This vegan buffalo dip is a delicious twist on regular buffalo chicken dip. It is meat and dairy-free and made with roasted buffalo cauliflower. It is simple to make, taking a total of one hour to prep and make, and uses easy-to-find ingredients! This spicy and creamy dip is the perfect addition to any occasion.
Okay, this may be one of the best dips I have created. I make it often and enjoy it each and every time.
If you are someone who cut out meat a long time ago, you know the struggle when going to a picnic or a party. There are always meat-filled dips everywhere. Rarely will you find a dip for yourself. That is, other than the veggie tray.
This vegan buffalo chicken dip is perfect for anyone who is transitioning from a meat-eater to vegetarian, a vegetarian to vegan, or just anyone who loves a spicy, creamy dip.
Why We Love Vegan Buffalo Dip
Easy & Quick - You do not need to be kitchen savvy to make this recipe. Being a lazy vegan recipe creator, I never want to bring you a recipe in which you need to work hours at in the kitchen.
This dip required minimum effort. In fact, the only laborious part is chopping the cauliflower!
Crowd Pleaser- I have made this vegan buffalo chicken dip for multiple people now, and everyone loves it. In fact, it is the most popular dip recipe on my blog. Meat eaters and vegans all love the taste.
Easy To Transport- This dip is very easy to transport, as it stays sturdy in its casserole dish. You can easily bring it to any picnic, holiday gathering, or sports watch parties.
Versatile - If you like things spicier, you are welcome to use a hotter buffalo sauce. Enjoy a more mellow flavor? Use a mellow buffalo sauce. You can tailor it to your personal preference.
Ingredients For The Dip
To make this vegan buffalo chicken dip, you will need: cauliflower; vegan cream cheese; cheddar (vegan); vegan mayo; chives (optional); hot sauce; buffalo sauce; garlic salt; black pepper; and olive oil.
How To Make It
Step 1: Cut your cauliflower into small, bite-size pieces. Approximately the size of half of a strawberry. The smaller the better.
Place your cauliflower on a baking sheet then drizzle it with oil. Bake for 20 minutes, until the cauliflower, is lightly charred and softened.
Step 2: While the cauliflower is baking, you will want to mix your dip. Do this by mixing ½ cup of vegan cheddar cheese with the vegan cream cheese, mayo, chives, hot sauce, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Once the cauliflower is done baking, pour it into the mixing bowl.
Step 5: Fold the cauliflower into the rest of the dip. Do this by using a spatula to lift the cauliflower into the dip, turning the cauliflower over so it can be combined.
Step 6: Pour the vegan buffalo dip into a casserole dish (24 oz) and smooth it out to an even level. Sprinkle the additional ½ cup of vegan cheddar on top of it.
Cook for 20 minutes or until the mixture begins to bubble.
Storing The Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip
Store this vegan buffalo dip in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat it in the oven at the same temperature (425 degrees F) for approx 5-8 minutes or until you see the mixture begin to bubble.
Expert Tips!
Be sure to cut your cauliflower into small bites. If you do not, the cauliflower will be too large to get onto your chip, nor will they bake well.
Do not crowd your tray when baking the cauliflower. If it is overcrowded, then you will not have crispy, crunchy cauliflower bites.
You can also toss this vegan buffalo dip in some pasta and make an amazing buffalo mac and cheese with it. I do, however, have a buffalo mac and cheese recipe if you prefer that as well.
Thinking of what to pair this dip with?
Well, I recommend tortilla chips of course. However, this dip is also incredible with celery, carrots, pita chips, and just about anything! No judgment for eating it with a spoon out of the bowl.
Be sure your buffalo sauce is vegan! Many vegan buffalo sauces have non-vegan butter in them. A popular vegan buffalo sauce is The New Primal. Frank’s is also vegan.
If you prefer to make your own, see my buffalo sauce here.
Your cheese may not melt. Not all vegan cheese melts, and that is OK. In my experience, Vevan and Myokos work the best for melting purposes.
If you do want it to melt a little more, you can put the broiler on for 1-2 minutes. Just watch it carefully, as it will burn.
FAQ
Yes, it is easily cooked in a cast-iron skillet. The cook time will stay the same.
Yes, you can! It tastes great cold, as the buffalo spice is somewhat cooled down.
Yes, just make sure to roast your cauliflower beforehand still! I recommend setting it on low for 1-2 hours (or until the cheese begins to melt)
Craving More Dips?
This vegan jalapeno popper dip will not disappoint you! Especially if you love spice.
Looking for a more mellow and no-bake dip? Try my Rosemary Lemon Hummus.
Perhaps you want something on the sweeter side. Try these sweet and savory Zucchini Muffins by my friend Gabby at Cookie Dough Dairies.
Vegan Buffalo Dip
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower head (approx. 6 cups)
- 8 oz vegan cream cheese
- 1 cup vegan cheddar
- ¼ cup vegan mayo
- 2 tbsp chives minced (plus more for garnish)
- 3 tsp hot sauce
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
- Cut your cauliflower into small, bite size pieces (approx, the size of half of a strawberry). The smaller the better, as you do not want to have large chunks in your dip.
- Place the cauliflower on a non-stick baking tray. Make sure to spread it out and not crowd the cauliflower. You may need to do this with two baking sheets. Drizzle the cauliflower with oil and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the cauliflower is soft and charred.
- While it is cooking, mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Once the cauliflower is done cooking, place it in the bowl and toss in the sauce mixture. (Do not turn off oven!)
- Pour the buffalo cauliflower into a casserole dish. Optional to sprinkle extra cheddar cheese and chives on top.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and the mixture is bubbling. If you would like your cheese to be charred and melted more, turn on the boiler for 2 minutes.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then enjoy!
This dip is SO good! My fiance normally won't go near cauliflower and even he loved it! Thank you for the delicious recipe, I will be making this again and again!
Thank you so much, Nica! I hope you and your fiance have a great week!