If you're craving something warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Creamy Artichoke Spinach Delight is your go-to dish. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, it's a spin on the classic dip with a few personal touches that make it a standout.
The base of this dish is the artichoke hearts, which provide a slightly tangy and hearty texture. To balance this, the spinach adds a pop of color and a bit of earthiness. The creamy element comes from a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, creating a rich and smooth texture. The Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese bring a savory depth and gooeyness. A touch of olive oil, onion, and garlic infuse the dish with aromatic flavor, while a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes adds the right amount of seasoning and heat.
This dish shines when paired with slices of crusty bread or crunchy tortilla chips. For a lighter option, serve it with assorted fresh veggies like bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, or cucumber rounds. It's also fantastic as a filling for stuffed mushrooms or as a topping for baked potatoes.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You'll want it hot and ready to go by the time you're done preparing the mixture. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they turn transparent and fragrant. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
Next, stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and thawed spinach. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the spinach to heat through completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything until smooth and well combined. Then, fold in the sautéed onion, garlic, artichokes, and spinach, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.
Transfer this delicious concoction to a baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. When it's done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.