Ah, the infamous buffalo cauliflower—it’s like the rebellious cousin of chicken wings, daring you to think differently. This dip, with its feisty kick and creamy texture, is perfect for those game nights where the TV’s blaring and everyone’s shouting (or maybe just for a quiet Netflix binge). Trust me, once you’ve got a scoop of this spicy goodness, there’s no going back.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and optionally line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread cauliflower florets on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are slightly charred.
- Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a large bowl. Add cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, hot sauce, Greek yogurt, green onions, and blue cheese. Stir everything together until well combined.
- For the oven method, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Spread the cauliflower mixture into a 9 x 9-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden. Remove from the oven, garnish with optional toppings, and serve warm.
- For the slow cooker method, spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Add all ingredients into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 1.5 to 2 hours or low for 3-4 hours until the cheese is melted. Stir before transferring to a serving bowl, garnish with optional toppings, and serve warm.
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup hot sauce (recommended: Frank’s)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions
- Optional: 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Optional garnishes: additional crumbled blue cheese, thinly-sliced green onions, chopped celery, and/or a drizzle of hot sauce
FAQ
- What is Buffalo Cauliflower Dip?
- Buffalo Cauliflower Dip is a vegetarian twist on the traditional buffalo dip, featuring roasted cauliflower combined with ingredients like cream cheese, mozzarella, and hot sauce for a spicy, creamy dip.
- Can I prepare the dip in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the dip a day ahead by mixing the roasted cauliflower with the other ingredients. Simply store it in the refrigerator and bake it before serving.
- What can I use instead of blue cheese?
- If blue cheese isn’t to your liking, you can substitute it with feta cheese or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
- How can I make this dip using a slow cooker?
- To make Buffalo Cauliflower Dip in a slow cooker, mix all ingredients and place them in the cooker. Cook on high for 1.5 to 2 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours until the cheeses are melted.
- What are some suggested toppings for serving?
- Popular toppings include extra crumbled blue cheese, sliced green onions, chopped celery, or a drizzle of additional hot sauce to enhance the flavor.
Tips
- Roasting the Cauliflower: For the best flavor, make sure the cauliflower is spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet before roasting. This helps it to cook evenly and develop a nice char around the edges, enhancing the overall taste of the dip.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance to save time on the day of your event. Simply combine the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. When ready, transfer to a baking dish or slow cooker and heat as directed.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, consider substituting with feta or omitting it entirely. This allows you to customize the dip according to your taste preferences while still enjoying its creamy goodness.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: If you’re tight on oven space, the slow cooker method is a great alternative. Just remember to stir occasionally to ensure all the ingredients meld together smoothly and the cheeses melt evenly.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Large mixing bowl
- 9 x 9-inch baking dish
- Slow cooker (if you choose to use the slow cooker method)
