When I think about recipes in general, I often wonder how some people come up with their creative and delicious recipes. I would hardly call this Lasagna Dip – Paleo|Whole30|Dairy-Free a creative recipe but it’s delicious none-the-less!
Where most bloggers or recipe creators might have a plan in place for their next recipe, mine seem to come out of a need for ease or mishap. Or my husband gently suggests something that he’s craving but would like to have a healthier or paleo version. This Lasagna Dip came out of sheer ease. If you know me, I’m all about fueling with proper nutrition and if there’s a more simpler way to get that “meal” on the plate, I’m all for it!
Lasagna Lovers Unite
I have always loved lasagna but hated taking the time to make it. It really isn’t as grueling as I always mad it out to be but 9x out of 10, I would think about making it at the last minute. And of course, if you’re wanting meals in minutes, lasagna isn’t the meal to turn to. If you in fact love the labor of making this delicious meal, I have another paleo recipe for you – Lasagna Roll Ups! These roll ups do take a little bit of time but are oh-so-good! These Roll Ups are perfect for individual portions which make it nice for potlucks!
While those Lasagna Roll Ups are delish, they do take a little bit of time to prep. This Lasagna Dip – Paleo|Whole30|Dairy-Free takes a fraction of that time and it’s great for get togethers or when a satiating snack is needed! This recipe came out of the need for ease. It was due to the fact that I needed to take a snack-able dish to a potluck. I thought about taking these roll-ups along but I was babysitting my granddaughter and first things first I always say. Playing with her was more important to me than making sure I had “the perfect” dish to a potluck at my gym. So a dip came to mind! And I basically used what I had on hand and well ….here ya go!
Can’t Eat Dairy? Got You Covered!
One thing that I love about making meals that require a cheesiness by way of cream cheese, is that there are so many dairy free options now! I use Kite Hill “Cheese” Spread, which is dairy free and tastes exactly like cream cheese! I use it a lot for dips or to thicken up a sauce. This recipe calls for the ‘spread’ as well as the ‘ricotta’, so be sure to grab some the next time you’re at the store. You can find Kite Hill at Sprouts, Whole Foods and believe it or not, some Target stores carry it! If you’re not sensitive to dairy, regular ricotta & cream cheese works just fine!
Grab your favorite dipping food and take a stab at this Lasagna Dip – Paleo|Whole30|Dairy-Free. Eat it with paleo crackers, plantain chips, veggies or even gluten free toasted bread pieces! Or just grab a spoon and have at it!
Lasagna Dip – Paleo|Whole30|Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 2 small heads of cauliflower…or 6 cups florets
- 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce
- 1 lb sausage (I used 1/2lb spicy and 1/2lb Italian)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tub Kite Hill Cream “Cheese”
- 1 tub Kite Hill Ricotta “Cheese”
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- A few basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Steam or roast cauliflower until soft but not mushy. Strain to let excess water drain.
- In a large pan, cook up the sausage. When it’s nearly cooked, add in pasta sauce and 3/4 of the tub of ricotta “cheese”. Stir to combine. Put on low and let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare cauliflower.
- Toss the cauliflower into a blender and whip til it’s pretty smooth. Add in the garlic cloves, 1/2 tub of cream “cheese” and salt and pepper. Give it a whirl til it’s smooth & creamy.
- Layer 1/2 the cauliflower mash in a baking dish (I used 9×6), the top the cauliflower with 1/2 the sausage mixture. Smooth the remaining cauliflower over top of the sausage and again, layer the rest of sausage on top of cauliflower. Top with bits of the remaining ricotta.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 min.
- Top off with fresh chopped basil, Italian Seasoning and dive in!
