January is a weird time of year to be a food blogger. While there is such large demand for healthy recipes for those of you looking to get healthier in the new year, there's also a ton of you looking for the perfect recipe for your Superbowl party. This month, I'll be doing my best to satisfy both searches- some healthy recipes, some Superbowl party recipes and some that swing both ways.
This vegan cheddar bacon dip does happen to fit both searches, but will likely please more of you searching for the latter. In fact, I would go as far as to say that if you bring one dip to your Superbowl party, it should be this one.
Why on Earth should I make this one dip, you may ask? The answer is three-fold: First, it takes just a few minutes to make. Minutes! Second, it's that classic scientific equation: chickpeas + cheddar + (vegan) bacon + dip = Happy. And third, it's so ridiculously delicious, all your friends will form a group, lift you up, and carry you on their shoulders, the entire time chanting your name.
If you didn't stop reading and run to the kitchen after reason number 2 and you still need convincing, here's another reason you'll love this cheddar bacon dip: It's pretty healthy as dips go. I mean, get this: It's chickpeas with nutritional yeast, some spices, a few other low-calorie flavor-changers, and coconut bacon. If you have some free time and aren't lazy like me, you could totally make your own coconut bacon (this recipe is pretty great), but I used Phoney Baloney's Coconut Bacon because it's so dang tasty and is already made for me (duh).
I love this dip with golden, round, Ritz-style crackers because it reminds me of way back in the day when my brother and I would play Super Mario Brothers and eat Ritz crackers covered in Bacon-Flavored Easy Cheese (yeah, we knew how to party). I did try this dip with some fresh vegetables and it was pretty awesome that way too (especially the red bell pepper slices) but really, spring for the crackers on this one. I can hear your friends chanting your name now...
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 ounce can, rinsed and drained)
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon white miso
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 2/3 cup coconut bacon (I used Phoney Baloney's)
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients, except for the coconut bacon, in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the coconut bacon and pulse 2 to 3 times or until incorporated but still chunky. Chill until ready to serve. Serve with golden round (Ritz-style) crackers or crudite. Enjoy!
What's your favorite go-to party dip?
Photography by Chris Miller
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
I seriously can't wait to make this! Although, I might eat it all myself instead of taking it to a party, that's ok too, right'?!
keepinitkind
That's totally cool by me. 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Wow Kristy, you really outdid yourself here! It's funny, I just made a cheezy bean dip, so we must totally be on the same wavelength 😉
keepinitkind
Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. 😉
Caitlin
damn, girl! this looks amazing!
keepinitkind
Thanks, girl! xx
Liz
Oh Em Gee, Kristy! I've had some chickpeas sitting in the fridge with a completely DIFFERENT dish in mind to use them in, but, clearly, they were predestined to be turned into this delicious looking, golden dip! And, I love how you used actual FOOD/WHOLE ingredients -- nothing processed or with a list of it's own ingredients. I have EVERYTHING needed to make this so it's on the menu for lunch. 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Liz! Enjoy! 🙂
Stefanie
Wow! I've gotta try making this in place of my usual hummus for lunch!
keepinitkind
This would be AWESOME in a sandwich! I've gotta try that! 🙂
luminousvegans
Oh my gosh! I need this in my life right now. I'd have to say that this is pretty darn healthy given the omni version it represents! I think I have everything in the pantry to make this except the white miso. Do you think chickpea miso would work ok?
keepinitkind
Thanks, Ketty! I think the chickpea miso would work just fine. 🙂
Laura @ This is Thirty
This looks utterly craveable - I'm definitely detoxing this month, but will still take a break for the super bowl!
keepinitkind
Love it! Thank you, Laura! 🙂
Heather
Such a fun super bowl app! I would have never guessed Chickpeas, girl you work some magic with those Chickpeas 🙂
keepinitkind
Thanks, Heather! I love me some chickpeas! 🙂
Anna {Herbivore Triathlete}
This looks fabulous! I agree, Phoney Baloney Bacon is so good. Just finished a bag actually. I hope to get some more soon, because this dip needs to be made!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Anna! 🙂
Cadry
This sounds so good, and I love how quickly it comes together! I make it a point of avoiding Super Bowl gatherings. (Weirdly, people often want to watch FOOTBALL at them. Ack! Don't they know it's all about the food?) Luckily, I don't need an excuse to make this bad boy. Plus, I'm always looking for more ways to enjoy my favorite coconut bacon!
janet @ the taste space
This was delicious, Kristy. Thank you for sharing it. It is also finally gave me the nudge to make homemade coconut bacon. I think my recipe is even better than Phoney Baloney's and not that difficult to make!
Kristen
Do you have a recipe for coconut bacon! I have never heard of such a thing!
keepinitkind
I don't but I've used this recipe with great results: http://www.fettlevegan.com/4/post/2012/07/coconut-bacon.html