Are you craving that creamy, cheesy, irresistible spinach artichoke dip you always get at Houston's? Well, you're in luck! This recipe lets you recreate that restaurant-quality deliciousness in the comfort of your own home. It’s easier than you think, making it the perfect appetizer for game day, a cozy weeknight snack, or a delightful addition to your next dinner party. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this incredible homemade version of a beloved classic! This easy recipe delivers a healthy and delicious meal, perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer.
Ingredients:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up even on a busy weeknight.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, 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
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese for extra cheesiness!
Instructions:
Let's get cooking! This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the thawed and squeezed spinach and chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to heat through.
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Blend the Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Mix Everything Together: Add the spinach and artichoke mixture to the cheese mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
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Bake (Optional): For a warm and bubbly dip, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If you prefer a chilled dip, skip this step and serve it cold.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or your favorite dippers.
Cooking Tips for the Best Dip:
- Squeeze out excess water from the spinach: This step is crucial for preventing a watery dip. Thoroughly squeeze out all the excess water from the thawed spinach before adding it to the skillet.
- Don't overcook the spinach and artichokes: Overcooking can make the vegetables mushy. Just heat them through until they're warm.
- Soften the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. This will ensure a smooth and creamy dip.
Variations:
- Spicy Dip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Dip: Crumble cooked bacon into the dip for added flavor and texture.
- Roasted Red Pepper Dip: Add a roasted red pepper for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of approximately 1/4 of the recipe and may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 18-22g
- Protein: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
This spinach artichoke dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its rich, creamy texture and savory flavors will leave everyone wanting more. It's a versatile dish perfect for any occasion, easily adaptable to your preferences. Enjoy making this restaurant-quality dip at home!