Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe - A Creamy and Cheesy Appetizer from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 8

Introduction

Spinach Artichoke Dip is a popular appetizer that is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This delicious dip is perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a tasty snack.

History

The exact origins of Spinach Artichoke Dip are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1980s. This dip quickly gained popularity and has since become a staple at many restaurants and parties.

Ingredients

2 packages of cream cheese, softened (8 oz (227 g) each)
0.75 cup of heavy cream (use half milk, if desired)
0.33 cup of grated parmesan cheese
0.25 tbsp of garlic powder
1 bag of frozen cut leaf spinach, thawed and well drained (10 oz (283 g))
1 can of quartered artichoke hearts, rinsed and well drained
0.67 cup of shredded monterey jack cheese
1 cup of prepared salsa
crackers or tortilla chips, for serving

How to prepare

Using a food processor with a metal blade, blend the cream cheese, cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
Add the spinach and continue blending until well combined.
Add the artichokes and pulse briefly until coarsely chopped.
Transfer the mixture into a 3.5 qt (3.31 liter) electric slow cooker and smooth the top.
Cover and cook on high heat for 1.25 to 1.5 hours, or until the center is hot.
Evenly sprinkle the top with jack cheese and spoon the salsa in a ring around the inside edges of the slow cooker.
Cover and continue heating on high for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Reduce the heat to low and serve the dip warm with crackers or tortilla chips for dipping.
Refrigerate any leftovers.
Once the dip is mixed in the food processor, cook it in the slow cooker until it is hot throughout.
Serve the dip topped with melted cheese and garnished with your favorite salsa.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or diced ham for a meaty twist.
Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach and artichokes to prevent the dip from becoming watery.

- For extra flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the dip.

- Feel free to customize the dip by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spinach Artichoke Dip warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a food processor to blend the ingredients and a slow cooker to heat the dip. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and keeps the dip warm for serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen, but be sure to cook and drain it before adding it to the dip.

- If you don't have artichoke hearts, you can use canned or frozen artichoke bottoms instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to heat and serve it. Simply reheat the dip in the slow cooker before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spinach Artichoke Dip with chopped fresh parsley, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of paprika for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spinach Artichoke Dip with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light beer like a pilsner or pale ale.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spinach Artichoke Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dip in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spinach Artichoke Dip contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spinach Artichoke Dip contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spinach Artichoke Dip contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spinach Artichoke Dip contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach Artichoke Dip is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, shredded cheese) and may contain gluten if served with crackers or tortilla chips.

Summary

Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that is relatively high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Spinach Artichoke Dip is a delicious and creamy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this tasty dip in no time. Enjoy it with your favorite dippers and impress your guests with this flavorful snack.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients to create delicious dishes that would bring our family together around the dinner table.

One day, as I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my grandmother, I stumbled upon a recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of spinach, artichokes, and creamy cheese intrigued me. I decided to give it a try and see if I could recreate the flavors that the recipe promised.

I gathered all the ingredients I would need – fresh spinach, canned artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, and a few other pantry staples. As I chopped and sautéed and mixed everything together, the kitchen filled with the most wonderful aromas. I could already tell that this dish was going to be something special.

When the dip was finally ready, I scooped a generous spoonful onto a cracker and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the earthy spinach, the tangy artichokes, the creamy cheese all melded together in perfect harmony. I couldn't believe how delicious it was. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this Spinach Artichoke Dip countless times, always tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add a little extra garlic for a more savory kick, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. No matter how I change it up, though, the basic elements of the dish – the spinach, the artichokes, the cheese – always remain the same.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, and it has become a favorite at parties and gatherings. People always ask me for the recipe, and I am more than happy to pass it along, just as my own grandmother passed down her recipes to me. It brings me so much joy to see others enjoying something that I have created in my own kitchen.

One of my favorite memories involving this Spinach Artichoke Dip was at a family reunion a few years ago. I had made a big batch of the dip to bring to the party, and it was a huge hit. Everyone kept coming back for more, spreading it on crackers and chips and even dipping vegetables into it. It was such a simple dish, but it brought so much happiness to everyone gathered around the table.

As the years have gone by, I have continued to experiment with new recipes and techniques, always striving to improve my skills in the kitchen. But no matter how many fancy dishes I learn to make, this Spinach Artichoke Dip will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my grandmother and the simple joy of creating something delicious from scratch.

I hope that one day, when I am old and gray, my own grandchildren will discover this recipe in one of my old cookbooks and feel the same sense of anticipation that I did all those years ago. I hope that they will make it for their own families and pass it down through the generations, just as I have done. And I hope that it will bring them as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me.

In the end, it's not just about the food itself, but the memories and traditions that we create around it. Food has a way of bringing people together, of creating lasting connections and moments of happiness. And for me, this Spinach Artichoke Dip will always be a symbol of those connections, a reminder of the love and joy that can be found in a simple dish made with care and shared with those we hold dear.