Party Artichoke and Spinach Dip

shimmerchk's Note:

When I first experimented with this recipe it would yield half of this amount. However, it would be gone so fast when I served it that I had to increase the quantities. I am often asked for this recipe and it is a hit even with those who are not spinach lovers. We have also added crab meat to the leftover dip and broiled it on top of toast points.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 20

• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach , thawed, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts , drained and chopped (do not use marinated artichoke hearts or it will be too sour or tangy)
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 (10 ounce) alfredo sauce , found in the refrigerator section (like Buitoni from Contadina)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese , softened
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup parmesan cheese , freshly grated
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese , freshly grated
• salt and pepper
• tortilla chips or baguette , cut in slices

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
4. Add alfredo sauce.
5. Mix in the artichoke hearts, spinach and Parmesan and Monterey Jack cheese.
6. Add garlic and lemon juice.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Mix throughly.
9. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
10. Bake covered for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the cover, and let the dish bake uncovered for 5 more minutes, or until the surface is lightly browned.
12. Serve with tortilla chips or sliced baguette.

Reviews

[Chef #502147]

I have made this at least 3 times and it is wonderful! The best spinach artichoke dip I have ever eaten! I add a little Tabasco and cayenne and I add a little extra lemon juice and I usually add extra spinach. Everyone loves it and requests the recipe when I serve it. i have even frozen the leftovers (not that much is left over) and when thawed in the microwave it is just as good! Thanks for a great recipe!

[Chef #466171]

Loved it!I served this with fried bow tie pasta for dipping at a football game party and everyone loved it! I made 2 changes to the recipe.I used only 24oz.(3 8oz. packages)of cream cheese instead of 32oz, and I added monterey jack and parmesan cheese to the top of the dish before baking.It turned out to be wonderful and a big hit,Thanks so much!

[Susan Lee]

Superb!!!! I made this dip for DD#1's wedding reception...it was a huge hit! I have shared the recipe for it MANY times in the past two weeks. Everyone just adores this delicious treat, and I thank you for sharing it. (my favorite way to serve is with bagel chips - yum!) Edited to say that we have modified this to make it healthier - we now use up to THREE BAGS of frozen spinach, microwaved and drained. It's far less rich but still delicious with extra garlic added too!)