## Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip: A Nourishing Delight
### Introduction
Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we bring to you a recipe that’s not only mouth-delicious but exceptionally nutritious – the Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Packed with the wholesome goodness of spinach and the unique flavor of artichoke, this dip is exceptionally easy to whip up and is perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
### Why Make This Recipe
This Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a great choice because of its versatility and health benefits. It can be paired with a variety of dippers ranging from tortilla chips to slices of French baguette. This dip is not only delicious; it contains spinach and artichokes which are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber and several other nutrients.
### How to Make Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
#### Ingredients:
– 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, spinach, and artichokes. Mix until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper as preferred.
5. Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Serve hot with chips, baguette slices, or your choice of dippers.
### How to Serve Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Serve the dip hot, directly from the oven. Provide a selection of different dippers for your guests such as tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices.
### How to Store Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Store leftover Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dip should maintain its taste for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave it.
### Tips to Make Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
To achieve a creamy texture, be sure to thoroughly mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth before adding in the other ingredients.
### Variation
For a low-fat version, replace the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream with lower fat versions, and use reduced-fat cheese.
### FAQs
– **Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?**
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just ensure it is well-washed, chopped, and wilted down before mixing in.
– **Can I make this dip ahead of time?**
Yes, simply prepare the dip but don’t bake it. Cover it and place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
– **What other cheeses can I use?**
Additional cheeses that melt well, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or Fontina can be used in place of, or in addition to, the mozzarella and Parmesan.