Cauliflower Spinach Dip

Preperation time
20 m
Skills level

Serving size
6
Country of origin

Preparation time: 20 m
Cooking time: 25 m
Ready in: 5 m
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 (10.5 ounce) packages of frozen mashed cauliflower seasoned with garlic or ranch (or one medium cauliflower cored, boiled and pureed)
  • 1 1/2 (5 ounce) boxes of fresh baby spinach, chopped
  • Fresh chives, small handful finely chopped
  • One large shallot, diced
  • 1 cup (plus extra for topping) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
  • a good quality extra virgin olive oil
  • paprika
  • sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • medium size cast iron skillet is a must for this recipe
Recipe Type:
Course:

My hot Cauliflower Spinach Dip is ooey, gooey, cheesy and creamy goodness. It’s a spin on the traditional spinach dip. It’s so good and a great appetizer for the cooler weather. I think it is best served with a herbed bread like a foccacia bread or any Italian style bread or a crusty bread like a crostini. Everyone will want this recipe!

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then heat the packages of frozen mashed cauliflower in the microwave according to the directions on the box. For this recipe, I prefer to use frozen cauliflower that is seasoned with a ranch or garlic and already pureed or mashed.  Let it cool and set it aside.

Alternative: If you choose to use a fresh cauliflower, core it and boil it until soft and a fork tender. In this case, you’ll need 2 shallots.  Sauté one large shallot until translucent and add the cooked cauliflower with sauteed shallots to the blender with a hint of water and salt and puree. Let this cool and set it aside.

Next, chop 1 1/2 boxes of baby spinach. Set this side.

Add one diced shallot to the skillet with a drizzle of olive oil and some ground sea salt. After about 3 minutes add in the pureed cauliflower. Then, mix in the chopped spinach. Once the spinach wilts add in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese (packaged cheese versus fresh is best) and ½ cup of fontina cheese. Add black pepper and sea salt to taste. Give it a taste and be sure it has enough flavor, especially if you used a fresh cauliflower.

Next, once the cheese is melted about 3-4 minutes, take it off the heat. Use the back of a spoon to evenly spread out the top of the dip. Then add in another small handful of mozzarella cheese to the top along with few dashes of paprika for a pop of color and fresh chives (reserve some for after the dip comes out of the oven too!). Add more salt and pepper to the top as well.

Place the skillet in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese on top starts to become bubbly. Serve this dip hot, but be sure to put an oven mitt on the handle so everyone knows it’s hot!!!! Serve with bread for dipping and watch this app disappear quickly!