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.
Brittany
This is AMAZING. The sauce alone is fantastic - pretty sure I'll be using it for a vegan "buffalo" mac and cheese sometime soon.
veggiesdontbite
Thank you so much! Funny that you say that because....this sauce has gone on SO much including a noodle or two 😉
Alisa Fleming
How scrumptious! This dip is a full on meal - I think I might just enjoy it for lunch even 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Well I certainly did! LOL! Thanks Alisa!
Mary
Please don't throw this out at a party without warning that it contains nuts!! A dip isn't generally something that would contain nuts and some nut-allergic people may not think to ask.
veggiesdontbite
Hi Mary! Many vegan dips actually do contain nuts, especially the creamy ones. And any party I usually go to people know my cooking and I know my nut allergy friends so all is good. Thank you for your concern!
Angela
We have a cashew allergy in our home...have you ever tried it with soaked almonds? I'm thinking it would not be as creamy, but still would get the job done!
veggiesdontbite
Hi Angela! The almonds will give it a little different taste but you can definitely try. I'd maybe use a little less nuts and more of the white beans and potato. Just to get less almond taste. Let me know how it works!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen
I am drooling at the sight of this Buffalo dip!! Looks amazing!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you!!!
Donna
Ok I am pinning this and making it for movie night on Friday - it sounds so amazing!! Yum, so creative
veggiesdontbite
Thank you so much Donna!! Let me know if you try it, it's been such a hit over here!
Uma
Wow! Amazing recipe. My mouth is watering... yum!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks!!
Nicole Dawson
This recipe sounds amazing and I wish I could try it (allergic to all nuts though). I'll just have to live vicariously through you. Have you tried any other methods for your cheese bases? Everytime I see them, I wonder if sunflower seeds would work (trying to stay away from tofu too).
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Nicole!! Since we aren't allergic, I really usually do my sauce with nuts. I personally feel they give the best flavor. I have tried sauces that use sunflower seeds and although pretty good they aren't my favorite when it comes to cheesy or creamy sauces. However, since you can't have nuts I bet you could try it with sunflower seeds as I think the strong buffalo sauce flavor would cover it well! I would maybe reduce the amount a little, and up the white beans and/or potato. You can even throw in some extra cauliflower when you puree the sauce for more creaminess. If you try it let me know! I'd love to hear!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy
Seems like buffalo flavor is in the air right now! Love this gorgeous dip...i could easily see myself devouring this!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! It's one of the best dips I've made I think!!
Manju | Cooking Curries
Potato, cashew, white beans - all that is genius to make that dip so creamy! Love it!!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you!
Mandy
No doubt about it, I would have my face inside the bowl, licking every last bit. This is one EPIC looking dip, my friend. So many levels of creaminess coupled with buffalo sauce - count me in!!! I'm still not friends with beans, but I'm getting closer with nuts, so fingers crossed that I'll be able to make this dip in the very near future! No party needed, I'll make it and maybe share with my family ? Looks so incredible!!
veggiesdontbite
Hahaha! I just got a fun visual. Thank you so much! You can definitely take out the beans and just add a touch more potato and nuts if you want. It will still be delicious! Hope your friendship with nuts continues to evolve 😉
Mel | avirtualvegan.com
Mind blown...This looks incredible! I want some crusty baguette to dip in it! ?
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Mel! As it turns out this has been a big hit! Who knew I wasn't the only buffalo sauce obsessed person out there. HA!
Dianne's Vegan Kitchen
Now I want to have a party so I have an excuse to make this! I might not want to share though, so maybe I should just make it for myself!
veggiesdontbite
Oh definitely party of one. You're not going to want to share this one. HA!
Linda @ Veganosity
YUM! Alex makes a buffalo dip that's incredible. I need to try it with cauliflower. 🙂
veggiesdontbite
It's definitely our new go to!
Jenn
Bring on the buffalo sauce! Love it so much! And I can totally imagine cauliflower being an excellent stand in in this dip. YUM!!!
veggiesdontbite
I could drink the stuff! Probably not the best idea for my belly. LOL. Thanks so much!
Mary Ellen | VNutrition
OMG, this is probably the best thing I've seen all week! I'm obsessed with buffalo anything - it's making me want some and it's only 7am here. 🙂 Totally giving this a try this weekend!
veggiesdontbite
Hahaha!!! Not going to lie, I did sneak a swipe the other day during breakfast time. I love buffalo everything too!! Thanks so much and if you try it let me know what you think!