Spinach And Artichokes
Creamy spinach and artichoke dip with a hint of lemon and seasonings, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a delicious appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach just until thawed, then drain well.
- Soften the cream cheese, then blend in melted butter and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the drained spinach and stir in salt, pepper, seasoned salt, and nutmeg.
- Add the chopped drained artichokes and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Cover with foil, punch a few holes in the foil, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cream cheese mixture. If you're short on time, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the flavor profile. This dish is versatile and adaptable to various American recipes, so feel free to experiment with spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spinach and Artichoke dish warm as a dip with tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad like Sweet Heart Salad for a light meal. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete dinner, making it a great addition to your vegetarian recipes repertoire.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer to a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach And Artichokes contains roughly 975 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 505mg per serving (22% 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, fresh spinach can be used! Simply sauté about 1 pound of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and proceed with the recipe. Fresh spinach will give a different texture but is equally delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the mixture. You can also serve it with a spicy salsa on the side for an extra kick.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat cream cheese and substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese. Additionally, reducing the amount of butter and adding more vegetables can make this dish lighter while still maintaining great flavor.
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).