This addictive Healthy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Dip is super creamy, decadent, and secretly healthy! You'd never guess it was vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein. Make it for the big game or as a party appetizer!
I'm in love I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!
You're going to want to bathe in the creamy magnificence that is this vegan buffalo dip. You'll want to dip chips and celery and carrots and fingers and toes in it.
Cuz who doesn't love Buffalo Chicken Dip? Meet the world's finest veggie version.
We're talking 1) fabulous texture, 2) tangy, must-go-back-for-more flavor status, and 3) a stellar nutrition profile, believe it or not. What a trio.
We can keep that last part secret.
I originally published this recipe in 2016. Jeff had said, "Mmmmm. Good job, boo! Just don't tell people it's vegan. Or what's in it."
The fiancé is a wise, wise man. No one is dying to know there's legumes hiding in the shadows, I get it.
The second people learn something is vegan, they automatically think it'll taste like socks.
Let their innocent tastebuds relish in the sheer cheezy, buffalo-y glory that is this dip without knowing it's packed with good-for-you ingredients and all the flavor on planet earth.
Laugh your evil laugh in the background as your guests gather around the TV shoveling cauliflower, chickpeas, and cashews down their traps thinking it's cheez whiz. Vegan buffalo dip HEAVEN.
Ahhhh. The satisfaction!
Ingredients to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
- Raw cashews: For that creamy, velvetty richness we all know and love.
- Cauliflower: I steam a bag from frozen, making the prep a breeze. Cauliflower adds a wonderful thick texture here.
- Chickpeas: Another textural sub for chicken in classic buffalo dip, chickpeas also add a hefty punch of fiber and plant protein.
- Hot sauce: I used Frank's red hot because is there really any other? Flavor town!
- Nutritional yeast: this adds that quintessential cheezy flavor. You can find nooch at Kroger, Whole Foods, Amazon, etc.
Make it for the big game. Make it for the small game. Make it for no reason at all beyond it being sensationally delish!
Good luck with sharing.
Print
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Oven
Description
This addictive Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Dip is super creamy, decadent, and secretly healthy/ You'd never guess it was vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein. Make it for the big game or as an appetizer for your next dinner party.
Ingredients
- 1-12oz bag frozen cauliflower florets, steamed according to package directions
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked and drained
- 1-15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup original Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- ½ cup water
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Place cashews in a bowl of warm water for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375F. Spray an 8x8in baking dish with cooking spray.
- Add to the bowl of a large food processor the steamed cauliflower, cashews, chickpeas, hot sauce, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and garlic powder. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which will take several minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Transfer dip to baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, turn the oven to broil, (keep the oven open) and cook for 5 minutes longer.
- Serve with chips or veggies for dipping. I like it hot or cold! Dip will last at least a week in the fridge.
Recipe by Alexis Joseph of Hummusapien™. Photos by Eat Love Eats.
Chris says
Hubby approved!! Cant tell its healthy!
★★★★★
Sarah says
Made this last night and it was absolutely delicious!
★★★★★
Alexis says
Yayyy so glad, thanks Sarah!!
Brooke says
Made this dip for a March Madness game and wow did it exceed my expectations! This dip was delicious and addicting. Everyone loved it (meat eaters included). I only used 1/2 cup Franks Red Hot Sauce to lighten the spice and it was perfect for us.
★★★★★
Pam says
Better than I could have imagined!!! Can't seem to leave it alone I keep walking back into the kitchen for another taste. Absolutely so delicious that I had to come back online and post
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
That means so much, Pam 🙂 Thank you!
Claudia M says
I make this almost weekly for bachelor nation viewing! It is so easy and so good! Always a crowd pleaser
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Love love love! Thanks so much, Claudia.
Alex says
When you say “keep the oven open” you mean literally let the door hang open for the last 5 minutes?
Alexis Joseph says
Yep--a couple of inches is ideal. A general rule of thumb is that you leave the oven door open when broiling in an electric oven, but closed to broil in a gas oven. For most models, the best results are achieved with the door left ajar a couple of inches.
Erin says
No better game day dip!
★★★★★
Jackie says
Made this with great northern beans and 1/2 cup of tahini instead of the cashews (allergy) and it was so delicious. Thanks!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
I love those substitutions--great idea, Jackie! Thank you tons for taking the time to come back and let me know and leave a rating. It's so helpful!
Krista says
I found this recipe on pinterest a couple years ago and often make it for potlucks. Loved by all, including kids and meat eaters! I also just realized that you graduated from Ohio State too! I spent most of my days at Stillman Hall, Baker West, or Burritos Noches.
And I went to Alchemy before!! Yum! Anyways, just thought I'd tell you how awesome this blog is. ?
★★★★★
Krista says
I found this recipe on pinterest a couple years ago and often make it for potlucks. Loved by all, including kids and meat eaters! I also just realized that you graduated from Ohio State too! I spent most of my days at Stillman Hall, Baker West, or Burritos Noches.
And I went to Alchemy before!! Yum! Anyways, just thought I'd tell you how awesome this blog is. ?
★★★★★
Faith says
This turned out so good! My friend and I have a tradition of making buffalo dip every time we see each other, so I’ve missed out since going vegan. Not anymore! So happy this vegan recipe exists!
★★★★★
Faith says
This turned out so good! My friend and I have a tradition of making buffalo dip every time we see each other, so I’ve missed out since going vegan. Not anymore! So happy this vegan recipe exists!
★★★★★
Heather says
This is delicious!! I made this tonight but subbed coconut milk for the cashews (I didn’t have any on hand) and it’s so creamy and tasty!
★★★★★
Heather says
This is delicious!! I made this tonight but subbed coconut milk for the cashews (I didn’t have any on hand) and it’s so creamy and tasty!
★★★★★
Alison Nulty says
Made this last night before the Superbowl and loved it! It was delicious-will definitely make again!
★★★★★
Alison Nulty says
Made this last night before the Superbowl and loved it! It was delicious-will definitely make again!
★★★★★
Jaime says
This was so easy to make, I didn't even need to go out and buy any unusual ingredients. I had everything already and it came out great!!
★★★★★
Jaime says
This was so easy to make, I didn't even need to go out and buy any unusual ingredients. I had everything already and it came out great!!
★★★★★
Amy says
Can you use almonds instead of cashews?
Alexis says
Hmmm I don’t think it would be as smooth and creamy!
Amy says
Can you use almonds instead of cashews?
Alexis says
Hmmm I don’t think it would be as smooth and creamy!
Coco says
a this is amazing!
★★★★★
Coco says
a this is amazing!
★★★★★
Louisa says
WHAT DOES A BEAN MEAN?? ????
Louisa says
WHAT DOES A BEAN MEAN?? ????
Samantha Meiklejohn says
Arghhh!!! I get so disheartened when I see recipes that make me sing!!!! Then I see cashews in the ingredients list and I break down to a heap..... god damn tree-nut allergy!!! Any recommendations for a substitute instead of nuts? Please? Pretty please....
Alexis says
I’m sorry but I don’t know how to make it without cashews—maybe a dairy free cream cheese?
Samantha Meiklejohn says
Arghhh!!! I get so disheartened when I see recipes that make me sing!!!! Then I see cashews in the ingredients list and I break down to a heap..... god damn tree-nut allergy!!! Any recommendations for a substitute instead of nuts? Please? Pretty please....
Alexis says
I’m sorry but I don’t know how to make it without cashews—maybe a dairy free cream cheese?
Cheryl says
I can't wait to make this! Can you prepare everything the day before and put in the fridge until you are ready to bake?
Alexis says
I’ve never done that so I’m not sure, sorry!! I think it will work just fine 🙂
Cheryl says
I made it the night before and kept in the fridge covered. Baked the next afternoon (left on counter for about an hour and added a few minutes to the cooking time) and got many compliments and asking for the recipe so thank you for sharing!
Cheryl says
I can't wait to make this! Can you prepare everything the day before and put in the fridge until you are ready to bake?
Alexis says
I’ve never done that so I’m not sure, sorry!! I think it will work just fine 🙂
Cheryl says
I made it the night before and kept in the fridge covered. Baked the next afternoon (left on counter for about an hour and added a few minutes to the cooking time) and got many compliments and asking for the recipe so thank you for sharing!
Mer G says
How much fresh cauliflower would one use?
Mer G says
How much fresh cauliflower would one use?
Helaine says
Made this for tailgating before a spring training game and it was delicious!! Even the meat eaters were asking for the recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Alexis says
The ultimate compliment!! Thanks Helaine 🙂
Helaine says
Made this for tailgating before a spring training game and it was delicious!! Even the meat eaters were asking for the recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Alexis says
The ultimate compliment!! Thanks Helaine 🙂
Judy says
I love hot hot but unfortunately the Frank’s takes over everything so that all this ends up being is a creamy hot dip. there’s really not much else going on as far as flavor- no depth, no subtlety, just Frank’s hot sauce dip ... I should’ve known to temper the hot sauce and then add later but I had it all at once ...
★
Alexis says
Hmmm sorry you didn’t love it! It is a creamy buffalo dip so my intention was to be heavy on the hot sauce. Feel free to use this recipe as a guide and adjust to your tastes!
Judy says
I love hot hot but unfortunately the Frank’s takes over everything so that all this ends up being is a creamy hot dip. there’s really not much else going on as far as flavor- no depth, no subtlety, just Frank’s hot sauce dip ... I should’ve known to temper the hot sauce and then add later but I had it all at once ...
★
Alexis says
Hmmm sorry you didn’t love it! It is a creamy buffalo dip so my intention was to be heavy on the hot sauce. Feel free to use this recipe as a guide and adjust to your tastes!
Kelly says
THIS DIP IS AMAZING. Thank you so much I have made this multiple times. I usually add a bit more sauce to make it more spicy. I used to eat unhealthy buffalo chicken dip but now recently going vegan this tastes exactly the same and I am so happy
★★★★★
Alexis says
Yayyyy!! So glad to hear that! Thank you!
Kelly says
THIS DIP IS AMAZING. Thank you so much I have made this multiple times. I usually add a bit more sauce to make it more spicy. I used to eat unhealthy buffalo chicken dip but now recently going vegan this tastes exactly the same and I am so happy
★★★★★
Alexis says
Yayyyy!! So glad to hear that! Thank you!
Jess says
I just made this for a pot luck at work and it IS FANTASTIC! I'm a new vegan and my husband makes cheesy buffalo chicken dip every year for special events and this will be my replacement! It is so yummy! And way less calories! Thank you so much for this recipe!
★★★★★
Alexis says
You made my night! Thanks so much for letting me know 🙂
Jess says
I just made this for a pot luck at work and it IS FANTASTIC! I'm a new vegan and my husband makes cheesy buffalo chicken dip every year for special events and this will be my replacement! It is so yummy! And way less calories! Thank you so much for this recipe!
★★★★★
Alexis says
You made my night! Thanks so much for letting me know 🙂
Mickey says
Made this today, cannot believe how great it tastes!!
★★★★★
Alexis says
I’m so so glad!!
Mickey says
Made this today, cannot believe how great it tastes!!
★★★★★
Alexis says
I’m so so glad!!
Joanne says
Great recipe delicious!
Alexis says
Thanks so much for reporting back! Thrilled you enjoyed it.
Joanne says
Great recipe delicious!
Alexis says
Thanks so much for reporting back! Thrilled you enjoyed it.
Molly says
Does it have to be baked?
Alexis says
It tastes good without being baked but I like it best baked!
Molly says
Does it have to be baked?
Alexis says
It tastes good without being baked but I like it best baked!
Dave says
I was thinking about adding some drained fresh salsa to this.
Dave says
I was thinking about adding some drained fresh salsa to this.
Liz says
I just tested this dish for a family get-together that includes several vegans. IT IS FANTASTIC! Admittedly, I was skeptical when I saw ingredients that I had never tried before (i.e. nutritional yeast), however it had a light, and creamy texture that had all of the right taste notes. Thanks for sharing such a yummy option.
★★★★★
Liz says
I just tested this dish for a family get-together that includes several vegans. IT IS FANTASTIC! Admittedly, I was skeptical when I saw ingredients that I had never tried before (i.e. nutritional yeast), however it had a light, and creamy texture that had all of the right taste notes. Thanks for sharing such a yummy option.
★★★★★
Christa says
We're newly vegan and I want to try this recipe. I have two 12oz. bags of green giant RICED cauliflower in my freezer. Do you think that could work fine in place of the frozen florets?
Christa says
We're newly vegan and I want to try this recipe. I have two 12oz. bags of green giant RICED cauliflower in my freezer. Do you think that could work fine in place of the frozen florets?
Anna says
I’m not sure we have frank sauce in Australia? What can I substitute with?
And does it work with fresh cauliflower?
Alexis says
Any hot sauce should work just fine! Not sure it would work with fresh cauliflower. When it's steamed it's softer and gives a better texture.
Anna says
I’m not sure we have frank sauce in Australia? What can I substitute with?
And does it work with fresh cauliflower?
Alexis says
Any hot sauce should work just fine! Not sure it would work with fresh cauliflower. When it's steamed it's softer and gives a better texture.
Brooke says
Hey there,
I just wanted to clarify — do you recommend using the Original Frank’s Red hot sauce or the Frank’s buffalo hot sauce?
Thanks!
Alexis says
Original 🙂
Brooke says
Hey there,
I just wanted to clarify — do you recommend using the Original Frank’s Red hot sauce or the Frank’s buffalo hot sauce?
Thanks!
Alexis says
Original 🙂
Ellen Lederman says
Loved this! So satisfying. Made it with orange cauliflower. used just a little less hot sauce in it and thought it was plenty hot. I did make it a little differently in that I roasted the cauliflower first and then put everything into the food processor and voila. What are the little green leaves you garnished it with? Cilantro?
Many thanks for such a healthy tasty recipe.
★★★★★
Ellen Lederman says
Loved this! So satisfying. Made it with orange cauliflower. used just a little less hot sauce in it and thought it was plenty hot. I did make it a little differently in that I roasted the cauliflower first and then put everything into the food processor and voila. What are the little green leaves you garnished it with? Cilantro?
Many thanks for such a healthy tasty recipe.
★★★★★
Krista says
This is delicious !! It is going to be my lunch this week. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
Krista says
This is delicious !! It is going to be my lunch this week. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
Jill says
Made this and loved it! I only had about half the Frank’s Red Hot sauce so I added some hot sauce and a can of green chile's and it still turned out great. It was good hot and cold the next day. I actually think this would be great in a 7 layer dip recipe or even tweaked slightly for vegan veggie cream cheese. Awesome recipe!
★★★★★
Jill says
Made this and loved it! I only had about half the Frank’s Red Hot sauce so I added some hot sauce and a can of green chile's and it still turned out great. It was good hot and cold the next day. I actually think this would be great in a 7 layer dip recipe or even tweaked slightly for vegan veggie cream cheese. Awesome recipe!
★★★★★
Sarah says
This totally satisfied my snacky junk food craving after working out. Thank you!
★★★★★
Sarah says
This totally satisfied my snacky junk food craving after working out. Thank you!
★★★★★
Shelley Sheerin says
What will the cashews add to this -we have a severe tree nut allergy at our house, so the cashews are out. I will probably make this and just leave them out - but wonder what it adds to the dish, other than nutrients?
Alexis says
It adds creaminess to the texture. Could you try sunflower seeds instead?
Shelley Sheerin says
What will the cashews add to this -we have a severe tree nut allergy at our house, so the cashews are out. I will probably make this and just leave them out - but wonder what it adds to the dish, other than nutrients?
Alexis says
It adds creaminess to the texture. Could you try sunflower seeds instead?
Brittany says
There's a hair on the food in the first picture....
Alexis says
Indeed there is! My long black hair getting the best of me in the kitchen per usual.
Brittany says
There's a hair on the food in the first picture....
Alexis says
Indeed there is! My long black hair getting the best of me in the kitchen per usual.
Rosey says
Omg! Amazing! I have been veg for 16 years and buffalo chicken dip did not become a thing until after I Was already veg so I have never had it. Until now! This was truly delicious and I am a huge fan!! This will be my new party dip! I also thought of possibly pulsing the cauliflower into the dip to give it a little more texture?! Will try that next time! Mad props to you for this amazing recipe!!
★★★★★
Rosey says
Omg! Amazing! I have been veg for 16 years and buffalo chicken dip did not become a thing until after I Was already veg so I have never had it. Until now! This was truly delicious and I am a huge fan!! This will be my new party dip! I also thought of possibly pulsing the cauliflower into the dip to give it a little more texture?! Will try that next time! Mad props to you for this amazing recipe!!
★★★★★
Kathy says
Any idea of calorie count
★★★★★
Kathy says
Any idea of calorie count
★★★★★
Esther Paine says
I LOVE this recipe- it is definitely addicting! Do you think I could mix everything up, keep it in the fridge for a day, and bake it right before using? I want to make it the day after thanksgiving!
★★★★★
Esther Paine says
I LOVE this recipe- it is definitely addicting! Do you think I could mix everything up, keep it in the fridge for a day, and bake it right before using? I want to make it the day after thanksgiving!
★★★★★
Jo Peters says
I made an un-healthy un-vegan version of this dip many times in the past. Considering this recipe has less than 25% of the calories (I checked), I can't believe how delicious and comparable it is! It is just as creamy and spicy, and deliciously guilt-free with celery sticks.
★★★★★
Alexis says
You have no idea how happy this makes me! So happy you found this recipe 🙂
Jo Peters says
I made an un-healthy un-vegan version of this dip many times in the past. Considering this recipe has less than 25% of the calories (I checked), I can't believe how delicious and comparable it is! It is just as creamy and spicy, and deliciously guilt-free with celery sticks.
★★★★★
Alexis says
You have no idea how happy this makes me! So happy you found this recipe 🙂
Jessica Carbon says
Hello!!!!
I would like to ask - is there a nut-free version of this? I'm vegan and I want to bring this to a gathering soon but I have a friend who has a nut allergy. Can I substitute this with something else or leave out the cashews? Will the texture be altered horrifically if I leave out the cashews?
Thanks!
https://www.searedandshameless.com
Stefanie Shaffer says
Meant to comment here!
Jessica Carbon says
Hello!!!!
I would like to ask - is there a nut-free version of this? I'm vegan and I want to bring this to a gathering soon but I have a friend who has a nut allergy. Can I substitute this with something else or leave out the cashews? Will the texture be altered horrifically if I leave out the cashews?
Thanks!
https://www.searedandshameless.com
Stefanie Shaffer says
Meant to comment here!
Shirley says
I've a challenge for you based on this recipe, Alexis. Think you can whip up a vegan "ranch dip" that can be served with the buffalo dip?
Alexis says
Hahah I'm on it!
Shirley says
I've a challenge for you based on this recipe, Alexis. Think you can whip up a vegan "ranch dip" that can be served with the buffalo dip?
Alexis says
Hahah I'm on it!
Shirley says
Thanks for this one, Alexis! We made this as soon as we saw your post - and guiltily, we were eating the dip with spoons straight from the dish! Yummy!!!!!
★★★★★
Alexis says
Awesome! I was totally with you on eating it with a spoon 🙂
Stefanie Shaffer says
I would like this suggestion also!
Shirley says
Thanks for this one, Alexis! We made this as soon as we saw your post - and guiltily, we were eating the dip with spoons straight from the dish! Yummy!!!!!
★★★★★
Alexis says
Awesome! I was totally with you on eating it with a spoon 🙂
Stefanie Shaffer says
I would like this suggestion also!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
Looove this Alexis! Super smart and so tricky. 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks lady!! I think it would be kiddo-approved, as long as they like hot sauce 🙂
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
Looove this Alexis! Super smart and so tricky. 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks lady!! I think it would be kiddo-approved, as long as they like hot sauce 🙂
Nicole Concours says
"Turn the oven to broil (keep the oven open) and cook for 5 minutes longer."
Hi there. Broil with the foil still on? Or removed?
Cheers,
Nicole
Alexis says
Thanks for catching that! Foil should be removed 🙂
Nicole Concours says
"Turn the oven to broil (keep the oven open) and cook for 5 minutes longer."
Hi there. Broil with the foil still on? Or removed?
Cheers,
Nicole
Alexis says
Thanks for catching that! Foil should be removed 🙂
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
What a great dip! Love cauliflower anything.
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
What a great dip! Love cauliflower anything.
annie says
Um, YUM! I love buffalo flavored things and much as the next person -- but I don't like that they tend to be deep fried. Perfect way to dig into something spicy without being unhealthy.
annie says
Um, YUM! I love buffalo flavored things and much as the next person -- but I don't like that they tend to be deep fried. Perfect way to dig into something spicy without being unhealthy.
ACKTIVE LIFE says
Anything with cauliflower in it these days tastes amazing to me! I am cauliflower obsessed and will eat it anyway that it is prepared. It is so damn good...and yes to bean chips...Beans beans the musical fruit...bring it on fiber!
ACKTIVE LIFE says
Anything with cauliflower in it these days tastes amazing to me! I am cauliflower obsessed and will eat it anyway that it is prepared. It is so damn good...and yes to bean chips...Beans beans the musical fruit...bring it on fiber!
Linda Bowling says
Can you substitute Sriracha or some other hot sauce for Franks? Can we beg Beanitos to go back to the round shape chip for black bean and pinto bean chips???!!! The triangular shape they have switched to comes all broken up now - the round shape seems to hold up to packaging and transport better.
Alexis says
Hey there! I would not recommending substituting sriracha since it's much sweeter and spicier. Perhaps another similar hot sauce and start with 1/2 cup then add to taste? I'll let Beanitos know your feedback about the round chip!
Linda Bowling says
Can you substitute Sriracha or some other hot sauce for Franks? Can we beg Beanitos to go back to the round shape chip for black bean and pinto bean chips???!!! The triangular shape they have switched to comes all broken up now - the round shape seems to hold up to packaging and transport better.
Alexis says
Hey there! I would not recommending substituting sriracha since it's much sweeter and spicier. Perhaps another similar hot sauce and start with 1/2 cup then add to taste? I'll let Beanitos know your feedback about the round chip!
Caitlyn @SoDamnGood says
Yumm saw your snap yesterday and was hoping for a recipe today. Love me a dip where you can feed to anyone and hide the ingredients!
Alexis says
Eeeeeee it's so amazing and dreamy!!!
Caitlyn @SoDamnGood says
Yumm saw your snap yesterday and was hoping for a recipe today. Love me a dip where you can feed to anyone and hide the ingredients!
Alexis says
Eeeeeee it's so amazing and dreamy!!!
Sudhana says
how long do you soak the cashews for before you use them?
Alexis says
Hey there! In the directions I recommend at least 30 minutes or overnight, but in a pinch you can soak in boiling water for 10 minutes.
Sudhana says
how long do you soak the cashews for before you use them?
Alexis says
Hey there! In the directions I recommend at least 30 minutes or overnight, but in a pinch you can soak in boiling water for 10 minutes.
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
What a genius idea! I saw this on your snap and wasn't sure what it was, but this is the best possible outcome!!
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
What a genius idea! I saw this on your snap and wasn't sure what it was, but this is the best possible outcome!!