If you're searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a savory twist, look no further than this Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon! Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, this dip is sure to elevate your appetizer game to new heights. Imagine the rich flavors of artichokes and spinach mingling with crispy bacon and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Your friends and family will be begging for the recipe, and trust us, they won't be able to resist diving in for seconds! Get ready to impress with this mouthwatering dip that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure an oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even heating.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-blended.
- Drain and chop artichoke hearts into small, bite-sized pieces. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Finely chop the fresh spinach leaves, removing any tough stems. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water.
- Add chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, crumbled bacon, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Ensure the surface is smooth and level.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes to allow the dip to set and prevent burning.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Adding a bit of sharp cheddar or pepper jack can give your dip an extra kick.
- Bacon Lovers: For an even more intense bacon flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of bacon grease to the mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers. Try serving it with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for a colorful platter.
- Baking Tips: To achieve a perfectly bubbly and golden top, broil the dip for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Make it Healthier: For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use low-fat cream cheese.
- Garnishing: Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra crumbled bacon or fresh herbs on top before serving for a beautiful presentation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
