Roasted Cauliflower Buffalo Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Roasted Cauliflower Buffalo Casserole is a flavorful and spicy twist on a classic comfort dish. Roasted cauliflower is smothered in a creamy, tangy buffalo cheese sauce, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or game day snack. It’s packed with bold flavors and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 small to medium head cauliflower, broken into small pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder (divided)
• 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 tbsp hot sauce
• ¼ – ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for topping)
• Optional: sliced green onion, bacon bits

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Grease a cast-iron skillet or an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: Toss the cauliflower pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated. Spread the cauliflower in the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. For softer cauliflower, bake an additional 2-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the cauliflower roasts, combine the salad dressing, cheese, and cream cheese in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds or until the cheese begins to melt. Remove and stir in the hot sauce and remaining garlic powder.
4. Step 4: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and pour the spicy cheese sauce over it. Stir gently to combine, being careful as the dish will be very hot.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes for a crunchier texture, or up to 15 minutes for softer cauliflower.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with optional sliced green onions or bacon bits before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite cheese or a blend to customize the flavor of the sauce.
• For extra heat, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
• Try topping with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish.
• To make this casserole vegan, substitute cream cheese and dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Note that the casserole is best enjoyed fresh for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower is recommended because it roasts better and holds its texture. If using frozen, thaw thoroughly and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

How spicy is this casserole?

The heat level depends on the amount of hot sauce you add. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your taste. You can always add more for extra spice.

Roasted Cauliflower Buffalo Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 95 reviews

This Roasted Cauliflower Buffalo Casserole is a spicy, cheesy comfort dish perfect for those who love bold flavors and a satisfying texture contrast. Roasted cauliflower is tossed in a creamy, tangy buffalo cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. It’s a great low-carb alternative packed with flavor, ideal for dinner or a hearty snack.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Base of the Casserole

• 1 small to medium head cauliflower, broken into small pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Spicy Cheese Sauce

• 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 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Topping

• ¼ – ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• OPTIONAL – sliced green onion, bacon bits

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet or an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside to keep it ready for roasting the cauliflower.
2. Roast Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in olive oil, garlic powder, and salt until well coated. Spread the cauliflower evenly in the prepared skillet or baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through at the 5-minute mark. If you prefer softer cauliflower, bake for an additional 2 to 5 minutes.
3. Prepare Spicy Cheese Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, combine the Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing, your choice of cheese, and cream cheese in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until the cheese starts to melt. Remove and stir in the hot sauce and garlic powder until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Cauliflower and Sauce: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and carefully pour the spicy cheese sauce over it. Stir gently to combine, but be cautious as the mixture will be very hot.
5. Top and Bake Again: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the sauced cauliflower. Optionally add sliced green onions or bacon bits. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes for crunchier cauliflower or up to 15 minutes if you prefer it softer and more tender.

Notes

• You can customize the cheese choice depending on your preference for flavor and meltability.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your desired spice level.
• For a richer flavor, add crispy bacon bits or chopped green onions on top after baking.
• Use a cast iron skillet to ensure even heat and a slightly crispier texture.
• This casserole is great served hot and pairs well with a fresh salad.

Keywords: roasted cauliflower, buffalo casserole, spicy cheese sauce, low carb casserole, comfort food, baked cauliflower, buffalo cauliflower