Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Pull-Apart Bread
1 h 10 min
|
intermediate
|
lactose-free,
vegan
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 40 min | 30 min | 1 h 10 min |
Introduction
This vegan spinach and artichoke pull-apart bread tastes like your favorite creamy dip baked into soft, fluffy, shareable bread.
It’s perfect for game day, holiday parties, or any casual get-together where everyone wants to grab a warm, cheesy bite.
The tender homemade dough wraps around a rich, garlicky spinach and artichoke filling, with melty vegan cheese in every layer.
Ingredients (8 servings)
Ingredients for the Dough
Ingredients for the Filling
Ingredients for Assembly
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How to Make Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Pull-Apart Bread
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Mix and knead the dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
Stir in the warm water and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 45 minutes.
-
Cook the spinach and artichoke filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted and bright green.
Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the artichokes, vegan cream cheese, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
If the artichokes seem very wet, pat them dry with a clean towel before adding.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, then let the filling cool to just warm.
-
Prepare the pan and rolled dough
Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with a little olive oil or vegan butter.
Punch down the risen dough to release excess gas.
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 18x12 inches.
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Fill, slice, and stack the dough
Spread the cooled filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on all sides.
Sprinkle the vegan mozzarella shreds evenly over the filling.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 5 long strips.
Carefully stack the strips on top of each other, filling sides facing up.
Cut the stacked dough into 5 or 6 even pieces, like tall squares.
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Arrange the pull-apart layers
Stand each dough piece upright in the prepared loaf pan, like books on a shelf.
Pack the pieces snugly so they support each other but still have a little space.
Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again until puffy, about 20 to 25 minutes.
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Bake and finish the bread
While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Brush the tops of the dough pieces with the melted vegan butter.
Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until deeply golden and the center feels set when gently pressed.
If the top browns too quickly, tent the pan loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before pulling pieces apart and serving warm.
Substitutions
- Vegan cream cheese -> cashew cream
- Use thick cashew cream in place of vegan cream cheese for a slightly lighter, very rich filling. Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, salt, and a splash of water until smooth and spreadable. The filling will taste a bit more nutty, which works beautifully with spinach and artichokes.
- All-purpose flour -> half bread flour, half all-purpose flour
- Swap half the all-purpose flour for bread flour for chewier, more structured pull-apart layers. The dough will be slightly bouncier and easier to slice into neat strips.
- Fresh spinach -> frozen chopped spinach
- Use frozen chopped spinach if fresh is not available, but thaw and squeeze it completely dry first. The filling will be a little denser but still creamy and flavorful.
Tips
- Aim for soft, slightly tacky dough
- Add extra flour only a tablespoon at a time while kneading, and stop when the dough just stops sticking. This gives the finished bread tender layers instead of a dense, heavy crumb.
- Create a warm rise spot
- Let the dough rise in a turned-off oven with the light on if your kitchen feels cool. Steady warmth helps the yeast work and gives better flavor.
- Cool the filling before spreading
- If the filling is too hot, it can soften the dough and make stacking messy. Slightly warm filling spreads easily but still lets the dough hold its shape.
- Adjust baking time to your pan
- If you use a smaller or taller pan, the bread may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Check doneness by gently pulling a center layer; it should not look doughy.
- Make it ahead for parties
- Assemble the loaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature about 30 minutes before it goes into the oven.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 391 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 9 | g |
| Total Fat | 21 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- What if my dough feels too sticky to knead?
- Dust your hands and work surface with just a little flour, then keep kneading for another minute or two. The dough should tighten up as the gluten develops, so avoid dumping in lots of extra flour.
- Why is the center of my pull-apart bread still doughy?
- Every oven runs a little differently, so your bread may simply need a longer bake. Cover the top with foil and bake 5 to 10 minutes more, then test a center layer again. If it looks set and no raw dough shows, it is ready.
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Yes, frozen spinach works well, as long as you thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Too much water in the filling can make the bread soggy in the center.
- How can I keep leftovers from drying out?
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for one day, or refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat covered in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- You can try a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast doughs, but the texture will be different. Expect a more tender, slightly crumbly loaf rather than stretchy pull-apart layers.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan spinach and artichoke pull-apart bread makes an amazing centerpiece for game days, potlucks, or cozy weekend dinners.
Serve it with tomato soup, a big salad, or a creamy vegan pasta to turn it into a full meal.
For extra flair, sprinkle red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs over the top right after baking.
Reviews
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Ida Jenkins, Lincoln, NE: Made this for a cozy weekend meal and it came out golden, fluffy, and so creamy in every pull-apart layer. Next time I’d squeeze the spinach and artichokes a bit more so the center stays extra crisp and never soggy 😋🍞
: Love that it baked up golden and fluffy for you, Ida! 😊 And yes, giving the spinach and artichokes a really good squeeze (even a quick pat dry) is the best way to keep those center layers nice and crisp.
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