Description
Spinach and artichoke bake delivers comfort through Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Cheese-laden casserole promises rich flavor with simple preparation that delights home cooks seeking delicious weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (10 oz/283 g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can (14 oz/397 g) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an optimal environment for a golden, bubbling casserole.
- Blending: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic powder, ensuring a smooth, well-integrated mixture with balanced seasoning of salt and black pepper.
- Dish Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, then evenly distribute the spinach-artichoke blend, promoting uniform cooking and flavor development.
- Baking: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown crust and effervescent edges that signal thorough heating.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps stabilize the texture and prevents potential burning. Present the dish warm, accompanied by tortilla chips, toasted pita, or fresh vegetable crudités for a delectable appetizer or side.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain artichoke hearts and remove excess liquid from spinach to prevent a watery, less creamy texture in the final bake.
- Temperature Precision: Let the dish rest exactly 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect creamy consistency without becoming runny.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with crunchy accompaniments like toasted baguette slices or homemade pita chips to contrast the smooth, rich texture of the bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg