Savory Spinach & Artichoke Cream Dip
This creamy and indulgent Spinach & Artichoke Cream Dip is the perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting textures. Adapted from the beloved 'Best of the Best from Colorado,' this dip is affectionately dubbed 'Sheep Dip' in honor of the recipe poster's father, a sheep rancher. Hailing from the popular River City Cafe in Colorado, this dip stands out with its generous use of fresh spinach, luscious cream, and robust cheeses. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for parties, particularly during football season, making it easy to serve for a gathering or family night. Break out the pita bread or your favorite dippers and enjoy this delicious rendition that will have your guests coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
water-packed artichoke hearts
1 (8 ounce) can (drained and quartered)
asiago cheese or parmesan cheese
6 ounces (finely grated)
fresh spinach
3 ounces (washed and patted dry)
half-and-half cream or light cream
1 pint
sour cream
20 ounces
cream cheese or neufchatel cheese
24 ounces
heavy cream
8 ounces
pita bread
as needed (cut into triangles for dippers)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you're opting to bake the dip.
2
In a food processor, combine the artichoke hearts, asiago (or parmesan) cheese, fresh spinach, half-and-half cream, sour cream, cream cheese (or neufchatel), and heavy cream.
3
Pulse the mixture until it is mostly smooth but still retains some texture, with a few chunks of artichoke for added bite.
4
Transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for about 5 minutes. Stir, then continue heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through and creamy, or pour the dip into an oven-safe dish and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
5
Once heated, remove from the oven or microwave and let cool slightly before serving.
6
Serve warm with pita triangles or your choice of dippers such as tortilla chips, veggies, or toasted bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spinach & Artichoke Cream Dip?
It is a creamy and indulgent dip featuring a blend of rich flavors, fresh spinach, and robust cheeses, often served warm as an appetizer.
What is the nickname for this recipe?
This recipe is affectionately known as "Sheep Dip."
Why is it called Sheep Dip?
It was named in honor of the recipe poster's father, who was a sheep rancher.
Where does this recipe originate from?
The recipe hails from the River City Cafe in Colorado and was adapted from the book "Best of the Best from Colorado."
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include water-packed artichoke hearts, asiago or parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, half-and-half, sour cream, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
What kind of artichokes should I use?
You should use one 8-ounce can of water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and quartered.
Can I substitute the asiago cheese?
Yes, you can use 6 ounces of finely grated parmesan cheese as a substitute for asiago cheese.
How much spinach is needed?
The recipe requires 3 ounces of fresh spinach, washed and patted dry.
What is the required amount of cream cheese?
You will need 24 ounces of cream cheese or neufchatel cheese.
How much sour cream is used in the dip?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of sour cream.
What kind of cream should be used?
The recipe uses 1 pint of half-and-half (or light cream) and 8 ounces of heavy cream.
What equipment is needed to mix the dip?
A food processor is recommended to combine the ingredients.
What texture should the dip have?
The mixture should be pulsed until mostly smooth but still retaining some texture with chunks of artichoke.
How do I cook the dip in the oven?
Bake the dip in an oven-safe dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
How do I heat the dip in the microwave?
Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 5 minutes, stir, then heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the best dippers for this recipe?
Pita bread triangles, tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or toasted bread are excellent choices.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleaser that is ideal for gatherings, family nights, and football season.
Is this dip vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly.
How many ingredients are in this dip?
There are 8 ingredients listed, including the suggested pita bread for dipping.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh spinach that has been washed and patted dry for the best results.
Should the artichokes be drained?
Yes, the artichoke hearts should be drained and quartered before being added to the processor.
Can I use light cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, the recipe allows for either half-and-half or light cream.
How should I prepare the pita bread?
The pita bread should be cut into triangles to serve as dippers.
What makes this dip stand out from others?
It is unique due to its generous use of fresh spinach, luscious cream, and robust cheeses.
How long does it take to bake the dip?
Baking takes between 20 and 30 minutes.
Should I let the dip cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dip cool slightly after heating before serving it warm.
Is Neufchatel cheese a valid option?
Yes, Neufchatel cheese can be used in place of standard cream cheese.
Is this a good recipe for football season?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being an ideal party food for football season.
What size can of artichokes is needed?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce can.