Baked Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Spread
Indulge in the creamy richness of our Baked Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Spread. This delightful appetizer combines the delightful flavors of artichokes and spinach, blended with rich cream cheese and tangy mozzarella. Perfect for parties, game days, or cozy nights in, this dish is best served warm with crunchy toasted bread or crispy crackers. Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a night in, this spread will be the star of the show.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (None)
Mrs. Grass Homestyle Vegetable Recipe Soup & Dip Mix
4 ounces (None)
Frozen Spinach
10 ounces (Chopped, thawed and excess moisture drained)
Artichoke Hearts
14 ounces (Canned, drained and chopped)
Mozzarella Cheese
3 cups (Shredded)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Mrs. Grass Soup & Dip Mix until creamy and well integrated.
3
Gently fold in the chopped frozen spinach (ensure excess moisture is drained), chopped artichoke hearts, and 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
4
Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth layer.
5
Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, crispy topping.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the mixture is bubbly.
7
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
8
Enjoy the spread warm, paired with toasted bread rounds, pita chips, or your favorite crackers.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in Baked Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Spread?
The primary ingredients include cream cheese, mayonnaise, Mrs. Grass Soup & Dip Mix, frozen spinach, canned artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking the spread?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
How long does it take to bake this artichoke cheese spread?
The spread typically takes about 30 minutes to bake, or until the edges are lightly browned and the mixture is bubbly.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
Do I need to prepare the frozen spinach in any specific way?
Yes, the frozen spinach should be chopped, thawed, and squeezed to remove all excess moisture before adding it to the mix.
What type of baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
A greased 2-quart baking dish is the recommended size for this amount of spread.
Should the artichoke hearts be fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of canned artichoke hearts that have been drained and chopped.
What is the role of Mrs. Grass Soup & Dip Mix in this recipe?
It serves as the primary seasoning agent, providing a blend of vegetable flavors and savory depth to the spread.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Mozzarella?
While mozzarella provides the best melt and mild flavor, you can substitute other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mild Provolone if desired.
How do I ensure the top of the spread is crispy?
Sprinkling 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking creates a golden, crispy crust.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
It is best served warm with toasted bread rounds, pita chips, or your favorite variety of crackers.
Should I let the spread cool before eating?
It is recommended to allow the spread to cool slightly after removing it from the oven to let the flavors settle and prevent burns.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly appetizer as it contains no meat products.
Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients and store the unbaked dish in the refrigerator, then bake it when you are ready to serve.
What happens if I don't drain the spinach properly?
If excess moisture is not removed from the spinach, the spread may become watery and the cheese will not set correctly.
Does the cream cheese need to be at room temperature?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to mix with the mayonnaise and soup mix for a creamy consistency.
How much Mozzarella cheese is used in total?
The recipe requires 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese mixed directly into the spread.
What size container of Mrs. Grass mix is needed?
You will need a 4-ounce portion of Mrs. Grass Homestyle Vegetable Recipe Soup & Dip Mix.
Is this dip served hot or cold?
This specific recipe is designed to be served warm and bubbly straight from the oven.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
While mayonnaise adds richness, some people substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt, though this will slightly alter the tanginess and texture.
How do I know when the spread is done?
Look for the edges to turn a light golden brown and for the center of the cheese mixture to be bubbling.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, greasing the 2-quart baking dish ensures that the cheese doesn't stick to the sides and makes serving much easier.
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned?
You can, but fresh artichokes require significant preparation (steaming and trimming). Canned hearts are used here for convenience and texture.
What is the consistency of the spread?
It has a creamy, rich, and thick consistency with textured pieces of artichoke and spinach throughout.
Can I add extra spice to this recipe?
Yes, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixing bowl can add a nice kick to the spread.
How should I store leftover dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm through, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I use frozen artichoke hearts?
Yes, provided they are thawed and thoroughly drained to prevent the dip from becoming too thin.
What if I don't have Mrs. Grass Dip Mix?
You can substitute a similar dry vegetable soup mix, or use a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried vegetable flakes.
Is this a good party appetizer?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as being perfect for parties, game days, or entertaining guests.