Vegan Spinach Dip Bites

Vegan Spinach Dip Bites are the perfect plant-based appetizer if you want something savory, creamy, and bite-sized. This version achieves a rich, cheesy flavor without using any animal products by substituting nutritional yeast and dairy-free cream cheese for heavy cream and cheese. The delightful contrast between the crispy pastry shell and the creamy spinach filling makes these Vegan Spinach Dip Bites an irresistible two-bite treat.

STATISTICAL OVERVIEW

• Diet category: Vegan, free from eggs and dairy
• Cuisine: Fusion, American
• Course: party food, appetizer, or snack
• Prep done in twenty minutes
• Twenty-five minutes is the cooking time.
• The total duration will be 45 minutes.
• Size per serve: 2-3 bites per serving
• There are seven to eight servings altogether.
• Cooking inside the oven
• Difficulty: Easy to intermediate

TOOLS

• Cutting board
• Silicone liners or cooking spray(non-stick)
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Spoon or whisk
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Mini muffin tins

INGREDIENTS

• Cream cheese, half a cup
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• Mini phyllo shells or puff pastry squares, one pack
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Spinach, two cups
• Yogurt, one-fourth cup
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt, to taste
• Nutritional yeast, three tbsp.
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• Black pepper, to taste

INGREDIENT NOTES

SPINACH

• We advise you to use the fresh chopped spinach for a bright colour. Frozen also works; you only need to drain it well after defrosting.

NUTRITIONAL YEAST

• The addition of this nutritional yeast gives you the cheesy twist without involving dairy. If it is not available, use vegan Parmesan for a similar flavor.

PUFF PASTRY OR PHYLLO SHELLS

• You will need the vegan-certified puff pastry or phyllo shells to create the crispy, rich base. Cut them into small squares to fit them in the mini muffin tins. You may also use the puff pastry labeled as Gluten-Free, along with Vegan.

YOGURT

• Any unsweetened yogurt that is made from vegan sources like almond, soy, or coconut will work best here. It adds moisture and light tanginess to the filling.

CREAM CHEESE

• We will need the vegan version of cream cheese that serves as the creamy base for our filling. Some brands like Kite Hill, Violife, and Tofutti produce the best vegan products. You may swap it with the cashew cream based on availability.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fix the temperature dial at 175 °C after switching the empty oven on.
2. If working with puff pastry, then oil the muffin tins lightly or arrange the phyllo shells simply on the baking tray or sheet.
3. Place the skillet with olive oil over a normal flame.
4. Cook the crushed garlic in the warm oil for a minute only.
5. Next, add the spinach and cook till it becomes tender.
6. Then turn the flame off.
7. Mix the vegan yogurt, onion powder, pepper, vegan cream cheese, salt, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast in a mixing bowl.
8. Mix the sauteed spinach into that filling.
9. Dollop a tablespoon of prepared filling in the pastry square or phyllo shell.
10. You should fold the corners inside a little bit to hold the filling safely.
11. Keep them in the oven till you see the phyllo shell or pastry square becoming nice and golden.
12. As they bake per your target, shift them from the oven to the counter.
13. Serve these Vegan Spinach Dip Bites warm.

TIPS

• Never overfill the shells or puff pastry squares to avoid leakage while baking.
• This recipe gives you the advantage of making it and refrigerating it a day before. You can quickly assemble and serve it freshly baked the next day.
• You can add black and white sesame seeds on the top before baking for a light crunch and visual appeal.

STORING DIRECTIONS FOR LEFTOVERS

FRIDGE

• Save the remainder of the bites in a tightly sealed box. Refrigerate for up to three days.

FREEZER

• Freeze the assembled and ready-to-bake bites; They ought to be placed in only one layer on a tray. Transfer them all to the freezer-safe bags once they all become solid. This way, they can safely freeze for two months. Bake the bites directly from frozen with an additional five minutes of baking time.

REHEATING

• Warm up the chilled bites at 175 °C for 8-10 minutes to bring the crispness back.

FAQs

Is there any way to have the crispy phyllo shells?

• Assemble right before baking, and always try to serve them freshly baked. These tips will have you with the crispy bites.

Will these bites be suitable for patients with gluten allergy?

• Use the gluten-free puff pastry to make these delicious bites, perfectly suitable for celiac patients.

Will the kale work in place of spinach?

• Sure, you may use the finely chopped kale after massaging to have a softer texture.

How to lower the calories?

• You will require the cashew cream to replace the vegan cream cheese and saute the spinach in vegetable broth in place of olive oil. These little changes can help you consume fewer calories.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS/SERVING

Size/serve: 2 bites
The quantity of calories: ~120 kcal
Carbs(total): Twelve grams
Fiber content: 2 g
Net carbs: Ten grams
Fat content: 6 g
Sugar: Two grams
Proteins: 4 g
Sodium: 180 milligrams