An amazing plant-based, vegan-friendly, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free Feta-Pesto Garlic Bread recipe that makes approximately 4 servings, and takes about 5 minutes to prepare, with an additional 15 minutes for cook time.
Cheesy garlic bread is a must in my Italian household. Premade options have always fallen short of my health and dietary expectations, not to mention taste. Before I went gluten-free, cheesy garlic bread was a weekly dinner in my home, even after adopting a plant-based lifestyle. When I adopted a gluten-free lifestyle too, it became more challenging. Finding a bread with decent ingredients, plus being soy-free and plant-based wasn't an easy task. After many failed attempts, I finally was happy with BFree's White Demi Baguettes.
The ingredients aren't perfect but to enjoy maybe once a month, I don't mind. Especially considering the ingredients in standard cheesy garlic bread. For instance, cheese is made from milk. Studies have found that "early cow's milk exposure" seems to "increase the risk" of type 1 diabetes by about 50 percent (1). Not to mention approximately 30 million to 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant, including up to 75 percent of African Americans and American Indians and 90 percent of Asian Americans, myself included. That's not even counting that traditional dairy is linked to an increased risk of broken bones, diabetes, ovarian cancer, antibiotic resistance, and is brimming with saturated fat, somatic cells (pus), and hormones. To learn more regarding The Truth About Cow's Milk, click here.
Plant-based alternatives for cheese are tasty, but it's essential to understand that not all plant-based options are created equally. For instance, although soybeans do have some health benefits, we must remember that most non-organic soy products are brimming with GMOs, causing less nutritional value and more toxic effects due to the chemicals involved in the genetic modification process. Soybeans contain compounds like phytate, which may interfere with the body's ability to absorb vitamins and minerals crucial for vegan and plant-based dietary demands. These same anti-nutrient compounds may also cause digestive issues due to a reduction in the gut's barrier functions resulting in inflammation that causes these digestive problems. To learn more regarding The Truth About Soy Products, click here.
Hence why I usually recommend using plant-based alternatives such as Violife for the feta cheese in this recipe. Violife's feta cheese has ingredients like filtered water, coconut oil, potato starch, salt (sea salt), glucono delta lactone, flavor (vegan sources), olive extract, and vitamin B12.
So without further ado, I introduce an Italian dish with a Greek-inspired twist that my husband and I love. I think it's safe to say that you'll enjoy it, too. Since I am allergic to soy and have adapted to a plant-based lifestyle (no meat or dairy), this recipe is vegan-friendly, plant-based, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. This dish can be served as an appetizer or served with any Italian cuisine.
What's your favorite way to enjoy cheesy garlic bread?
