Vegan Cream Cheese Dip is a delicious, dairy-free holiday appetizer that’s perfect for your next party or movie night!
This festive appetizer is a combo of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, and it’s quick and easy to make!
INGREDEINTS
Dairy-Free Cream Cheese There are so many vegan cream cheeses on the market now! (#LoveToSeeIt 🙌) Some of my current favorites are Toffutii, Kite Hill, VioLife and Daiya but I’ve heard the Trader Joe’s one is pretty great too!
Apricot Jam
Dried Apricots
Crackers
Fresh Rosemary: Optional but I 10/10 recommend garnishing both the dip and the platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary! Not only is it an easy way to add a pop of festive color but it also smells amazing enough to lure your guests to the buffet table from across the room!
HOW TO MAKE VEGAN CREAM CHEESE DIP
Run a butter knife around the inside of the container to loosen the cream cheese. Then turn it over on a plate and gently squeeze to transfer onto a plate
Warm the jam slightly and mix well so it’s easy to pour.
👩🏻🍳 Pro Tip: Let the jam cool for about a minute before spooning over the cream cheese. If it’s too hot, the cream cheese will melt!
Garnish with dried apricots and fragrant sprigs of rosemary on top!
SERVE WITH:
- Crunchy, salty crackers like this secretly vegan classic and this gluten-free option.
- Toasted sliced baguette
- Extra dried apricots on the side. Trust me, creating the perfect bite is as simple as stacking a crunchy cracker with this creamy dip and a chewy apricot on top!
RECIPE FAQs
Can I use a different kind of jam?
Yep! Use the fruit jam of choice. I recommend apricot for this but fig or spicy pepper jelly are fun options too!
👩🏻🍳 Pro Tip: If you switch out the jam, make sure to switch the garnishes too. For example, if you opt for fig jam, top with dried figs instead of apricots. Cherry jam, dried cherries, etc.
Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes! That’s one of the best parts about this recipe! It can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. To this, I first make room in the fridge for the serving platter. Then I place the cream cheese on the platter and and top with the jam. Wait to top with the dried fruit and crackers until ready to serve for maximum freshness.
👩🏻🍳 Pro Tip: Instead of storing with a wrap over the top (which can mess up the jam topping) place a large upside down bowl on top of the cream cheese to keep it fresh!
MORE HOLIDAY RECIPES!
- Christmasy Gingerbread Oatmeal
- Maple Roasted Acorn Squash with Vegan Corn Bread Sausage Stuffing
- Norwegian Surkal (Sauerkraut)
If you like this recipe please leave a comment and rate this post below! And if you’re on Instagram, tag me in a pic so I can see your recreation! @nikkivegan
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5 Minute Vegan Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 8oz container dairy free cream cheese
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- 1 handful dried apricots
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- crackers for serving
Instructions
Warm the Jam
- The jam will be too thick to spread straight from the jar, so I like to warm it up slightly. To do this, simply spoon the jam into a microwave safe bowl and heat for 20-25 seconds. Stir well and set aside to cool down.
Assemble
- Run a butter knife around the inside rim of the cream cheese container to loosen it. Then turn the container over onto your serving platter. Gently squeeze the sides and pull upward to remove the container. Smooth the edges with a knife if needed. Tip: This is easy to do when the cream cheese has been resting on thecounter for about 20 minutes so it's not super cold.
- When the jam has cooled slightly, spoon it on top of the cream cheese and top with dried apricots and a few sprigs of rosemary. Serve at room temperate with crackers and extra dried apriots and jam on the side. Tip: Add extra rosemary to the platter for a festive pop of a color and an irresistible aroma that will draw all of your guests ot the buffet table!
Hey! I’m Nicole and I make practical vegan recipes for REAL life. I cook with simple, easy to find ingredients and I’m passionate about creating delicious plant-based meals that everyone will love!
I hope you enjoy my recipes and videos :) Happy Cooking!
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Loved this, made it for New Year’s 🙂