Craving that creamy, cheesy, irresistible Olive Garden Artichoke Spinach Dip? Forget the restaurant – tonight, you're the chef! This easy recipe lets you recreate that classic appetizer at home, saving you money and delivering a delicious homemade version that’s even better than the original. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing, healthy-ish dip!
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Start by draining and chopping the artichoke hearts. Make sure to squeeze out as much excess water from the thawed spinach as possible; this prevents a watery dip. Mincing the garlic adds a nice pungent aroma.
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Creamy Base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy. This is the foundation of your delicious dip!
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Cheese Please!: Add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and freshly chopped Parmesan cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until the cheese is well incorporated.
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Bring it Together: Gently fold in the chopped artichoke hearts, squeezed spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If using, add the sun-dried tomatoes now for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Mix everything until it's evenly distributed.
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Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish (a small casserole dish or even a large oven-safe skillet works great).
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Golden Brown Goodness: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dip is fantastic with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or even vegetables for a healthier snack.
Tips for the Best Olive Garden Artichoke Spinach Dip:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can dry out the dip. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Fresh Garlic is Best: Fresh garlic provides a much more vibrant flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your liking. More cheese equals more cheesy goodness!
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Creamy Dreamy: For an extra creamy dip, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream.
- Herby Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano or basil for an aromatic touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on serving size and cheese amounts)
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality Olive Garden Artichoke Spinach Dip right in the comfort of your own home. It's a fantastic appetizer for parties, a satisfying side dish for dinner, or even a delicious snack for a cozy night in. Enjoy!