California Artichoke Spread
A creamy, savory artichoke spread bursting with cheesy and spicy flavors, perfect for entertaining or snacking. Its rich texture and blend of marinated and water-packed artichokes make it a versatile dip that pairs beautifully with crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables, appealing to cheese lovers and appetizer enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. can water packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 6.5 oz. can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 2 oz. can green chilis ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- pepper, to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all ingredients except Parmesan cheese and blend well.
- Spread the mixture into an ovenproof serving dish.
- Sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, and salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the spread. If you want to spice it up, diced jalapeños can be substituted for green chilis. Use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for a lighter version, or sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt. This California Artichoke Spread can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious spread with an assortment of crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette. It pairs wonderfully with salsa for an added kick. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or a light fruit platter, such as Cherry And Pineapple Salad, for a balanced appetizer selection.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. This spread is great for quick snacks or gatherings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Artichoke Spread contains roughly 212 calories, with 7g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh artichokes! Prepare and cook them first, then chop and mix them into the spread. Just ensure they have a similar texture to the canned version to maintain the recipe's consistency.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives. Nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This keeps the dish aligned with vegetarian recipes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, include some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the mix. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, to enhance the flavor and spice level of the spread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).