Creamy Loaded Cauliflower Dip

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This creamy cauliflower dip tastes like a baked potato and is served inside a whole head of steamed cauliflower for a fun low-carb play on a bread bowl. Microwaving the cauliflower head is easy, but you can also steam it or use a pressure cooker to soften it up. If you want to skip the cauliflower bowl, just steam 1/2 cup cauliflower florets in the microwave and continue with Step 3.

Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Servings:
6

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower, trimmed of thick rough leaves

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • 1 cup plain whole-milk strained (Greek-style) yogurt

  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • teaspoon pepper

  • 3 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

  • ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or scallions, plus more for garnish

  • Potato chips and/or crudités for serving (optional)

Directions

  1. Place cauliflower and water in an 8-cup microwaveable bowl. Cover with a microwaveable lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on High until the cauliflower is fork-tender but florets are not falling off, 14 to 16 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the lid; let cool for 20 minutes. (To steam in a pressure cooker, see Tip.)

  2. Once the cauliflower is cool enough to handle, cut a 4- to 5-inch circle from the top, using a paring knife. Carefully cut a 2-inch deep well into the head, leaving the core intact. Plug any holes with tiny cauliflower florets.

  3. Combine 1/2 cup cauliflower trimmings, yogurt, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a food processor; process until smooth, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside 1 tablespoon crumbled bacon. Add the remaining bacon, 1/2 cup cheese and chives (or scallions) to the pureed cauliflower mixture; stir to combine.

  4. Spoon the dip into the cauliflower bowl. Sprinkle with the reserved bacon and the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Garnish with additional chives (or scallions), if desired. Serve with pieces of cauliflower and with potato chips and/or crudités, if desired.

    creamy loaded cauliflower dip surrounded by snap peas, fennel, cucumbers, potato chips
    Carson Downing (photographer) / Annie Probst (food stylist) / Joseph Wanek (prop Stylist)

Tip

Alternatively, pour 1 cup water into a programmable pressure multicooker (such as Instant Pot; times, instructions and settings may vary according to cooker brand or model). Place a trivet inside; place cauliflower head on the trivet. Cover the cooker and lock the lid in place. Turn the steam release handle to Sealing position. Select Manual/Pressure Cook setting. Select High pressure for 3 minutes (it will take 10 to 15 minutes for the cooker to come up to pressure before cooking begins). Carefully turn the steam release handle to Venting position; let the steam fully escape (float valve will drop; this will take 1 to 2 minutes). Carefully transfer the cauliflower to a cutting board; let cool for about 20 minutes. Proceed with Step 2.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, September 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

171 Calories
9g Fat
14g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about 1 cup cauliflower & about 3 Tbsp. dip
Calories 171
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 13g 26%
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 25mg 8%
Vitamin A 203IU 4%
Vitamin C 112mg 124%
Folate 133mcg 33%
Vitamin K 37mcg 31%
Sodium 352mg 15%
Calcium 196mg 15%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 40mg 10%
Potassium 748mg 16%
Zinc 1mg 9%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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