Description
A flavorful and spicy cauliflower casserole with a creamy buffalo cheese sauce, perfect as a vegetarian main or a hearty side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 small to medium head cauliflower, broken into small pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 oz Ranch Salad or Blue Cheese Salad dressing
- 3–4 oz cheese of choice (cheddar, brie, gouda, mozzarella, etc.)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1–3 tablespoon Hot Sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Optional: sliced green onion, bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a cast-iron skillet or an 8×8 baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Toss the cauliflower pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated. Spread the seasoned cauliflower into the prepared skillet or baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. For softer cauliflower, bake for an additional 2-5 minutes.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce. In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, your chosen cheese, and cream cheese. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until the cheese begins to melt.
- Remove the cheese mixture from the microwave and stir in the hot sauce and garlic powder until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Once the cauliflower has finished roasting, carefully remove it from the oven. Pour the spicy cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower. Stir gently to ensure the cauliflower is coated, being mindful that the dish is very hot.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes for a crispier texture, or 15 minutes for softer cauliflower.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional sliced green onion or bacon bits if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavor profiles.
- This Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole is a great alternative to traditional buffalo chicken dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg