Spinach and Artichoke Dip

With the Super Bowl around the corner I thought I would share a great party recipe.  Even people who do not watch one game all season watch the Super Bowl.  That explains the multi-million dollar commercial slots.  For me it is a great reason to get together with friends, enjoy good food and watch the game plus said commercials. Even if your team looses this recipe is a winner every year.  Go Giants!

Who does not like spinach and artichoke dip?  With tender artichokes surrounded by a hot, bubbly and creamy spinach mixture, what is not to love?  Whenever I am at a restaurant and I see spinach and artichoke dip on the menu I HAVE to order it.  My recipe is an attempt at re-creating the dip that I love, but making it a bit more health conscious. That way I don’t feel guilty making it for my family and friends all the time.  It’s made with spinach and artichokes which are good for you, right?

I am not going to say this is a fat free recipe, but I did reduce some calories and fat.  My version is made with low fat dairy products as opposed to full fat cheese, cream and mayonnaise which are the typical bases for the recipe.  The best part is that there is absolutely no sacrifice to the flavor.  I have made this many times for lots of different people and no one has ever been able to tell that this is made with reduced fat products.  It is always a huge crowd pleaser and is great for game day or any other day!

You can make the dip a day ahead, keep it refrigerated and bake it before you want to serve it.  It can be served with tortilla chips, pita chips, baguette slices or crudites for an even healthier alternative.

Prep Time:  10 minutes

Cook Time:  30-35 minutes

Yields:  6-8 servings

1 box frozen chopped spinach, defrosted

1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts packed in water (not oil)

8 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, softened

1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese

8 ounces low fat sour cream

2 tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise (not fat free)

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1-2 cloves garlic, pressed or very finely chopped (depending on how garlicky you like things)

Freshly ground black pepper

Cooking spray

Bring your cream cheese to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Drain artichokes and rinse.  Finely chop and let dry.  Defrost spinach and squeeze all excess liquid from the spinach.

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheeses and garlic in a large bowl.  Add artichoke hearts, spinach, cracked pepper and stir until well combined.

Spray either a square 8 inch baking dish, or 9 inch round glass baking dish with cooking spray.  Pour mixture into dish and bake until mixture is hot and bubbly, about 30-35 minutes.