Vegan buffalo chicken dip made with cauliflower is cheesy, rich, creamy and packed with flavor. A vegan appetizer made with simple whole food ingredients!
This buffalo wing dip uses cauliflower to get that chicken dip texture! Perfect to dip chips, crackers and even veggies. None of my guests believe me that it is dairy free!
Originally published February 26, 2017.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.
I am a hot sauce freak. I even make make my own homemade buffalo sauce! We use it to make all things buffalo flavored like this incredible cauliflower buffalo dip, Buffalo Wing Sliders, and Buffalo Chickpea Tacos.
Ingredients
The best part about this vegan buffalo chicken dip is that it can stand up to any dairy based equivalent. My love for creating dairy-free alternatives for popular dairy based dishes is strong! Showing that they can taste just as good, and even better, is always my goal.
Many buffalo cauliflower dips use vegan cream cheese as a base. However, the creamy base that makes this appetizer (or snack/dinner/breakfast/anything really) go from amazing to mind blowing incredible, is achieved from a combination of specific ingredients. Each one contributes equally and all are necessary to reach ultimate buffalo dip heaven.
- Potato - gives the gooey creamy base that all dips need for ultimate texture.
- Raw cashews - the star of most vegan cream sauces for a reason. These amazing nuts give a dairy tasting base like no other.
- White beans - these protein packed powerhouses help contribute to the creamy nature of this dip with also cutting a lot of the fat that extra nuts would give.
- Cashew milk - my go to non dairy milk of choice for the amazing creamy texture and flavor it contributes to everything it is in. I used the Silk brand for this recipe for it's creamy flavor that shows you that you do not need to compromise when it comes to dairy free alternatives!
- Veggie broth - for this recipe I prefer one without a tomato base.
- Onion - sweet, yellow, or brown are preferred for their neutral taste.
- Garlic - fresh cloves give the absolute best flavor.
- Cauliflower - this is one of my favorite veggies. It's so versatile and the perfect shredded chicken substitute to make this buffalo dip vegan! Plus it adds an extra dose of veggies into this amazing comfort food, but you won't even taste it!
- Hot sauce - our favorite is the Frank's brand of buffalo cayenne pepper hot sauce. Pick your favorite!
How To Make Vegan Buffalo Dip
The steps for this buffalo cauliflower dip recipe are pretty simple, all you need to do is:
- Bake the cauliflower.
- Blend the sauce.
- Pulse the baked cauliflower into the sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake and devour!
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip
Whether it's game day or a quiet night at home with the family, pair this vegan dip with any of these scoopers:
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips or bread
- Crusty bread
- Crackers
- Bell pepper strips
If you end up as obsessed with this vegan buffalo chicken dip as I am, try it spread on, mixed in, and spooned over these recipes:
Flavor Tips
- You can really adjust the level of spice in this with how much (or little) hot sauce you put into this dip. There are different types of hot sauce out there as well, so use the one that you love the most!
- If you take out some of the hot sauce, you'll need to replace it with some other liquid to maintain the texture of this. You can definitely use broth and/or cashew milk, but if you want to get creative you could try a mild salsa as well.
- Cauliflower is our favorite substitute for chicken in this buffalo dip recipe, but other good vegan options include:
- jackfruit
- store bought plant based chicken
- artichokes (make sure they're packed in water not oil)
- you can also just leave it out, but the texture will be more smooth and creamy
- Add some chopped green onions as a pretty garnish for a crunchy fresh flavor.
- If you are not using a high speed blender you can either soak the cashews overnight or grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder in order to still get a smooth consistency.
- Only need vegetarian buffalo cauliflower dip instead of vegan? Add some cheddar cheese or blue cheese on top!
How to Make Buffalo Dip Ahead of Time
This vegan buffalo chicken dip recipe can easily be made in advance, which makes it an excellent candidate to take with you to all those holiday parties. I wouldn't make it more than a few days before you need it. You want the flavor to be nice and fresh.
- The sauce portion of this recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- The best way to make this so that it tastes the best is to wait to bake it until you're ready to serve.
- Make the dip, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Take it out the day of, and allow it to return to room temperature before baking.
- If you plan on taking the dip along with you, bake it in a dish that has a lid to make it easier.
- And, bring it along in an Insulated Casserole Carrier to keep it nice and warm!
Storage Suggestions
- If, and I mean IF you have leftovers you can safely keep them for up to 3-5 days.
- Seal in an airtight container and keep refrigerated.
- Freezing this dip with the cauliflower is not recommended. However you can freeze the creamy base for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave. Just let the baking dish come to room temp before placing in the oven so it doesn't crack.
More Easy Vegan Dip Recipes
This vegan buffalo cauliflower dip is one of our favorite plant based dips, along with these other recipes made with whole foods:
Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip (Using Cauliflower)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower , medium sized
- ½ cup buffalo cayenne pepper hot sauce (I like Franks brand)
Sauce:
- 1 cup cooked potato , about 1 medium potato
- 1 cup raw cashews (see note)
- ½ cup cooked white beans , drained and rinsed ( I use canned)
- ¼ cup cashew milk (I use Silk brand, almond would work too)
- ¼ cup veggie broth , low sodium if needed
- ¼ cup buffalo cayenne pepper hot sauce (I like Franks brand)
- ¼ of a medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F/230°C.
- Chop cauliflower and mix with ½ cup hot sauce until fully coated.
- Spread out on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until slightly crisp. After baking it should be about 3 cups cauliflower (easier to measure after baking as it is softer and fits into a measuring cup easier).
- Lower oven temp to 350°F/180°C.
Make sauce:
- Cook potato and onion by boiling until soft. Drain.
- Place all sauce ingredients into a high speed blender and blend until smooth. Then pour into a large bowl. You can also pulse baked cauliflower here if you prefer smaller pieces.
- Put baked cauliflower into the bowl with the sauce and mix well.
- Pour into a square baking dish (I used an 8 x 8 inch). Or you can also use smaller baking ramekins or casserole bowls.
- Bake at 350°F/180°C for 15-20 minutes. Check at 15 minutes and see if it has formed a nice firm layer on the top. Everything is cooked already so no need to worry about the cauliflower cooking, but you want it nice and heated all the way through. Keep in mind it will cook a little more as it is cooling.
- Enjoy nice and warm with your favorite tortilla chips, celery, veggies or crackers!
Notes
- I prefer to use a veggie broth without tomato in the base.
- If you are not using a high speed blender you can either soak the cashews overnight or grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
- Make sauce. Soak cashews if not using a high speed blender.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
Dips are what I have been missing since turning vegan, but this looks amazing. So creamy!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! A good dip should always be available!! I can have them for dinner!
Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs
Buffalo anything and Im there. Love that this us vegan so suitable for everyone 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Right there with you!! LOVE buffalo everything.
Pretty
this buffalo sauce looks amazing! clever using cauliflower.
veggiesdontbite
Thank you!!
Kate I Veggie Desserts
This dip looks delicious, twice baked cauliflower and cashew nut milk must make it taste amazing.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Kate! It's quite an addiction!
Brian Jones
This sounds really good... It's the sort of food that we don't usually indulge in a great deal on this side of the Atlantic, no idea why it's just very rare to see.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Brian! It's definitely worth indulging in!
yvonne
I didn't believe that this would end up being my go to dip for parties but it is seriously addicting. Not only for parties, but for dinner, lunch and yes...even breakfast, lol. My husband, who is a meat eater, is addicted to this as I am. Thanks for the great recipe, can't wait for more!
veggiesdontbite
Ah! Thank you so much Yvonne! I'm so happy you love it. I'm on the addiction train too and I don't want an intervention. LOL!
Becky Striepe
Holy moly, this dip looks EPIC. I have got to make it!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Becky! We love it!
Dreena
This looks ooey-gooey delicious, Sophia! I also love potato in dips, it adds that extra-something. Glad you answered re the Buffalo sauce - I also haven't had it. Seems I'm missing out! 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Dreena! We are buffalo sauce lovers. I did write next to it that it was a cayenne pepper sauce, I use the brand Franks. You'd love it!
Laurel
This dish looks so incredibly creamy! I have some cashew milk in the fridge and I will be putting it to good use in this recipe.
veggiesdontbite
Perfect!! Your cashew milk will thank you!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
I love buffalo sauce! This dip looks so creamy and delicious! I can't wait to try it.
veggiesdontbite
Me too!! Thank you!
The Vegan 8
This looks soooo good! Like I said, our buffalo recipes need to set a hot date!! I love the creamy aspect and I hated cauliflower last year but after baking it and trying it in a couple of recipes this year, I'm now a fan, as long as it's covered well in sauce or flavor, like this one is! Definitely need to try this!! Was this super spicy? We're your kids able to eat it?
veggiesdontbite
Definitely need a buffalo date!! Cauliflower is awful without flavor. It has no taste, so loads of flavor is what makes it! This was a tad too spicy for two of my kids, but Sam loved it. You can always lower the hot sauce and up the other ingredients and see if you can get it more mild. Thanks mama!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
My brother would love this, he's all about anything buffalo!
veggiesdontbite
I'd like your brother!
Sandra
Wow, I have to try this!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Sandra!
Danielle
This looks amazing and I can't wait to make it! What kind of potato do you recommend.. a Yukon gold?
veggiesdontbite
Thank you so much! Any starchy potato would work (white, not sweet). I use red but you could also use russet or gold if you want.
Gail
Hi Sophia! I definitely want to try this! Looks delicious. I love cauliflower. I was wondering what you mean by buffalo sauce? I'm not familiar with it. Is it a bottled sauce like a hot sauce? Thanks. Gail.
veggiesdontbite
Hi Gail! Thank you so much. Buffalo sauce is a cayenne pepper based hot sauce. Have you ever heard of the brand Franks? That's the one I use! It's not a thick type sauce, but more on the thinner side. Let me know if you have any questions and also how you liked it!