This Buffalo Chickpea Dip is creamy, super cheesy, and full of tangy heat. It’s a bubbly, golden baked dip that’s perfect for game day or a casual snack night. With a mix of mashed chickpeas, cream cheese, hot sauce, and melty cheddar, it’s comfort food with a kick.
Buffalo chickpea dip is cheesy, filling, and has that tangy-hot flavor everyone loves about buffalo-style appetizers.
The chickpeas make this baked dip filling (and add some protein and fiber!) while giving a good texture.
Serve this hot chickpea dip with tortilla chips, celery sticks, pita chips, or spread it on a sandwich the next day.
Make it mild or spicy depending on the hot sauce you use and your heat tolerance.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- chickpeas: Provide a filling base for the dip while adding protein and fiber.
- plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightens the dip while still keeping it creamy.
- hot sauce: The key flavor in any Buffalo recipe. It brings tang, spice, and acidity. Use your favorite. I like Frank’s Xtra Hot for even more heat.
- cream cheese: Smooth and rich, keeps it creamy.
- cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
- mozzarella cheese: Melts well.
- green onions: Brighten the dip with a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Substitutions
- chickpeas: You could try white beans instead for a softer, creamier texture. I haven’t tested it, but it should be similar.
- greek yogurt: Sour cream is a good substitute.
- hot sauce: Any vinegar-based hot sauce works, though the flavor will change depending on brand. Use a mild version if you don’t want as much heat.
- green onions: Try chives, parsley, or cilantro instead.
Instructions
Prep Tips
Making Buffalo Chickpea Dip is simple. You’ll mash chickpeas, stir together a creamy cheese mixture, combine everything, and then bake until hot and bubbly.
- Set aside a small portion of chickpeas for garnish if you’d like.
- Mash the rest of the chickpeas, leaving some chunks for texture.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the yogurt and hot sauce. Stir in the shredded cheeses and some of the green onions.
- Add the cheese mixture to the mashed chickpeas and combine well.
- Spread into a baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes. For a browned top, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
- Top with green onions and crispy seasoned chickpeas.
TIP: Pan-fry ½ cup of chickpeas for 5-6 minutes, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Drizzle oil, fry another 2 minutes. Use for topping. Or try air-fried chickpeas instead.
Tips for Making Buffalo Chickpea Dip
- Soften the cream cheese. Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily and gives a smoother texture to the dip.
- Keeping some of the chickpeas chunky gives the dip texture and makes it feel more filling.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has a coating that keeps it from melting smoothly.
- Adjust the spice. Start with less hot sauce and taste as you go if you’re worried about the heat. You can always add more before baking.
- Pan-fried chickpeas with spices make a crunchy garnish that contrasts with the creamy dip.
- Serve hot. This dip is best straight from the oven when the cheese is melty. If reheating later, bake covered until warmed through to keep it from drying out.
What to Serve With Cheesy Buffalo Chickpea Dip
For game-day snacking, pair Buffalo Chickpea Dip with a big bowl of tortilla chips, or air fryer pita chips and crunchy celery sticks.
More Game Day Recipes
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, bake in an oven-safe
dish at 350°F until hot, about 15 minutes. You can also microwave smaller portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
For the best texture, avoid freezing since the dairy can separate.
FAQs
Yes, you can prep the dip the day before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if it’s going in cold.
If you don’t tolerate heat well, use a mild hot sauce.
Buffalo Chickpea Dip Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set aside 1/3 cup of the chickpeas for garnish, optional.
- Mash the remaining chickpeas, leaving some texture.
- Whip the cream cheese with the yogurt and the hot sauce. Add the shredded cheese and half of the green onions.
- Add the cream cheese mixture to the chickpeas and mix together.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Broil 2-3 minutes, optional.
- Top with crispy chickpeas if using and sliced green onions.
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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