Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Hello! We are going to prepare a spinach artichoke dip that will become your favorite snack. It's a creamy, comforting, and flavorful mix, perfect for sharing in the center of the table. The combination of melted cheeses with the vegetable touch is simply irresistible. Let's get to work!

Preparation time

Getting organized in the kitchen is essential to enjoy the process. Here are the estimated times for everything to turn out perfectly.

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 25 minutes
• Total: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For this appetizer, we need simple ingredients that you can find in any supermarket. The quality of the cheeses will make a difference in the final result.

• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup canned artichokes
• 1 cup of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup white onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil (Optional)

If you have leftover vegetable ingredients, you could use them in other preparations such as some spinach and mushroom buns to make the most of everything.

If you can't find canned artichokes, you can use frozen artichoke hearts, making sure to thaw them and drain all the liquid before using them. If you prefer a different version, you can check out this variant of artichoke and spinach dip.

Utensils we will use

You don't need professional equipment, the basics of your kitchen are enough to achieve a cream delicious.

• Medium frying pan
• Chef's knife and cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Oven-safe mold or dish (refractory)
• Cheese grater (if you didn't buy pre-grated cheese)

Preparation

Follow this step-by-step guide so your hot dip has the ideal texture and flavor. There's no rush, enjoy the aromas while you cook.

1. Sauté the aromatics

   Wash and chop the onion into small cubes (~5 mm) and finely chop the garlic cloves. In a medium skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook, stirring gently, until the onion is transparent and releases its aroma, without burning. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

2. Creating the creamy base

   In a large bowl, place the cream cheese (it's better if it's at room temperature to be manageable), mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and grated mozzarella cheese. With the help of a strong spoon or spatula, mix vigorously until all the dairy products are integrated into a single uniform paste.

3. Incorporate the vegetables

   Chop the fresh spinach into medium strips and cut the drained artichokes into bite-sized pieces (~1-2 cm). Add them to the bowl with the cheese mixture. It's important that the artichokes don't have excess liquid to avoid watering down the dip.

4. Combine all flavors

   Add the onion and garlic sofrito you prepared at the beginning to the bowl (make sure it's not boiling to avoid melting the cheese prematurely). Stir with folding movements to distribute the onion and garlic throughout the mixture.

5. Season the mixture

   Incorporate the tablespoon of lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix again to ensure that the lemon acid and seasonings are well distributed, enhancing the flavor of the cheese and vegetables.

6. Prepare for the oven

   Transfer all the mixture to your oven-safe mold or dish. Spread it with the spatula to create an even layer. If you want extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little more mozzarella on top (optional).

7. Bake until golden

   Place the mold in the oven, previously preheated to 180 °C (350 °F). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when you see the mixture bubbling at the edges and the surface has an appetizing golden color.

To finish and serve

Once out of the oven, let it rest for snack about 5 minutes so it sets and doesn't burn on the first bite. Serve hot directly in the dish. Accompany it with toasted pita bread, sturdy crackers, or even sticks of vegetables fresh vegetables like celery or carrot if you're looking for something lighter. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimate of the nutritional values for you to consider when enjoying this snack.

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Proteins: 7 g
• Fats: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g

Note: Daily and total percentage values are estimates based on an average 2000-calorie diet and may vary depending on the brands of ingredients used.

5 keys to make it perfect

Sometimes small details make a big difference in the kitchen. Here I share my secrets for this dish.

1. Draining is vital: One of the most common mistakes is for the dip to be watery. Make sure to drain canned artichokes very well. If you decide to use frozen spinach instead of fresh, you must thaw it and squeeze it with a clean cloth until all the water is removed.

2. Cream cheese at room temperature: If you take the cream cheese out of the fridge just before mixing, it will be very difficult and lumps will form. Take it out about 30 minutes beforehand so it's soft and blends like an ointment.

3. Don't skimp on the Parmesan: Use real Parmesan; if you can grate it yourself, even better. It provides an umami and salty flavor that really elevates the spinach's profile. If you like to experiment with cheeses, I invite you to also try these cheese and bacon spheres.

4. The acidic touch: Don't omit the lemon juice. The fat from the cheese and mayonnaise needs that acidic counterpoint so that the flavor isn't flat or cloying. It's the secret that makes you want to keep eating.

5. Customize your spice: If you like a mischievous touch, you can add chili flakes or even a little chopped jalapeño. However, if you prefer fresher, more herbaceous flavors, a different option is tzatziki, which is much lighter.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This dish is the king of versatility. It's ideal for a Sunday family gathering where you want to put something in the center while everyone chats. It also works wonderfully at parties or birthday celebrations because it yields a lot and is liked by almost everyone. On a movie night or series marathon, this warm dip comforts the soul. Even, if you organize a more formal dinner, it can be a perfect appetizer if you serve it in small individual molds.

Comparison table

Sometimes we get confused among so many dip options. Here I help you differentiate this classic from other popular alternatives.

If you're looking for something lighter and fresher similar to the Tzatziki mentioned, you can see how to prepare a delicious Greek yogurt dip.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

To accompany these types of snacks, sometimes something fresh on the side is appealing, like a arugula and shrimp salad to balance.

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. I'd love to know how it turned out for you, if you added your personal touch, or what you served it with. Leave your comment and share your own tricks so we can all learn more!

Culinary glossary

So you have no doubts at any step, here I explain some terms we use in the recipe.

• Sautéing: To cook a food over low or medium heat with a little oil until it is tender and releases flavor, without browning too much.
• Oven-safe dish: A container, usually made of glass or ceramic, that withstands high temperatures and can be put in the oven without breaking.
• Gratinate: A technique that consists of applying strong heat to the top of the oven so that the cheese melts and forms a golden and crispy crust.
• To dip: The action of submerging a piece of bread, cracker, or vegetable into a sauce or cream to eat it.
• Drain: To remove the liquid from a canned or cooked food, using a colander or by pressing, to leave only the solid part.