Asiago Spinach and Artichoke Dip

You need this Asiago Spinach and Artichoke Dip in your life! It’s a creamy, cheesy hot dip with chunks of artichokes, sautéed red onions and a touch of spicy heat.

When dips are really good, they have a way of becoming the meal’s centerpiece. That certainly happens whenever I make this Asiago Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

No matter what else is at the table or on the buffet, people will park themselves in front of this appetizer and declare they’re happy to nosh on it all night. And Lord knows, I’ve made an entire meal of this on more than one occasion, with the excuse of adjusting the recipe until it’s just right.

You may have noticed there are tons of spinach-artichoke dip recipes out there. So what’s different about this one?

First, just as in my Creamed Spinach Soufflé with Artichokes, this dip utilizes frozen artichoke hearts (that’s an affiliate link for a case of 12.) They’re the closest things to fresh artichoke hearts.

If you’re an artichoke lover, like I am, you’ve got to ditch those soggy jarred ones and see what you’ve been missing!

Second, the cheese here plays a big part in the taste. There are three kinds in this dip — cream cheese, Asiago and Parmesan — with Asiago lending the strongest flavor.

No, this isn’t a skinny recipe, but I do use light cream cheese and 2% milk to counter the richness from the cream in the cheese sauce.  At least there are lots of veggies, right?

Third, (and fourth), there’s nice onion flavor, thanks to the red onions, and some heat, thanks to the red pepper flakes.

I’ll never be one to eat food that makes my eyes water. But I’m finding, the older I get, the more I appreciate a little spicy kick in my food.

You can adjust the heat to suit your tastes, but I’ve found this level is just enough to be noticeable without turning anyone off.

And, now for some questions you may have about this Asiago Spinach and Artichoke Dip…

Can Spinach and Artichoke Dip Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the dip a couple days ahead, then bake it the day you serve it.

You can even bake it ahead of time and then reheat it the day you serve it.

Can You Freeze Spinach and Artichoke Dip?

Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after it’s baked. (Just let it cool first.)

I just froze a portion of the baked dip last night and reheated it in the microwave today. After stuffing my face – I mean conducting research – I can say, it’s still AWESOME!!

Enjoy!

P.S. If your love for cheesy spinach dishes knows no bounds, you have to check out these other Cooking with Mamma C recipes:

• Mom’s Ricotta-Spinach Pie
• Homemade Manicotti
• Cheddar-Stuffed Florentine Meatloaf

(Recipe Source: Cooking with Mamma C. Originally published on March 4, 2015 as “Spinach, Artichoke and Asiago Dip” and republished now with updated photos, text and nutrition information.)

5 from 6 votes

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Asiago Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

A creamy, cheesy hot dip with chunks of artichokes, nice onion and Asiago flavors, and a touch of spicy heat. Serve with pita crackers, natural tortilla chips, carrot sticks or bread.

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian-American

Keyword: asiago, spinach artichoke dip, spinach dip

Servings: 10 -12

Calories: 284 kcal

Author: Cooking with Mamma C

Ingredients

• 2 10 ounce packages frozen chopped spinach
• 2 9 ounce packages frozen artichoke hearts (Birds Eye)
• 1/4 large red onion
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 5 ounces whipping cream (see notes)
• 7 ounces 2% milk
• 1 8 oz. block cream cheese (light is fine)
• 1 1/4 cups grated Asiago cheese
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided use)
• 2/3 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Thaw your frozen spinach in the microwave. (I can fit the contents of two packages in a glass 9x13 pan and use high heat for 5 minutes.)
2. While the spinach is in the microwave, peel and chop 1/4 of a large red onion. Grate your cheeses in a blender or food processor.
3. When the spinach is thawed, drain out the liquid in the sink by grabbing small handfuls of spinach and squeezing them over a strainer. Set your dried spinach in a large mixing bowl.
4. Thaw your artichoke hearts in the microwave, again fitting the contents in a large glass pan, if you have one, and heating on high for 4-5 minutes. When the artichokes are thawed, drain any liquid and roughly chop them, leaving some chunks. Pat them dry with a paper towel and add them to your large mixing bowl.
5. In a sauce pan, melt your butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them until they are just becoming tender. Add the flour and stir to mix. Continue stirring for another minute.
6. Add your whipping cream and milk, stirring (or whisking) as you go. Continue stirring, and when the mixture thickens, add your block of cream cheese. Continue stirring, until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and thick.
7. Turn off the heat and stir in the Asiago, 1/2 cup Parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt and garlic powder. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in your large mixing bowl and mix well.
8. Transfer the dip to a greased 9x13 pan (or use two pie dishes or crocks). Spread the dip evenly and top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
   
9. Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and browned to your liking.

10. Serve with pita crackers, natural tortilla chips, carrot sticks, or bread. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. You also can freeze the leftovers and reheat them in the oven or microwave.
    

Recipe Notes

• You can use 12 ounces of evaporated whole milk in place of the whipping cream and low-fat milk.
• You can assemble the dip a couple days ahead, then bake it the day you serve it. You can even bake it ahead of time and then reheat it the day you serve it.

Nutrition Facts

Asiago Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Amount Per Serving

Calories 284 Calories from Fat 189

% Daily Value*

Fat 21g32%

Saturated Fat 12g75%

Cholesterol 67mg22%

Sodium 608mg26%

Potassium 290mg8%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 13g26%

Vitamin A 7910IU158%

Vitamin C 4.5mg5%

Calcium 377mg38%

Iron 2.2mg12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.