Ultimate Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Indulge in this creamy, cheesy delight that's perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply a cozy night in! Inspired by the renowned Houston Steak House, this Ultimate Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a crowd-pleaser, combining rich flavors of seasoned cream cheese with the earthiness of spinach and tangy artichokes. It's baked to perfection until bubbling and served warm with crispy tortilla chips, fresh veggies, and a side of sour cream and salsa. Your guests will be begging for the recipe!
N/A
Servings
45
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
grated Romano cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
garlic
1 clove (peeled)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed and squeezed dry)
marinated artichoke hearts
1 (6.5 ounce) jar (drained)
soft garlic-chive cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a food processor, add the grated Romano cheese. While the processor is running, drop in the peeled garlic clove to finely mince it.
3
Add the thawed and well-drained spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, soft garlic-chive cream cheese, and eggs to the food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Transfer the creamy mixture into a greased casserole dish. Gently fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, with a light golden top.
6
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with tortilla chips, fresh veggie sticks, sour cream, and salsa!
Nutrition Information
1.9g
Carbs
1.9g
Protein
0.25g
Fiber
39mg
Sodium
12mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of this dip?
This dip features a rich, creamy, and cheesy flavor profile with earthy spinach and tangy marinated artichokes.
Is this spinach and artichoke dip vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is specifically tagged as a vegetarian dish.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 45 calories.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the dip take to bake?
It takes about 20 to 25 minutes in the oven until it is hot and bubbly.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you must cook the fresh spinach down and squeeze out all excess moisture first to match the texture of frozen chopped spinach.
Why is it important to squeeze the spinach dry?
Squeezing the spinach dry prevents the dip from becoming watery or thin during the baking process.
What type of cream cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of soft garlic-chive cream cheese.
Can I substitute the garlic-chive cream cheese?
Yes, you can use plain softened cream cheese mixed with minced chives and extra garlic as a replacement.
Why are eggs included in the ingredients?
Two large eggs are used as a binder to give the dip a smooth and consistent texture.
What kind of artichokes are best for this recipe?
Marinated artichoke hearts from a jar provide the best tangy flavor and are highly recommended.
Do I need to drain the artichokes before use?
Yes, the 6.5-ounce jar of marinated artichokes should be drained well before being added to the food processor.
Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes, you can make it by hand if you very finely mince the garlic, spinach, and artichokes and mix thoroughly.
Which cheese is folded in last?
4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese are gently folded into the mixture before baking.
What cheese is used during the initial food processor step?
1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese is processed first with the garlic clove.
Is this dip spicy?
The dip itself is mild and savory, though it is often served with salsa for those who want a bit of heat.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
It is best served with tortilla chips, fresh veggie sticks, sour cream, and salsa.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients and store the dish in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended because the cream cheese and egg base may separate or change texture once thawed.
What is the sodium content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 39mg of sodium.
Does this dip contain any fiber?
Yes, there is approximately 0.25g of fiber per serving from the spinach and artichokes.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, it is inspired by the famous spinach and artichoke dip found at Houston Steak House.
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, Monterey Jack or a mild white cheddar would be excellent substitutes for mozzarella.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should always verify the labels on processed items like cream cheese.
How do I know the dip is finished baking?
The dip is ready when it is hot and bubbling throughout with a light golden top.
Can I reheat this dip in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven is preferred for the initial bake.
Which vegetables are best for dipping?
Crisp vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell pepper strips pair very well with this dip.
Can I add extra protein like chicken?
Yes, you can fold in cooked chopped chicken or even lump crab meat before baking for a heartier version.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: Romano cheese, garlic, spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, eggs, and mozzarella.