Description
This homemade Olive Garden-inspired artichoke spinach dip is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. Featuring tender artichokes, fresh spinach, and a blend of cream cheese, mascarpone, and Parmesan, this dip is perfect for parties or as a delicious appetizer to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
2 fresh artichokes
1 teaspoon salt
1 lemon, juiced
2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, sifted
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for garnish
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 garlic clove, minced
5 green onions, chopped
1 (6-ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Artichokes:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Trim the stems of the artichokes and remove the tough outer leaves. Cut off the sharp tips of the remaining leaves. - Boil the artichokes:
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the juice of one lemon. Place the artichokes in the boiling water and cook for about 30 minutes, or until tender. - Cool and chop the artichokes:
Once tender, remove the artichokes and allow them to cool. Peel away the leaves and remove the fuzzy choke from the center. Chop the artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces and set aside. - Make the dip mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, sifted flour, grated Parmesan, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, green onions, and chopped spinach. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. - Add the artichokes:
Add the prepared artichokes to the mixture and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. - Transfer to a baking dish:
Lightly coat a large non-stick baking dish or oven-safe skillet with cooking spray. Spread the dip mixture evenly into the dish. - Bake:
Place the dip in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and heated through. - Garnish:
Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle the top with extra grated Parmesan for a finishing touch. - Serve:
Serve hot with grilled bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and mascarpone, as well as a vegan Parmesan alternative for a dairy-free dip.
Spicy version: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Cheesy version: Stir in more mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the mixture for an extra cheesy dip.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
