Sunday, June 13, 2010

(Lighter) Spinach Artichoke Dip

I can't even remember the last time I've had spinach artichoke dip at a restaurant - it must have been at least 10 years ago. So I guess I can't completely attest that this version of the popular dip will be exactly like the kind you find at the restaurants, but I will say that this dip is truly delicious.

The flavors of this dip are so robust. The tart from the sour cream and the salty from the cheeses create a delicious contrast; the spinach and artichoke play so well together, you almost want to give them an award.

Below is my lightened version of this classic dip, which I think is just as good as the full-fat version. I say "lightened" instead of "light" because this dip is still rich, creamy, and cheesy. Use it as an accompaniment for bread, crackers, and carrot sticks, or do what I do: slather it on two pieces of good wholesome bread, add some sliced tomato, and call it lunch.

(Lighter) Spinach Artichoke Dip

* 1 1/2 cups thawed, chopped frozen artichoke hearts
* 1 cup thawed, chopped frozen spinach
* 1/2 cup sour cream (I use low-fat)
* 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (or combination of the two)
* 4 cloves garlic, chopped
* 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a 8x8 inch baking dish*, mix together artichoke hearts, spinach, sour cream, cream cheese, parmesan and pecorino cheese, and garlic.
3. Bake until heated through and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
4. Remove dish from oven and set oven to broil. Spread an even layer of mozzarella cheese over the top. Return to oven and broil until top is lightly browned and bubbly.
5. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

*I baked this is a 8x8 inch dish and later transferred some to ramekins shown in the photos.

14 comments:

  1. i love how that looks, all browned on top. and fewer calories would be nice too.

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  2. I love spinach and artichoke dip. This looks like a great (and lower fat!) recipe.

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  3. Homemade food is always at least 10x better than anything found in a restaurant. Besides, I always worry that they reuse dips and bread baskets. :P

    This looks delicious! I love that you made it healthier too.

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  4. I love using spinach and artichoke dip in place of (blech) mayo on sandwiches. I can already tell this is way better than anything I've ever had before...it looks warm and creamy and lovely.

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  5. I'm not a fan of artichoke, but this dip looks yummy!!!

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  6. I loved the dip because the way you made is so simple and looks so delicious that even after dinner I am am hungry. Anu.....

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  7. it seems like there's always a calorie-bomb appetizer on restaurant menus, and it's usually spinach artichoke dip. i like how you've lightened it up!

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  8. I don't want what I would get at a restaurant, Ms. Meanie! I've decided that most restaurants s*ck! I apologize for the fervent negative sentiment, but it's just how I feel about eating out lately.
    This dip sounds delicious, and looks very wholesome.
    p.s.-I hope your move is going well...

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  9. You're right. I haven't seen a recipe for this in years! And I used to love it. Really nice you have lightened it up...
    I'm drooling over your gooey photos! :)

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  10. Spinach-artichoke dip is amazing! I don't often order it either, but my local store sells a wonderful version that is only wonderful until you read the nutritional information! Usually after you've scarfed half a tub! I think I'll be trying this one soon, as it looks fantastic!

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  11. How do you do it? I don't like spinach, let alone artichokes (OK, honestly I never got a chance to try them, but don't really want to, either), and yet your post makes this dip sound so appealing! Maybe I'll try it sometime, when I run out of chocolate cake recipes ;)

    Also, I love, love, love your new header picture!

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  12. Hey Ms. Meanie, I was just doing my rounds like I do. I would normally wait to comment, but I saw your new header. Nice! And it is so fitting-me likey!

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