This spicy artichoke dip is the perfect appetizer for those who love a little kick with their creamy, savory snacks. Featuring the bold flavors of artichokes, a variety of cheeses, and a generous amount of heat from jalapeños and red pepper flakes, this dip is sure to become a new favorite. Here’s how to whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Chopped scallions or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Dip:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, minced garlic, chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Fold in the Artichokes: Gently stir in the chopped artichoke hearts until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the Mixture to a baking dish. Spread the dip evenly and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Garnish and Serve:
- Let Cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with chopped scallions or parsley for a touch of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve Warm with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Spicy Artichoke Dip:
- Adjust the Spice: The heat level of this dip can easily be customized by adjusting the amount of jalapeños and red pepper flakes used. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use only one.
- Creamy Consistency: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
- Artichoke Preparation: If you prefer a smoother dip, you can pulse the artichoke hearts in a food processor a few times before adding them to the mix.
- Serving Suggestions: While this dip is delicious with traditional dippers like chips and bread, it’s also fantastic with crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a lighter option.
Enjoy your spicy artichoke dip at your next gathering, and watch it disappear as quickly as it came together. Its irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes it a guaranteed hit!
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