the dough’s gluten network.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Feeds the yeast, encouraging a beautiful rise and slight sweetness.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds tenderness and enriches the dough’s flavor.
Unsweetened non-dairy milk (160ml / ⅔ cup, lukewarm): Provides moisture and helps create a soft crumb.
Water (160ml / ⅔ cup, lukewarm): Works with the milk to hydrate the flour and activate yeast.
Raw cashews (75g / ½ cup): Soaked and blended to create the creamy, cheesy base of the dip.
Garlic cloves (6 total): Infuses bold, aromatic flavor throughout the dough balls and dip.
Tapioca starch (1½ teaspoons): Helps thicken the cheesy cashew dip to a luscious consistency.
Nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons): Adds that unmistakable cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Cider vinegar (1 teaspoon): Brightens and balances the dip’s tanginess perfectly.
Vegan butter/spread (85g / about ⅓ cup): Melts into the garlic butter, making the dough balls heavenly and glossy.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Brings fresh herbaceous notes to the garlic butter coating.
Dried oregano (1 heaped teaspoon): Adds an earthy, warming touch to complement the garlic butter.

How to Make Vegan Garlic Dough Balls with Cheesy Cashew Dip Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by placing all your dry dough ingredients into a large bowl: the bread flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Keep the yeast separate from the salt so it can do its magic unhindered. Then, pour in the olive oil combined with your lukewarm non-dairy milk and water. Mix everything until it forms a rough dough ready for kneading.

Step 2: Kneading to Perfection

Whether by hand or stand mixer, knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it turns smooth, elastic, and tacky but no longer sticky. This step is crucial because it builds the gluten that gives your dough balls their delightful bounce and softness. If the dough is too wet, sprinkle a little flour, but be cautious—you want moistness, not dryness.

Step 3: The First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it. Set it aside in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. This resting time allows the dough to develop flavor and that perfect airy texture.

Step 4: Preparing the Cheesy Cashew Dip

While the dough is rising, soak the cashews in boiling water to soften them. Then blend the drained cashews with garlic, tapioca starch, salt, nutritional yeast, cider vinegar, and water to create a smooth, cheesy mixture. Gently heat this blend on the stove, whisking constantly until it thickens to a rich, creamy dip.

Step 5: Shaping the Dough Balls

After the dough’s first rise, punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into approximately 30g portions, pinch and roll each into a neat ball. Arrange these balls in two concentric circles around a greased ramekin on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this ramekin will hold the cheesy cashew dip during baking.

Step 6: The Second Rise and Garlic Butter

Let the dough balls rise again, covered, until puffy and slightly springy—about 30-40 minutes. Meanwhile, melt vegan butter with crushed garlic, parsley, and oregano to create the irresistible garlic butter that will coat the tops just before baking.

Step 7: Baking the Perfect Dough Balls

Preheat your oven to 210°C (190°C fan / 425°F). Pour the cheese dip into the prepared ramekin and brush the dough balls generously with most of the garlic butter. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Brush with the remaining garlic butter as soon as they come out for an extra glossy finish and warming aroma.

How to Serve Vegan Garlic Dough Balls with Cheesy Cashew Dip Recipe

The image shows a close-up of twelve golden brown rolls arranged tightly in a circular pattern on white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each roll has a shiny, slightly crispy top with visible specks of green herbs and small bits of garlic scattered over them, giving a textured and seasoned look. The rolls are soft and fluffy with a smooth texture on the sides, which are lighter in color compared to the tops. On the left edge of the image, part of a white bowl filled with creamy beige dip garnished with green herbs is visible, contrasting with the warm tones of the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley over the cheesy dip and dough balls adds a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor that elevates the whole presentation. A little extra drizzle of olive oil on the dip just before serving adds sheen and richness that impresses every time.

Side Dishes

These dough balls pair beautifully with crunchy vegetable sticks like celery or carrot to cut through the richness. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil complements the savory, garlicky flavors perfectly, rounding out your meal with brightness and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

When entertaining, serve these dough balls in a large communal baking dish for a cozy, shareable centerpiece. Alternatively, offer individual ramekins of the cheesy cashew dip alongside small bowls of dough balls for a fun, interactive appetizer spread that invites everyone to dig in with their hands.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, pop the cooled dough balls into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They keep their softness and flavors well, making them ideal for a quick snack or to add to lunchboxes the next day.

Freezing

These dough balls freeze wonderfully. Arrange the shaped, unbaked dough balls on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. You can freeze the cooked balls too but freezing before baking helps them maintain their fresh-baked texture when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the dough balls in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. Reheat the cheese dip gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

While white bread flour yields the fluffiest dough balls due to its higher gluten content, you can experiment with all-purpose flour. Just note the texture might be a bit denser, but still delicious.

Is the cheesy cashew dip gluten-free?

Yes! This dip is naturally gluten-free, relying on cashews, tapioca starch, and nutritional yeast, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make the dough balls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Kneading by hand takes only a bit more elbow grease, but the process is just as rewarding and lets you feel the dough’s texture as it develops.

What can I substitute for nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast gives the cheesy flavor that’s key here. If you can’t find it, try blending in some roasted almonds or vegan cheese alternatives, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

How spicy are these dough balls?

They have a mild, savory garlic flavor and are not spicy. If you want to add heat, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter before brushing it on the dough balls.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Garlic Dough Balls with Cheesy Cashew Dip Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple yet packed with layers of flavor that never fail to impress. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding a family, or just craving something comforting, these dough balls paired with their luscious dip are sure to become a cherished favorite. Dive in and enjoy every garlicky, cheesy bite!