Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins with Buffalo Cauliflower & Cashew Ranch Drizzle
These Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins are a flavor-packed, nutrient-dense dish that combines crispy sweet potato skins, spicy buffalo cauliflower, and a creamy cashew ranch drizzle. They’re the perfect plant-based appetizer, snack, or light meal that brings bold flavors with a healthy twist!
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Skins:
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Buffalo Cauliflower:
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cashew Ranch Drizzle:
- ½ cup raw cashews, soaked for 2-4 hours or boiled for 10 minutes
- ¼ cup water (adjust for consistency)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
- Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the sweet potatoes and pierce them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Let them cool slightly, then cut each sweet potato in half and carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skin for structure.
- Brush the inside and outside of the skins with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Return the skins to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Cauliflower
- While the sweet potatoes bake, toss the cauliflower florets with hot sauce, melted coconut oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a large bowl.
- Spread the coated cauliflower onto a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until slightly crispy.
Step 3: Make the Cashew Ranch Drizzle
- Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Adjust consistency by adding more water if needed. Stir in fresh parsley or chives.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins
- Fill each crispy sweet potato skin with buffalo cauliflower.
- Drizzle generously with cashew ranch.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
Tips for Success
✔ Crispier Skins – Baking the skins twice helps them hold their shape and get crispy.
✔ Adjust the Spice – If you prefer milder heat, reduce the buffalo sauce or use a mild hot sauce.
✔ Make Ahead – Bake the sweet potatoes and roast the cauliflower ahead of time, then assemble before serving.
✔ Extra Creamy Ranch – Blend cashew ranch until smooth, and adjust water for the perfect drizzle.
✔ Customize It – Add toppings like avocado, shredded vegan cheese, or crispy chickpeas for extra texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 280-320
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
Health Benefits
✅ Rich in Fiber & Vitamins – Sweet potatoes provide vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
✅ Plant-Based Protein – Cauliflower and cashews add protein and essential nutrients.
✅ Anti-Inflammatory – Buffalo sauce ingredients like garlic and paprika support inflammation reduction.
✅ Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free – A great alternative to traditional buffalo snacks.
✅ Gut-Healthy – Cashew ranch provides healthy fats that support digestion.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use store-bought ranch instead of cashew ranch?
A: Yes! Use any vegan or regular ranch dressing if preferred.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Store components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat sweet potatoes in the oven for crispiness.
Q: Can I air-fry the cauliflower instead of baking?
A: Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Q: What can I do with the leftover sweet potato flesh?
A: Use it for mashed sweet potatoes, soup, or in baking (muffins, pancakes, etc.).
Q: Can I make these nut-free?
A: Yes! Replace cashew ranch with dairy-free yogurt-based ranch or tahini dressing.
These Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins with Buffalo Cauliflower & Cashew Ranch Drizzle are the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and creamy. They’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or as a delicious plant-based meal!