If you’re looking for a dairy-free dip that’s both creamy and packed with bold flavor, this roasted garlic dip is your answer! Slow-cooked garlic, nutty sesame seeds, and rich vegan cream cheese come together to create a luxurious, plant-based spread that’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or even drizzling over your favorite dishes.
Whether you’re hosting a party, making a snack board, or just want a delicious topping for your sandwiches, this roasted garlic dip will be your new go-to! Plus, it’s gluten-free, soy-free, and comes together in just 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Garlic Dip
✅ Ultra-creamy & smooth – Thanks to vegan cream cheese, this dip is velvety rich.
✅ Packed with flavor – Roasting garlic in olive oil makes it sweet, nutty, and aromatic.
✅ Easy & quick – Only 7 ingredients and one pan needed!
✅ Versatile – Use it as a dip, a sandwich spread, or a flavorful sauce!
How to Make the Best Vegan Garlic Dip
The secret to an amazing roasted garlic sauce lies in slow-cooking the garlic in olive oil. This method caramelizes the cloves, making them soft, buttery, and full of deep umami flavor.
Step-By-Step Breakdown
Slow-roast the garlic – Cook the garlic cloves in olive oil with sesame seeds over low heat until they become soft and golden brown, releasing a rich, nutty aroma.
Mash into the vegan cream cheese – Combine the roasted garlic with vegan cream cheese, mashing it until smooth and creamy.
Add seasonings and herbs – Mix in fresh parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor with freshness and a hint of spice.
Garnish and serve – Drizzle with reserved garlic-infused oil and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds or red pepper flakes for a flavorful finishing touch.
Pro Tip: Allow the garlic to cool slightly before mashing it into the cream cheese. This helps achieve a smoother consistency and ensures even mixing.
How to Use This Roasted Garlic Dip
This dip is incredibly versatile—here are some creative ways to enjoy it:
As a Dip – Serve with toasted pita, sourdough bread, crackers, or crunchy raw veggies like carrots and cucumbers.
As a Spread – Use it on sandwiches, bagels, or wraps for an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
As a Sauce – Drizzle over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or baked potatoes for a burst of flavor.
On Pizza – Spread a thin layer on your pizza base before adding toppings for a garlicky twist.
With Pasta – Toss it with cooked pasta for a creamy, dairy-free garlic sauce!
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:
Make it herbaceous: Add fresh basil or dill for extra freshness.
Turn up the heat: Mix in extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Add brightness: A squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavors even more.
Boost the creaminess: Blend in some ripe avocado for a richer texture.
Extra garlic kick: Roast an entire bulb of garlic instead of just a few cloves for deeper flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This easy vegan dip stores well and tastes even better the next day!
Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: If it thickens in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir well.
Make-ahead friendly: You can roast the garlic in advance and store it in olive oil for up to one week, making this dip even quicker to prepare!
FAQ – Roasted Garlic Dip Questions Answered!
1. Can I use raw garlic instead of roasted?
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of garlic, making it mild and caramelized. Raw garlic will have a sharper, spicier taste, which may be too overpowering for this recipe.
2. Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free crackers or bread for a completely GF snack.
3. Can I make this without oil?
Yes! Instead of roasting the garlic in olive oil, you can bake whole garlic cloves in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until soft. Blend them into the dip for an oil-free version.
4. What can I use instead of vegan cream cheese?
If you don’t have vegan cream cheese, you can substitute it with:
- Blended silken tofu for a lighter, protein-packed version.
- Cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water & lemon juice).
- Mashed avocado for a fresher, more vibrant twist.
Final Thoughts – Your New Favorite Vegan Garlic Dip!
This roasted garlic dip is creamy, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make! Whether you’re using it as a vegan appetizer, a spread for sandwiches, or a creamy garlic sauce, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
🔥 Have you tried this dip? Let me know in the comments! And if you loved it, don’t forget to pin it, share it, and tag me on social media so I can see your delicious creations.
👉 Craving more delicious vegan dips? Check out my other recipes here at Dr. Vegan!
Roasted Garlic Dip
Equipment
- 1 small pot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Fork
- 1 serving dish
Ingredients
- 8-12 cloves whole garlic (peeled)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 200 g vegan cream cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the garlic: In a small pot over low heat, add the olive oil, whole garlic cloves, and sesame seeds. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is soft and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.
- 2. Cool and separate: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Set aside 1–2 teaspoons of the infused oil for garnish.
- 3. Mash the garlic: Place the vegan cream cheese on a plate and top with the softened garlic. Use a fork to mash the garlic into the cream cheese, mixing it together until smooth.
- 4. Add parsley and seasonings: Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- 5. Serve: Transfer the mixture to a serving dish, drizzle with the reserved garlic oil, and sprinkle with extra red pepper flakes for garnish.
- 6. Enjoy: Serve with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.