Ed'S Creation
A creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke dip with Italian flavors, perfect for gatherings or as an appetizer for cheese lovers and vegetable fans alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the frozen chopped spinach to remove excess moisture.
- In a baking dish, combine the marinated artichokes and Italian dressing.
- Layer the drained spinach on top of the artichoke mixture.
- Blend the margarine and cream cheese until smooth.
- Spread the margarine and cream cheese mixture over the spinach layer.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your Ed's Creation has the best texture, make sure to drain the spinach thoroughly to prevent excess moisture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the margarine with olive oil and use a low-fat cream cheese. For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or onion flakes to the cream cheese mixture. This dish is also a great way to use leftover spinach from recipes like Spinach And Cheese Squares.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a savory appetizer or side dish. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Bess' Butterscotch Pies for a delightful contrast of flavors. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with crusty bread or crackers to scoop up the cheesy goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the top is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dish soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ed'S Creation contains roughly 504 calories, with 14g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1635mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
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 spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Make sure to sauté it first to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dish. Use about 1 pound of fresh spinach to replace the two packages of frozen spinach.
What can I use instead of Italian dressing?
If you don’t have Italian dressing, you can easily make your own by mixing olive oil, vinegar, Italian herbs, and a bit of garlic. This will provide a similar flavor profile and can be customized to your taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to serve.
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).