Description
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Bake delivers classic comfort with a gourmet twist, blending rich cheeses and tender vegetables in a luxurious casserole. Hearty enough for family dinners yet elegant for special gatherings, this dish promises pure culinary satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
Cheeses:
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of sour cream
Seasonings and Condiments:
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal temperature for transforming the ingredients into a delectable, golden-topped casserole.
- Combine chopped fresh spinach, drained artichoke hearts, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl.
- Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, thoroughly blending until all components are evenly distributed and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Generously grease a 9-inch by 13-inch (23 centimeters by 33 centimeters) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully spread the spinach and artichoke mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking and optimal flavor distribution.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that indicate the dip is heated through.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the dip set and prevents burning when serving.
- Serve the creamy spinach and artichoke bake warm alongside crisp tortilla chips, toasted pita bread, or fresh vegetable crudités for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Mix ingredients quickly and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Moisture Control: Ensure spinach is well-drained to prevent excess liquid that could make the bake watery and less creamy.
- Temperature Tip: Allow the bake to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, which helps set the texture and makes serving easier.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with crispy toasted baguette slices, crunchy tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for maximum enjoyment.
- Storage Hack: Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F to maintain original creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg