Spicy Spinach And Artichoke Dip
A creamy, spicy spinach and artichoke dip bursting with cheesy flavors and a hint of heat from Tabasco. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with chips or crackers, offering a warm, savory treat that pleases a crowd and elevates any appetizer spread.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (10-oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (14-oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8-oz) package sour cream ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 Tbsp. Tabasco brand Pepper Sauce ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in thawed, well-drained chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, ¾ cup Monterey Jack cheese, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, Tabasco Pepper Sauce, and salt.
- Stir until well blended and heated through.
- Pour the mixture into a ½ quart casserole dish.
- Top with remaining Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until cheese starts to brown, about 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with corn chips or crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider using a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also substitute the Tabasco sauce with your favorite hot sauce for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the amount of hot sauce. Make sure to fully drain the spinach to prevent excess moisture that can dilute the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dip pairs beautifully with corn chips or crackers, making it a perfect appetizer for parties. You can also serve it with fresh vegetable sticks for a healthier option. This spicy spinach and artichoke dip is a great addition to any gathering, alongside dishes like Thanksgiving Cranberry Cobbler for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can re-bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated, which will help maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Spinach And Artichoke Dip contains roughly 460 calories, with 13g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1534mg per serving (67% 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! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it in a pot until wilted, then drain and chop it before adding it to the dip. This will give a fresher flavor and a different texture.
How can I make this dip vegetarian?
The original recipe is already vegetarian, but always check the labels of your ingredients, especially the cheese, to ensure no animal rennet is used. You can also enhance it further with additional veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Can this dip be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just bake it until hot and bubbly. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings or game days.
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).