Many people love a good appetizer, and nothing beats a warm, cheesy dip when I’m hosting a gathering. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip with a Cheddar Kick. This dip is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make, featuring the perfect blend of flavors that will have your guests coming back for more!
Cheddar Kick Spinach and Artichoke Dip
A creamy and flavorful spinach and artichoke dip enhanced with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of spice, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 40 min
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add the cooked spinach mixture, chopped artichoke hearts, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Protein: 8 g
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To get started, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chips, bread, or veggies for dipping
Now that we have everything, let’s examine the preparation! Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer to blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Next, I fold in the chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Now, it’s time to add the cheeses! I mix in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, reserving a bit of cheddar for the topping.
- Transfer the dip mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly. Top it off with the reserved cheddar cheese to create a golden crust.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Once it’s ready, I take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dip is perfect for scooping with chips, bread, or veggies.
And there you have it! My easy recipe for Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip with a Cheddar Kick is sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. It’s not just delicious, but also versatile, as you can modify it to suit your taste by adding more spices or different cheeses. Enjoy your delicious dip, and happy dipping!
