Description
Spicy and creamy vegetarian buffalo dip brings zesty southwestern flair to party snacks. Packed with plant-based goodness, this crowd-pleasing appetizer delivers bold flavors you’ll crave at game day gatherings or casual celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked and shredded jackfruit, lentils, or chickpeas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) block cream cheese, softened
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (Franks RedHot or your favorite brand)
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing for extra tang)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Garnish and Serving Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons green onions or fresh parsley, chopped
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Sliced baguette
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center. Coat an 8×8-inch ceramic or glass baking dish with a light olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, combine the cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Whisk vigorously until the mixture achieves a velvety, uniform consistency with no visible lumps.
- Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy base. Fold in your preferred protein alternative – whether tender pulled jackfruit, hearty lentils, or protein-rich chickpeas. Sprinkle in smoked paprika for an added layer of depth and complexity.
- Carefully transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a silicone spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Ensure the top is smooth and level for consistent heating.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The dip is ready when the edges turn golden brown and the center becomes visibly bubbling and heated through.
- Remove from the oven and allow the dip to rest for 5 minutes, which helps it set and prevents potential burns. Garnish generously with finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately alongside crisp tortilla chips, raw vegetable sticks, or toasted artisan bread points for a delightful communal appetizer experience.
Notes
- Swap jackfruit with pulled oyster mushrooms for a meatier texture that absorbs Buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan ranch to make this recipe completely plant-based and allergy-friendly.
- Toast your serving bread or chips before dipping to add an extra crunch that complements the creamy dip.
- Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity based on heat preference, starting with less and gradually increasing for personalized spice levels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg