Ultimate Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Delight
Dive into a velvety blend of spinach, artichokes, and rich cheeses with this Ultimate Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Delight. Perfect for gatherings, game day, or cozy nights in, this dip offers a luscious texture and a burst of flavor. It's easy to whip up using simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and culinary enthusiasts. Serve it warm with crunchy tortilla chips or fresh veggies to elevate your snacking experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 small (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
flour
1 tablespoon
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed (do not drain))
marinated artichoke hearts
6 ounces (drained and chopped)
Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces (shredded (or other mild white cheese))
Asiago cheese
3 ounces (shredded)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by microwaving the thawed spinach in a microwave-safe bowl for 4-5 minutes until fully thawed, ensuring to retain the liquid as it adds flavor to the dip.
2
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes.
3
Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
4
Next, add the thawed spinach (with its liquid), chopped artichoke hearts, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Asiago cheese, and black pepper. Stir the mixture consistently until the cheeses are fully melted and the dip is smooth and creamy.
5
Transfer the dip to a serving dish and serve warm with an assortment of raw vegetables or crispy tortilla chips.
6
For keeping the dip warm over time, place it in an oven-safe serving dish and keep it in a preheated oven set to 250°F until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Delight?
It is a velvety, rich dip made from a blend of spinach, artichokes, and melted cheeses, perfect for parties and gatherings.
What kind of spinach is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach, which should be thawed before use.
Should I drain the liquid from the thawed spinach?
No, do not drain the spinach. The liquid should be retained as it adds extra flavor to the dip.
What type of artichokes are best for this dip?
The recipe recommends using 6 ounces of marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped.
Which cheeses are included in the recipe?
This dip uses a combination of 8 ounces of Monterey Jack cheese and 3 ounces of Asiago cheese.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Monterey Jack with another mild white cheese of your choice.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic?
You should use one small chopped onion and three minced garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the skillet?
Flour is used as a thickening agent; it should be stirred in for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them in vegetable oil for approximately 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and aromatic.
How do I thaw the spinach quickly?
You can microwave the frozen spinach in a microwave-safe bowl for 4-5 minutes until it is fully thawed.
What is the best way to serve this dip?
Serve the dip warm with an assortment of raw vegetables or crispy tortilla chips.
How can I keep the dip warm during a party?
Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish and keep it in a preheated oven at 250°F until you are ready to serve.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed for this spinach and artichoke dip are vegetarian-friendly.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 primary ingredients: onion, garlic, vegetable oil, flour, spinach, artichoke hearts, Monterey Jack, Asiago, and black pepper.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
A medium-high heat setting is recommended for sautéing the aromatics.
How do I ensure the dip is smooth?
Stir the mixture consistently while adding the cheeses until they are fully melted and the texture is creamy.
What amount of black pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I use fresh artichoke hearts instead of marinated ones?
While the recipe specifies marinated artichokes for flavor, you could use fresh ones, though the taste profile will be different.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
You only need 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to sauté the vegetables.
What size onion is required?
One small onion is sufficient for this recipe.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
The recipe is specifically designed for frozen spinach with its liquid; if using fresh, you would need to cook it down first.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Is this dip gluten-free?
No, this specific recipe contains 1 tablespoon of flour which contains gluten.
When should I add the artichoke hearts?
Add the chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet after the flour has been stirred in, along with the spinach and cheeses.
How much Asiago cheese is used?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of shredded Asiago cheese.
Do I need to add salt?
Salt is not explicitly listed in the ingredients, as the cheeses and marinated artichokes usually provide enough sodium.
How long does it take to prepare the spinach in the microwave?
It takes about 4 to 5 minutes to thaw the frozen spinach in the microwave.
Is this a good recipe for novice cooks?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for beginners because it uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
While the recipe specifies vegetable oil, butter can be used for a richer flavor when sautéing the onion and garlic.
What is the final texture of the dip?
The final texture is intended to be luscious, smooth, and creamy.