Description
Creamy spinach artichoke dip delights guests with its rich blend of cheeses and tender vegetables. Served warm alongside crisp bread or chips, this crowd-pleasing appetizer will make you the star of any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (150 g) artichoke hearts, chopped
- 2 cups (250 g) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Extra mozzarella cheese for sprinkling
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a small baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
- Creamy Foundation: Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise into a smooth, luxurious base. Infuse depth with minced garlic and onion powder, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Cheese and Vegetable Integration: Gently fold shredded mozzarella and Parmesan into the creamy mixture. Incorporate chopped spinach and artichoke pieces, ensuring uniform distribution and balanced textures.
- Seasoning Refinement: Enhance the blend with strategic salt and pepper additions, tasting and adjusting to achieve a harmonious flavor that complements the rich dairy components.
- Baking Transformation: Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, spreading evenly. Optional: Dust the surface with an extra layer of cheese for a golden, crispy finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown and the surface bubbles with appetizing intensity.
- Serving Presentation: Allow the dip to rest briefly after removing from the oven, permitting flavors to meld and temperature to stabilize. Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips, rustic crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités for an irresistible appetizer.
Notes
- Optimize Cheese Blending: Grate cheeses at room temperature for smoother melting and more even distribution throughout the dip.
- Control Moisture Levels: Drain spinach and artichokes thoroughly to prevent excess liquid that could make the dip watery and less creamy.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap full-fat ingredients with low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or dairy-free alternatives for lighter or vegan versions.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra flavor kick that elevates the traditional recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg