Baked Cauliflower Dip
September 14th, 2011
Baked Cauliflower Dip
Alright folks, tailgating season is officially here!
By popular demand, there will be all kinds of tailgating recipes sneaking there way in over the next couple months. The most requested types of recipes so far have been for “dips” but please feel free to leave a comment about what you would like some help with, and I would be happy to try and rustle something up for you.
This particular dip is a hot, baked cauliflower dip. It is inspired by a classic hot artichoke dip, but, um, *slightly* healthier, and without my nemesis (mayo).
The boiled cauliflower has a creamy texture all on it’s own, but the addition of cream cheese, Monterey jack and a bit of goat cheese makes for an incredibly flavorful, smooth and rich dip. Does the fiber count make it healthy?!
It’s great with fresh cut veggies or crackers, and blessedly can be made the day before hand and baked until got and bubbly right before serving. However if you have to bake and then transfer to a game- don’t worry, it also tastes great at room temperature.
Baked Cauliflower Dip, makes about 5 cups
-1 head of cauliflower, (about 4-5 cups) cut into small pieces
-2 cloves raw garlic, peeled
-8 oz cream cheese
-8 oz Monterey jack cheese, shredded
-2 oz goat cheese
-½ tsp cayenne pepper
1)Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2)Bring a salted pot of water to a boil.
3)Boil the cauliflower for about 2-3 minutes, or until just fork tender.
4)Drain the cauliflower.
5)In the bowl of a food processor, add the cauliflower and the garlic.
6)Add the cream cheese and pulse.
7)Add the Monterey jack cheese and pulse.
8)When the dip is pretty smooth, add the goat cheese.
9)When the dip is very smooth, season with cayenne and salt to taste.
10)Pour the Dip into a baking dish.
11)Bake the dip at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly with a bit of golden on the top (if your baking dish doesn’t have handles, I recommend putting the dish on a sheet pan.)
12)Serve the hot dip with veggies and crackers for dipping.
Love this! The cauliflower most certainly makes it healthy….I think? haha
3:39 am on September 14th, 2011
Um….YES PLEASE. That last picture of the dip….I want to dive in. Delish!
7:30 am on September 14th, 2011
That looks SO good Heather!! I am so excited to have an occasion where I can make this… maybe a fun Thanksgiving appetizer? :)
7:56 am on September 14th, 2011
thats a good idea amanda!
8:03 am on September 14th, 2011
oooh, so good! Love cauliflower but have never made a dip with it
8:05 am on September 14th, 2011
Wow, that looks delish! I need an appetizer to take to Book Club tomorrow. I think I just found it. Thanks!
8:21 am on September 14th, 2011
Wowie! That looks like it’d be addictive!
8:35 am on September 14th, 2011
i never would have thought of cauliflower!!! great app!!
8:39 am on September 14th, 2011
This looks so good! Do you think the dip would be as tasty if I used Neufchatel cheese rather then cream cheese? I just love the addition of goat cheese. Mmm!
9:05 am on September 14th, 2011
I love the idea of this cauliflower dip with all that creamy cheese! Perfect for this time of year :)
9:06 am on September 14th, 2011
So glad I’m not the only one who really dislike’s mayo… The only time I buy it, literally, is to make Hot Spinach Artichoke dip. I’m glad for an alternative. After I make this to your directions, I may try mixing the two recipe’s.
THanks!
9:18 am on September 14th, 2011
This is such a great idea! My kids love cauliflower, so I will definitely be making this for one of our football afternoons.
9:46 am on September 14th, 2011
Love this dip!!
9:56 am on September 14th, 2011
Such a good idea! I’ve done mashed cauliflower as a mashed potato sub before, but never thought to use it for a dip!
11:03 am on September 14th, 2011
Looks like a super dip … warm and comforting for Fall and football eats!
11:55 am on September 14th, 2011
Let me know how it goes. If I had had any artichoke hearts in my pantry, I would have tried the same thing!
12:36 pm on September 14th, 2011
Sure! why not? Let me know how it tastes is you try it!
12:37 pm on September 14th, 2011
Wow!! This looks so good. It just reminded me of a dip similar that I tried at a friends…we couldn’t believe it was cauliflower! I never got her recipe so I’m so glad you posted yours!
I love that bowl :)
1:14 pm on September 14th, 2011
Love cauliflower. The idea of using it in a dip sounds really interesting.
3:35 pm on September 14th, 2011
Great healthy alternative! I am going to try this on Sunday!
7:40 pm on September 14th, 2011
I love artichoke dip and I love cauliflower so there is no question I would love this dip!!
Can’t wait to make this for our next football get together!
8:04 pm on September 14th, 2011
I’m always looking for more great cauliflower recipes and this is a great one! Thanks.
9:09 pm on September 14th, 2011
I think tasty.Thanks
3:49 am on September 15th, 2011
This looks so gooey and delicious. I would eat it all easily.
4:11 pm on September 15th, 2011
Such a yummy-licious and seriously untique dip! YUM.
6:44 pm on September 21st, 2011
I am making this yummy dip tonight:)
4:25 pm on October 1st, 2011
[...] baked cauliflower dip [...]
6:14 am on September 1st, 2012
[...] baked cauliflower dip [...]
1:02 pm on September 1st, 2012
[...] baked cauliflower dip [...]
2:18 pm on September 1st, 2012
Could I use a blender instead of a food processor since I don’t own a processor to make this dip?
10:48 am on January 8th, 2013
Yes! it will probably be a bit smoother in consistency, but should work just fine!
11:08 am on January 8th, 2013
I had so much hope for this recipe, but it was a total flop. It was completely lacking in flavor. I thought perhaps I had left out some critical ingredient, but I followed the recipe.
11:51 pm on February 6th, 2013
jeez- So sorry you feel that way! With all that garlic and cheese I really enjoy that dip. We will have to agree to disagree :)
6:28 am on February 7th, 2013
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12:29 pm on May 6th, 2013