This delightful Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip combines the rich flavors of fresh spinach, tangy artichokes, and a blend of creamy cheeses, making it an irresistible appetizer for any gathering. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time in the oven, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy dip that will steal the show and keep your guests coming back for more!
Budget Information
The total cost of this Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe is approximately $10.00. If you’re serving a crowd, this will comfortably make about 8 servings, bringing your cost down to about $1.25 per serving. Perfect for your wallet and taste buds!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a total game changer because it brings together fresh ingredients and gooey, melted cheese that creates a crave-worthy dip you won’t be able to resist. Fresh spinach not only packs a nutritious punch, but it also adds that lovely pop of green color. And let’s not forget the artichokes, which add another layer of flavor! Plus, the bubbling mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and parmesan creates that creamy texture everyone loves in a dip. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need for your Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip:
- 1 cup fresh spinach ($2.00) – or you can use frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ($2.50)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened ($1.50)
- 1/2 cup sour cream ($0.75)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ($1.00)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese ($1.00)
- 1 garlic clove, minced ($0.10)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
Feel free to swap out the cheeses based on what you have on hand. Cheddar works great if you want to amp up the flavor!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, let’s prep our ingredients! Grab your fresh spinach and give it a good rinse. If it’s particularly dirty, consider soaking it for a few minutes to remove any grit. Then, chop it finely so it integrates beautifully into your dip.
Step 2: Next, take your canned artichoke hearts and drain them thoroughly to rid them of excess liquid. Then, chop them into smaller pieces. You want those little bites to pop out in every scoop of your dip, so make sure they’re nicely diced!
Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. A fork or a hand mixer works wonders here—just make sure there are no lumps. You want it to be easy to spread and scoop!
Step 4: Now, stir in the chopped spinach, artichokes, minced garlic, mozzarella, and parmesan. Grab a spatula and fold everything together gently. Add salt and pepper to taste, making sure to sample it (for quality control, of course!).
Step 5: Transfer this dreamy mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly into the corners. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy; that means it’s packed with goodness! Now, pop it into your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Step 6: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm with your favorite dippers like toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or even fresh veggies. Trust me, it’s going to be a hit!
Nutritional Facts
– Calories: 230 per serving
– Protein: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 9g
– Total Fat: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 1g
– Sodium: 400mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), let the dip cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through or microwave it in short bursts until warm.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers. Try serving it with crispy pita chips, crunchy celery sticks, or warm slices of baguette. It also makes a fantastic topping for baked potatoes or as a flavorful spread on sandwiches!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Don’t skip the taste-testing phase! Adjust the seasoning to your liking as some cheeses can be saltier than others, and you definitely want to tailor it to your palate. If you like a little spice, toss in some red pepper flakes for a kick. And remember, this dip can easily be doubled for larger gatherings—just make sure you have a big enough baking dish!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the dip and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add some extra time in the oven to ensure it gets bubbly!
Is there a way to make this dip lighter? You can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream instead of the regular versions, and it’ll still be tasty!
What can I use instead of artichokes? If artichokes aren’t your thing, you can swap in chopped roasted red peppers or even sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor profile!
Can I freeze this dip? Yes! Once it’s cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What drinks pair well with this dip? A crisp white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon!
