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    Zen and Zaatar » Recipes » Appetizers and Snacks

    Vegan Cheddar Dip with Coconut Bacon and Kale

    Published: Mar 3, 2017 · Modified: Mar 30, 2025 by Zena | Zen and Zaatar · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Want to skip the ads and fluff and download this recipe straight to your device? Download this recipe and over 55 other vegan recipes as part of my e-book, HERE!

    You won't believe this creamy, bacon and kale cheddar dip is also vegan and gluten-free! This vegan cheddar dip has a sharp, tangy flavor and is infused with smoky coconut bacon and garlicky kale.vegan cheddar dip bacon kale coconut cashew vegetarian dairy free non food blog zenanzaatar recipe cheese

    Of course, like many, one of the things I missed most when I went vegan was cheese. I used to be a self-proclaimed pizza fanatic and had many late-night cravings consisting of chips or crackers and lots of melty cheese. Now my cravings can be satisfied once again with this gooey cheese dip!

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    It goes well with all kinds of chips and crackers, and it is even a delicious dip for veggies! It makes the perfect appetizer for a party or sports game, and no one will suspect it is completely dairy-free, and even healthy for you! Thanks to the secret ingredient, tofu, it is packed with protein and incredibly creamy.

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    Let me know if you try this recipe in the comments below, and don't forget to tag your recreations on Instagram @zenandzaatar!

    If you enjoy this free recipe, consider supporting me further by purchasing or gifting my e-book, including this recipe and over 55 others! Have the best vegan recipes at your fingertips, downloaded to your device, without the ads and extra text on my blog. Buy it HERE!

    Recipe

    Vegan Cheddar Dip with Coconut Bacon and Kale

    Zena
    A creamy vegan bacon & kale cheddar dip- the perfect party appetizer! Also gluten-free.
    No ratings yet
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    Prep Time 12 minutes mins
    Cook Time 28 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Cuisine Vegan
    Servings 4 -6 people

    Equipment

    • Raw Cashews
    • Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
    • Organic Tapioca Flour Starch
    • Miso Paste
    • Nutritional Yeast

    Ingredients
      

    Coconut Bacon

    • 1 tablespoon oil vegetable or olive is fine
    • 2 cups unsweetened coconut flake
    • 1 ½ tablespoon tamari or soy sauce if not GF
    • 2 teaspoon liquid smoke
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

    Kale

    • 1 small onion finely diced
    • 3 cloves garlic whole
    • 3 cups kale leaves
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil divided

    Cheddar Dip

    • ½ cup raw cashews soaked for 20 mins in hot water
    • 1 cup almond milk
    • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 6 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
    • 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoon tapioca starch
    • 1 14 oz. block tofu silken or regular will both work, silken makes it creamier
    • 1 tablespoon white miso
    • ¼ cup sundried tomatoes
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 325F to prepare coconut bacon. Toss coconut flake with the rest of the ingredients and spread out over a baking sheet. Bake for 12 mins, flipping once halfway through.
    • Turn up the oven heat to 425F. Sauté garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat for 3 mins, until lightly browned. Remove garlic cloves from oil and set aside. Add 1 more tablespoon olive oil to sauté onion until caramelized and kale until wilted, about 5 mins.
    • Blend cashews, half of almond milk, sautéed garlic cloves, and remaining ingredients for cheddar dip, except for tofu. If you have a large blender, add tofu and remaining almond milk and puree until smooth. Otherwise, do this in 2 batches. Taste and add extra dash of apple cider vinegar for more acidity, salt, or paprika for smokiness.
    • Pour cheddar mixture into an ovenproof container. Fold in coconut bacon, kale, and onions. Drizzle with olive oil if desired for a caramelized top. Bake for 20 mins before serving.

    Notes

    **Adapted from Hot for Food's amazing spinach artichoke dip.
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @zenandzaatar on social!

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    Headshot image of the author of Zen and Zaatar, Zena Hassoun, MS.

    Welcome!

    Hi, I’m Zena, a passionate home cook with a Master’s in Medical Health Sciences. I’ve been vegan for nearly a decade and love creating approachable, Mediterranean-inspired recipes that nourish your body and soul.

    More about me

    55+ Vegan Recipes for Real Life

    The cover image of my e-cookbook, with text overlay "Vegan is Delicious: 55+ nourishing, innovative, plant-based recipes to satisfy vegans and omnivores alike! by Zena Hassoun, M.S., creator of Zen and Zaatar."

    Tired of the same meals or relying on takeout? Vegan is Delicious is full of flavorful, plant-based recipes (with photos!) plus a 7-day meal plan to make home cooking feel effortless.

    Get it now!

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