Imagine a party appetizer so irresistibly creamy and packed with flavor that your guests can't stop talking about it. This Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip is not just another boring appetizer – it's a crowd-pleasing sensation that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering, a family get-together, or just craving a decadent snack, this dip promises to be the star of the show, delivering a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and vegetable freshness that will have everyone coming back for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your dip bakes evenly and becomes bubbly and golden on top.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend these ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy.
- Add the thawed and drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts to the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the spinach to avoid a watery dip.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to distribute the cheeses evenly throughout the dip.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the dip mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You can use a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
- Bake the dip in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Once done, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help prevent burns and allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the creamy spinach and artichoke dip warm with tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy your delicious appetizer!
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always thoroughly drain your spinach and artichoke hearts to prevent a watery dip. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out excess liquid.
- Room Temperature is Key: Let your cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated cheese when possible, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the dip's consistency.
- Customize Your Spice: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle kick if you like some heat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dip up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: For the best experience, serve immediately after baking when the dip is hot and bubbling. Pair with toasted baguette slices, crispy tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable crudités.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
