Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip is the life of the party, but it deserves a dance partner. Whether you’re hosting a spirited gathering or just enjoying a cozy movie night at home.
Equipment
- Oven
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese brought to room temperature
- ½ cup frozen spinach thawed with excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup loosely packed freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 14- ounce can of artichoke hearts well-drained and finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic freshly minced for a punch of flavor
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – for a subtle spicy kick
- ½ cup real mayonnaise for richness and depth
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions – adds brightness and a mild onion flavor
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream for a creamy tang
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Spinach
- Begin by grabbing your frozen spinach. Thaw it either in the microwave or by leaving it in your fridge overnight. After it's defrosted, squeeze out any excess moisture. Trust me; nobody wants a watery dip. Set it aside for later.
Step 2: Cream Cheese Mixing
- In a mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend until it's smooth. This step is crucial as it creates the creamy base for your dip.
Step 3: Throw in the Good Stuff
- Add in the thawed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, and freshly minced garlic. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. At this point, the aroma starts to come alive!
Step 4: Cheese, Please!
- Now, it's time for the cheese. Incorporate the shredded Parmesan and sour cream into the mixture. This is your moment to get cheesy. Fold until everything combines thoroughly.
Step 5: Spice Things Up
- Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes and green onions into the mix. Stir and taste. Adjust accordingly. If you crave a little extra heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Baking Time
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbling and slightly golden on top. When ready, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh spinach and freshly minced garlic. The flavors can be vastly different, with fresh adding a brighter taste.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is excellent, you can also experiment with mozzarella or a hint of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Watch the Baking Time: Everyone's oven is different. Keep an eye on your dip; it's done when it's bubbling and the top is a nice light golden brown.
- Serve with Variety: Offer an array of dips like tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, and fresh veggie sticks to accommodate all tastes.
- Double the Recipe: This dip has a habit of disappearing quickly. If you’re preparing for a crowd, don’t hesitate to double the recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!