spicy cauliflower cheese bites with tahini ranch.

spicy cauliflower cheese bites with tahini ranch.

Meet the healthier, better tasting, Super Bowl appetizer, Spicy Cauliflower Cheese Bites with Tahini Ranch.

It’s crazy that the Super Bowl is this Sunday. Most years I post a number of Super Bowl focused recipes, but this year it really just snuck up on me. I guess my focus has been much more on snowboarding, and the upcoming Olympics…and our big trip to Korea…than football.

The great thing about these bites is that, contrary to the feeling you get after eating fried mac n’ cheese balls, or fried chicken wings, these bites are pretty much guiltless. I mean, sure there’s cheese, but you all know how I feel about cheese…everything in moderation.

My one recommendation? If you’re making these for the Super Bowl this weekend, double the recipe. Trust me, these bites go fast.

Better than chicken wings, and with a healthier ranch, the perfect little bites!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 heads cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (I like Franks)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to your taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• kosher salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/3 cup grated cheddar

TAHINI RANCH

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• kosher salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 
2. On a baking sheet, toss together the cauliflower, olive oil, hot sauce, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Add the parmesan and toss to coat. Transfer to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes. Remove and add the cheddar. Return to the oven and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, until the cauliflower is golden and the cheese begins to crisp.
3. Meanwhile, make the ranch. Combine all ingredients in bowl. Add 1/4 cup water and whisk with a fork to combine, adding water if needed to thin. Taste and adjust seasonings. 
4. Serve the warm cauliflower bites with the tahini ranch. Enjoy!

Recipe Source:halfbakedharvest.com