Artichoke and Spinach Dip
December 24, 2008 by Culinary Cory
Filed under Appetizers
I love artichoke and spinach dip. But most recipes I have found contain at least 15 lbs. of cream cheese and 5 gallons of mayonnaise. Such ingredients will almost always guarantee a heavenly experience. I, on the other hand, like to save some of my appetizer calories for dessert.
So when Stacey from Stacey Snacks posted this Artichoke Spinach Dip recipe in early November, I was instantly inspired to try it. Since I’m not a fan of frozen or canned spinach, I knew this was a perfect opportunity to expand on a good thing.
Five variations and a road test on Thanksgiving later, I have stumbled upon pure culinary bliss. The sharp white cheddar blends well with the spinach and artichoke to give the dip a hearty texture. The red pepper flakes adds a wonderful undertone of heat and the bread crumbs bring just the right amount of crunch to every bite.
Artichoke and Spinach Dip
1 Tbl. olive oil
½ cup yellow onion, small chopped
6 – 9 oz. fresh spinach, chopped
1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
3 Tbl. mayo
3 Tbl. grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz. sharp white cheddar, shredded
pinch salt and pepper
½ cup seasoned bread crumbs, dry
1 Tbl. butter, meltedPreheat the olive oil in a medium high-sided sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the onions and cook for 2 – 3 minutes, or until slightly translucent. Toss the spinach with the onions and sauté for an additional 1 – 2 minutes, or until completely wilted. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Toss the artichoke hearts, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, mayo, Parmesan cheese, white cheddar and cooled spinach mixture until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into an oven safe baking dish that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
Toss the bread crumbs and melted butter in a small mixing bowl until the butter is completely absorbed. Evenly distribute the bread crumbs on top of the dip mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 – 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Makes about 2 ½ cups of dip.
Authors Note: This is a perfect dip to make at least a day in advance. Simply prepare the recipe up to tossing the bread crumbs in butter. Just before baking, top with the buttered bread crumbs and bake at 375 degrees for 30 – 35 minutes.
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My favorite dip! This rendition looks great. Have a very Happy Holiday and thanks for posting.
I love spinach and artichoke dip! I’ve never made it with fresh spinach though. This one looks really good!
One of my favorite snacks! I am going to have to try the breadcrumb crust next time.
Hey, I don’t think I’ve ever had spinach and artichoke dip (guess it’s not such a classic on this side of the Atlantic
) – sounds like I will have to rectify that with this recipe though!
LOVE this. Kudos to you and Stace. I need to make my own because I have problems with most of the spinach artichoke dips at restaurants. It tastes processed and usually has way too much cheese glopped on top. And then you can’t really dip.
Thanks for passing this one along CC and Stacey.
I’ve always wanted to love the typical version of this dip because I’m very fond of both spinach and artichokes, but somehow it always fell short.
This one looks like it’s sure to please; I like the changes.
Hey CC,
It was YOUR idea to put the artichoke dip in my new Staub pots!
Glad you liked the recipe and it was a hit!
Thanks for referring my blog.
Stacey Snacks
Looks perfect to me!
Wait, what’s wrong with mayo and creamcheese?
I’ll have to try your version.
Here’s wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas!
Looks wonderful! I hate traditional spinach dips for the same reasons as you do. Have a wonderful holiday!
I love artichoke spinach dip… one of my absolute favorites. I usually go for the 15 lbs of cheese and 5 gallons of mayo, but am definitely up to trying your version (I love my dessert too!). I like your addition of red pepper flakes to give it a bit of heat. Happy holidays!
Such a classic dip!!
Happy Holidays, Cory!!!