Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

$- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained - 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste If you can't find frozen spinach, fresh spinach works great too. Just sauté it until wilted. For a lighter dip, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also swap mozzarella for any melty cheese you love, like cheddar or gouda. If you want a vegan option, try cashew cream or a plant-based cream cheese. Always use good quality cheese for the best flavor. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste than jarred. Choose artichoke hearts packed in water, not oil, to keep the dip lighter. For spinach, fresh or frozen is fine, but make sure to drain it well. Quality ingredients make a huge difference in this dip's taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Making Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip is quick and fun. You need about 15 minutes to prep. This dip is a great snack for parties or game days. Gather all your ingredients first. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth. 3. Next, stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and drained spinach. This adds flavor and texture. 4. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Mix well to blend all the flavors. 5. Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the dip cheesy and rich. 6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Spread it out evenly for even cooking. 7. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a nice crust. 8. Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for it to be hot, bubbly, and golden on top. 9. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your tasty dip with chips or veggies! To get that perfect creamy texture, use softened cream cheese. It mixes better and helps blend all the flavors. Make sure to drain the spinach well. Extra water can make the dip runny. You can also add more sour cream for a smoother feel. Mixing in some extra mozzarella cheese adds creaminess, too. Serve the dip warm for the best taste. After baking, let it cool for just a few minutes. This helps avoid burns and keeps it smooth. If it cools too much, it becomes thick. You can reheat it gently in the oven or microwave, but watch it closely. For a fun serving idea, place the dip in a bread bowl. It makes for a great show and adds flavor. Offer toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks. Arrange them around the dip for a colorful look. A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes on top gives a nice pop of color and flavor. Pro Tips Thawing Spinach: Make sure to thoroughly drain the thawed spinach to avoid a watery dip. Press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cheese Choices: For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of different cheeses such as gouda or cream cheese instead of just mozzarella. Serving Temperature: Serve the dip warm, as it tastes best when hot and bubbly. Reheat gently if it cools down. Flavor Boost: Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this dip lighter by swapping some ingredients. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It adds protein and cuts fat. You can also use low-fat cream cheese. This way, you keep the creamy taste without the extra calories. Fresh spinach is a great choice too. It has more nutrients than frozen spinach. Just sauté it until wilted before mixing it in. To make your dip more exciting, add spices or extra ingredients. Try adding smoked paprika for a rich flavor. A bit of cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet touch. If you love herbs, add fresh basil or dill. They brighten up the dip with fresh taste. Just remember to balance the flavors so one does not overpower the others. You can serve this dip in various ways. It pairs well with toasted baguette slices, giving a nice crunch. Tortilla chips are also a hit, adding a salty bite. For a healthier option, use vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. They add color and flavor while keeping it light. You can even bake small bread bowls to hold the dip. This makes for a fun and tasty presentation. After you make Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip, let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the dip. Place the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavors intact. To reheat the dip, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dip in a baking dish. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is warm and bubbly. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it is hot. Enjoy it warm with your favorite dippers! Yes, you can make this dip ahead of time. Prepare it up to step six. Then, cover and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, just sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and bake. This makes it easy for parties or game nights. This dip is great with many snacks. Here are some ideas: - Toasted baguette slices - Tortilla chips - Vegetable sticks like carrots and celery - Pita chips You can mix and match to keep it fun! The dip lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Just reheat it when you crave that cheesy goodness! This post covered the basics of making a great dip. We discussed ingredients and their quality. You learned how to prepare and bake with step-by-step instructions. Tips for creamy texture and perfect serving were shared. Many tasty variations are easy to try. Finally, we talked about storage and reheating. With these insights, you can create a dip that impresses everyone. Enjoy making it and sharing it with friends!$

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

A creamy and cheesy dip made with spinach and artichokes, perfect for parties.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and thawed spinach.
Add minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the mixture. Mix well.
Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or vegetable sticks for a colorful presentation.

Keyword appetizer, artichoke, cheesy, dip, spinach