Try Alton Brown’s Zesty Spinach And Artichoke Dip Recipe!

Alton Brown’s spinach and artichoke dip bursts with creamy decadence that transforms ordinary appetizers into culinary magic.

Verdant greens and luxurious cheese intertwine, creating a symphony of flavors that dazzle taste buds.

Tangy notes weave through each velvety spoonful, promising an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Mediterranean influences shine through the harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and rich textures.

Comfort meets sophistication in this irresistible dish that beckons food lovers from all walks of life.

Cheese enthusiasts will swoon over the complex layers of flavor dancing across their palates.

You’ll find this dip becomes the star of every gathering, turning simple moments into memorable celebrations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Alton Brown Spinach and Artichoke Dip

• Artichoke Hearts: Choose tender, marinated hearts with minimal blemishes for rich, tangy flavor.
• Spinach: Select fresh, vibrant green leaves without wilting or discoloration for optimal texture.
• Garlic: Pick firm, plump cloves with tight, unblemished skin for maximum pungency.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Look for smooth, fresh containers without separation or odd odors.
• Mayonnaise: Select full-fat versions for richer, more luxurious consistency.
• Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Opt for authentic, high-quality blocks and grate fresh for intense flavor.

• Olive Oil: Choose cold-pressed, extra virgin varieties for robust, authentic taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Select vibrant, deep red flakes for consistent heat and color.
• Lemon: Pick firm, bright yellow fruits with smooth skin for maximum juice and zest.
• White Wine: Select dry, crisp varieties that complement the dish's creamy profile.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and clean seasoning.

Tools Needed for Alton Brown Spinach and Artichoke Dip

• Cast-iron skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for even heating and browning.
• Kitchen towels: Soft cloths for draining and pressing moisture from ingredients.
• Paper towels: Alternative for draining artichoke hearts and spinach.
• Medium bowl: Mixing vessel for creating creamy cheese blend.
• Spatula: Versatile tool for stirring, pressing, and smoothing ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending cream cheese into the mixture smoothly.
• Broiler: High-heat cooking method for achieving golden, bubbly top.
• Measuring tools: Cups and spoons for precise ingredient portions.

Directions to Make Alton Brown Spinach and Artichoke Dip

• Prep the Broiler and Skillet

Heat the broiler to high and position the rack at the top. Grab a sturdy cast-iron skillet and get ready for some cooking magic.

• Dry Out the Artichoke Hearts and Spinach

Squeeze out every drop of moisture from the artichoke hearts and spinach using kitchen towels. This step ensures a crispy, delicious result.

• Sizzle the Artichoke Hearts

Crank up the heat on your skillet and let it get scorching hot. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle salt over the artichoke hearts to create a flavor-packed base.

• Create the Creamy Cheese Blend

Whip together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a splash of lemon juice. Mix in garlic and half the cheese to create a luxurious, tangy mixture.

• Build Layers of Flavor

Toss in red pepper flakes and remaining garlic to give the dish a spicy kick. Add spinach and let it mingle with the artichoke hearts. Pour in a splash of wine to deglaze the pan and concentrate the flavors.

• Melt and Merge

Take the skillet off the heat and fold in the creamy cheese mixture until everything is beautifully combined. Smooth out the top for a perfect finish.

• Broil to Perfection

Shower the top with the remaining cheese and slide under the broiler. Watch as it turns golden and bubbly, creating an irresistible crispy crust.

• Serve and Enjoy

Bring the skillet straight to the table and dive in while it’s hot. Grab some crackers or pita chips and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Cooking Tips for Alton Brown Spinach and Artichoke Dip

• Cheese-Boosting Hack: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda, blue cheese, or gruyere to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the dip's richness.
• Spice-Level Adjustment: Modify red pepper flakes quantity to match your heat tolerance, ranging from a mild sprinkle to a fiery kick that awakens taste buds.
• Wine Swap Technique: Replace wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock if avoiding alcohol, maintaining the same moisture and depth of flavor in the recipe.
• Garnish Enhancement: Finish the dip with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to add brightness and a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing.

How to Serve Alton Brown Spinach and Artichoke Dip

• Pair with Crispy Companions: Serve this cheesy dip alongside crunchy pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or sturdy tortilla chips for the perfect textural contrast.
• Craft a Mediterranean Platter: Arrange the hot artichoke dip at the center of a board surrounded by olives, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and marinated feta for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Elevate Wine Night Snacking: Complement the rich, tangy flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy cheese base.
• Create Party-Perfect Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herb brightness to the golden, bubbling dip.

Storage Tips for Alton Brown Spinach and Artichoke Dip

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight container within refrigerator for up to 3 days. Sealed properly, the dip maintains its creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
• Reheat Wisely: Warm gently in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent separation of cheese and maintain original consistency.
• Freeze Smart: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve optimal taste and texture.
• Prep Ahead: Mix cheese blend and chop ingredients up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate separately and combine just before final cooking to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.

Creamy Alton Brown Spinach And Artichoke Dip Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s spinach and artichoke dip delivers creamy comfort with classic ingredients. Zesty cream cheese and tangy parmesan blend perfectly for you to savor each rich, irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) artichoke hearts, frozen, thawed
• 10 oz (283 g) spinach, frozen, thawed
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ¾ cup (113 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup (60 ml) white wine (pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc)
• 1 ½ tsps (7.5 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack near top and activate broiler to high heat for final cooking stage.
2. Moisture Removal: Thoroughly drain artichoke hearts and spinach using a clean kitchen towel, pressing firmly to eliminate excess liquid.
3. Skillet Searing: Heat cast-iron skillet over high heat, adding olive oil and artichoke hearts with salt to develop a caramelized exterior through strategic pressing and stirring for 6 minutes.
4. Creamy Base Construction: Whisk together garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice, blending half the feta and parmesan into a smooth mixture.
5. Flavor Layering: Introduce red pepper flakes to artichoke mixture, then add spinach and deglaze with wine, reducing liquid to concentrate flavors.
6. Cheese Integration: Remove skillet from heat, fold in cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution, and top with remaining cheese.
7. Broiling Finale: Position skillet under broiler for 3 minutes, monitoring closely until surface turns golden and develops a bubbling, appetizing crust.
8. Serving: Present dip immediately while warm, accompanied by crisp crackers or toasted pita chips for an irresistible appetizer experience.

Notes

• Drain Thoroughly: Remove every drop of moisture from artichokes and spinach to prevent a watery, unappetizing dip texture.
• High Heat Magic: Cast-iron skillet and high heat are crucial for developing deep, caramelized flavors in artichokes.
• Cheese Distribution: Reserve half the cheese for topping to create a golden, crispy broiled crust that adds incredible visual and textural appeal.
• Broiler Watch: Keep a close eye during the final 3-minute broiling stage to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 712 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 53 mg