Craving a warm, cheesy, and utterly irresistible appetizer that’ll have everyone reaching for more? Then look no further than Charleston’s famous spinach artichoke dip! This recipe captures the heart of Southern hospitality with its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and addictive quality. Perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or a cozy night in, this easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and surprisingly simple dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed for larger gatherings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small (8x8 inch) baking dish or an oven-safe skillet.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic mixture with the thawed and squeezed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and creamy.
Bake to perfection: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the top with additional shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve and enjoy: Serve your warm Charleston spinach artichoke dip immediately with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or your favorite crackers.
Cooking Tips for the Best Dip:
- Squeezing the spinach: This step is crucial for preventing a watery dip. Make sure to squeeze out as much excess moisture from the spinach as possible. You can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to do this effectively.
- Softening the cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened for easy mixing. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it for short intervals, or leaving it at room temperature for a while.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can dry out the dip, so keep a close eye on it while it's in the oven.
Variations:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Bacon lovers: Crumble some cooked bacon into the dip before baking for added flavor and texture.
- Creamy enhancement: For an extra-rich dip, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Herby delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a boost of freshness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Protein: Approximately 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This Charleston spinach artichoke dip recipe is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to elevate any gathering. It's a delicious, healthy, quick dinner idea – perfect for easy recipes and homemade cooking. Try it today and experience the taste of Southern charm!