Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Although I’m a born and raised Buffalo Chicken Wing dip girl, Spinach and Artichoke dip definitely comes out as a close second.  I don’t know what it is about artichokes, but DAMN.. I can eat those things all day everyday, especially in this delicious dip.  If you’re a fan of Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke appetizer dip, you’ll love this recipe!  Not only does it taste the same, but it’s healthier and very easy to make, while also being cheap and affordable.  This dip is sure to be a favorite at the next tailgate, dinner party, or even just a night in with friends.  Let’s get started shall we?!

Ingredients:

• 8 cups fresh spinach
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or about 1/2 tablespoon of jarred chopped garlic)
• 1 lemon, zest finely grated
• 2 (14-ounce) cans artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
• 6 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) Parmesan, freshly grated, divided
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Frank’s of course)
• Salt and Pepper
• Tortilla or pita chips for dipping

Directions:

Get that oven heated up to 375 degrees and grab a medium sized casserole dish to bake the dip in, set aside.  Next, grab a pot and boil some water.  While the water is boiling, you can begin draining and chopping the artichoke hearts, zesting the lemon, and chopping up the garlic.  By the time you’re done, your pot of water should be boiling.  Slowly begin to drop all of your spinach into the pot.  Stir around the boiling water until all of the spinach is wilted (this will only take about 30 seconds).  Now, you’ll wanna drain your spinach into a colander and squeeze out as much moisture as you can by pressing it down with a paper towel.  In a medium size bowl, mix together the spinach, garlic and lemon zest.  To this mixture, add the artichoke hearts, 1 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup mozzarella, sour cream, mayonnaise, and hot sauce.  Combine together.  Scoop into your baking dish and pop in the oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the dip is all bubbling together.  For the last 5 minutes, pull the dip out and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan and 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top.  Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.  When all done, pull out of the oven and serve hot with pita/tortilla chips.

I LOVE Tostitos scoops.  They are so perfect for eating every dip, especially this one.  If you’re feeling healthy, try out the multi-grain.  Another great thing about this dip is how great it re-heats.  Either heat up the oven and pop it back in for about 10 minutes or throw it in a bowl in the microwave for about a minute, it will still come out just as scrumptious.  I know you’re going to love this recipe so much you won’t even want to share.  But seriously, if you do decide to give your friends a taste… what’s better than a cheap, easy, and delicious recipe to leave them all impressed with your skills in the kitchen.

Stay tuned for more fun, easy, and delicious recipes coming your way. 🙂

Gather your ingredients

Chop the artichoke hearts

Zest lemon

Boil spinach

Drain spinach and squeeze out remaining liquid

Measure out garlic

Mix spinach, garlic and lemon

Add remaining ingredients

Mix until combined

Add to casserole dish

Bake and add cheese

Enjoy!