Looking for a great vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free appetizer option for the holidays? Try my easy, fast, delicious "Cheesy" Vegan Tomato Pesto Bites!
Going dairy-free has been fairly easy. However, I've had the hardest time missing real cheese. Do you know how hard it is to be a food blogger and avoid cheese at all of these amazing food events, especially the wine events? There is always, always GOOD cheese! It's crazy difficult, and sometimes I do indulge and then pay for it for the days after.
One of my fave dairy-free cheeses
Luckily, there are brands like Daiya Foods, who work hard to constantly improve their plant-based products. Some pizza places even use their Shreds (similar to shredded cheese) as dairy-free cheese options. All Daiya products are dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and free of eggs, peanuts, fish, and shellfish. That's quite a feat to create products that are allergen-free!
Recently, I had the opportunity to try the new and improved Daiya Cheddar Style Slices and the Daiya Swiss Style Slices. I was admittedly impressed! They were more flavorful and had less of a processed factory taste than other vegan "cheese" alternatives.
I've enjoyed the slices to be delicious in grilled cheese sandwiches, and have used them to create some delicious party appetizers. I hope you enjoy the recipe I'm sharing today -- and that you enter to win today's Day 9 of my 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways: a panini press and a
Step-by-step instructions
These are SO super easy to make because I use a lot of shortcuts. You start with wheat bread slices, and you could definitely use gluten-free bread slices if you want.
Using a cookie cutter, cut out bread circles and then cut out Daiya slices with the same cookie cutter. Top the bread slices with one Daiya slice.
Look how cute the Daiya Swiss style slices are: they have holes in them just like regular ol' Swiss cheese slices do!
Then you top each bite with a small teaspoon of pesto. I use store-bought pesto, but you could also use your own homemade pesto made without any cheese. My creamy avocado pesto would be great for this appetizer - just make it without parmesan cheese for a 100% vegan dish!
Finally, top each bite with a spoonful of sun-dried tomatoes. Again, you can totally use jarred sun-dried tomatoes - or you can make your own.
Pop into a 375 degree oven for about 10 minutes, just until the Daiya slices have melted. Serve and impress your guests! 
“Cheesy” Vegan Tomato Pesto Bites
Ingredients
- 8 slices white or wheat bread
- 4 Daiya Cheddar Style Slices
- 4 Daiya Swiss Style Slices
- 1 jar pesto
- 1 jar sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Using a circle cookie cutter or pastry cutter, cut out 2 circles from each slice of bread
- Using the same circle cutter, cut out circles from the Daiya slices
- Top each slice of bread with one Daiya circle slice, then top with about a teaspoon of pesto sauce, followed by a teaspoon of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Place each appetizer bite onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, just until the slices have melted.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Melissa says
My favorite sandwich is grilled cheese with tomato and basil.
julie says
i really love chicken sandwiches
Kayley says
A good ol' grilled cheese is my fave.
Steve Weber says
My favorite sandwich is turkey, ham, cheese, pickles, mayo, mustard, lettuce and some jalapenos.
Julie Wood says
My favorite sandwich is roast beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes on whole wheat bread.
theresa j says
I love a good egg salad sandwich and soft japanese bread
Barb D. says
I do want to try that recipe. Looks great!
Kim Cowgar says
Hummus with feta and roasted red pepper on ciabatta or other hardy bread
Melissa Storms says
I love grilled cheese with bacon and tomato the most.
Starla says
This is so awesome. My favorite sandwich is definitely a turkey, bacon and cheese Panini on baguette!
aarti dogra says
pesto chicken paninis
Kelly D says
I like an egg salad sandwich.
Nicole Vosburgh says
I love pork roll & cheese!
Rachel Travis says
I love a grilled ham & cheese sandwich!
Lily says
Brie cranberry apple!
Steven Epstein says
chicken cutlet on garlic bread with sauteed mushrooms, onions and green peppers with jalepeno monterey jack cheese.