Creamy Artichoke and Cheese Delight Dip
This indulgent creamy artichoke and cheese dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! With its rich blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses combined with the subtle tang of artichoke hearts and the vibrant crunch of red pepper, this dip brings a burst of flavors that elevate any gathering. Perfect for potlucks, game day, or just a cozy night in, it's easy to prepare in your crock pot and will leave your guests asking for the recipe. Serve it warm with crisp Wheat Thins or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Artichoke Hearts
14 ounces (drained and coarsely chopped (not marinated))
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 pound
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (grated)
Red Bell Pepper
1 (diced)
Mayonnaise
1 cup
Minced Garlic
2 teaspoons (about 2 cloves)
Instructions
1
Start by draining the artichoke hearts and chopping them coarsely. Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the artichoke hearts, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, diced red bell pepper, mayonnaise, and minced garlic.
3
Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the mayonnaise.
4
Transfer the mixture into a small crock pot and set it to low heat.
5
Cover and cook for about 3 hours, stirring once every hour until the dip is hot and bubbly.
6
Once ready, serve warm with Wheat Thins, tortilla chips, or fresh veggie sticks for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Artichoke and Cheese Delight Dip?
It is a rich, indulgent appetizer made with artichoke hearts, mozzarella, parmesan, and red bell peppers, perfect for gatherings.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The ingredients include artichoke hearts, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, red bell pepper, mayonnaise, and minced garlic.
How should I prepare the artichoke hearts?
The artichoke hearts should be drained and coarsely chopped. Ensure you use non-marinated artichokes for this specific recipe.
Can I use marinated artichoke hearts instead?
The recipe calls for non-marinated artichokes, but you can use marinated ones if you prefer a more tangy and acidic flavor profile.
What kind of cheese is used for the base?
This dip uses one pound of shredded mozzarella cheese combined with one cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Is there a specific vegetable added for crunch?
Yes, one diced red bell pepper is added to provide a vibrant color and a sweet, fresh crunch to the dip.
What type of mayonnaise should I use?
Standard full-fat mayonnaise is recommended to achieve the creamiest texture and best binding of the ingredients.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires two teaspoons of minced garlic, which is roughly equivalent to two cloves.
How do I mix the ingredients together?
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the mayonnaise.
What is the cooking method for this dip?
The dip is cooked in a small crock pot on a low heat setting.
How long does it take to cook in the crock pot?
It takes approximately 3 hours for the dip to become hot and bubbly.
Do I need to stir the dip while it is in the crock pot?
Yes, you should stir the mixture once every hour to ensure it heats evenly and the cheese melts properly.
What setting should my crock pot be on?
Set the crock pot to the low heat setting for the duration of the cooking time.
What is the best way to serve this dip?
Serve it warm directly from the crock pot or in a bowl with Wheat Thins, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients together ahead of time and keep the mixture in the refrigerator until you are ready to start the crock pot.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Absolutely, it is a classic crowd-pleaser that is easy to keep warm in a slow cooker during an event.
How should I store any leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this dip be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise and cheese may separate and change texture upon thawing.
How can I reheat the leftover dip?
Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, or in a small pot on the stove.
Can I bake this dip in the oven instead?
Yes, you can bake it in an oven-safe dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes or until it is bubbly.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip ingredients themselves are gluten-free, but always check your mayonnaise label and serve with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
Can I add spinach to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily add a box of thawed and well-drained chopped spinach to turn this into a spinach artichoke dip.
What size crock pot is best for this recipe?
A small crock pot, typically between 1.5 and 2 quarts, is the ideal size for this amount of dip.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
You can, but the dip may be slightly less rich and more watery than the version made with full-fat mayonnaise.
Is this dip vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe as it contains no meat or fish products.
Can I substitute the mozzarella for another cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack or white cheddar are good alternatives that melt well, though they will slightly change the flavor.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers can be used, but red is suggested for its sweetness and visual appeal.
Is this dip spicy?
The recipe is not spicy. If you want heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
What should I do if the dip looks too oily?
If oil from the cheese or mayo separates, give it a good stir to re-incorporate the ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients used to create this dip.