The Best Alton Brown Spinach And Artichoke Dip Recipe Ever

Alton Brown’s spinach and artichoke dip represents a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance together in this irresistible combination of green vegetables and rich dairy elements.

Passionate home cooks seek out recipes that offer both simplicity and gourmet appeal, and this particular dip delivers exactly that experience.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious balance of tangy and smooth sensations.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the depth and complexity packed into each delectable bite.

Gatherings become more memorable when this crowd-pleasing recipe makes an appearance at the table.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dip elevates any social occasion with its delightful mix of traditional and modern cooking techniques: get ready to impress your guests.

Why Alton Brown’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Is a Party Hit

• Flavor Explosion: Packed with tangy feta, creamy parmesan, and zesty lemon juice, this dip delivers a mouthwatering blend of savory Mediterranean-inspired tastes that dance across your palate.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Cooking: Using a single cast-iron skillet and taking just 30 minutes, this recipe offers a streamlined cooking process that's perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Texture Wonderland: The combination of crispy broiled top, smooth cream cheese base, and slightly charred artichokes creates a delightful contrast of textures that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Whether you're hosting game night, a casual gathering, or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this spinach and artichoke dip serves up maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for any social occasion.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Ingredients

• Artichoke Hearts: Tender, meaty base of the dip with a subtle, nutty flavor. Choose jarred or canned hearts for convenience.
• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and nutritional boost. Fresh spinach provides the best texture and flavor.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic cloves are recommended for most intense taste.
• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy base that creates rich, smooth texture. Full-fat versions ensure best consistency.
• Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Tangy and sharp cheeses that add depth and saltiness. Freshly grated parmesan provides best flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds subtle fruity undertone. Extra virgin olive oil recommended.
• White Wine: Adds complexity and helps deglaze pan. Dry white wine works best.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall flavor and adds slight acidity.
• Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance and balance the dip's flavors. Adjust according to personal spice preference.

How to Make Alton’s Creamy Dip

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Equipment

Adjust oven rack to top position and heat broiler to high. Gather a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and kitchen towels.

Step 2: Drain Artichoke Hearts And Spinach

Place artichoke hearts in kitchen towel or paper towels. Press firmly to remove excess moisture. Repeat the same process with spinach.

Step 3: Sauté Artichoke Hearts

Heat cast-iron skillet over high heat for 2 minutes. Add olive oil and sprinkle salt over artichoke hearts.

Step 4: Brown Artichoke Hearts

Press down with spatula to incorporate ingredients. Let sit for 3 minutes without stirring. Press and stir, then cook for additional 3 minutes until deeply browned.

Step 5: Create Cheese Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Half of garlic
• Half of feta cheese
• Half of parmesan cheese

Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Step 6: Add Spicy Flavor

Incorporate red pepper flakes and remaining garlic into artichoke mixture. Cook while stirring for 1 minute.

Step 7: Introduce Spinach

Add spinach and remaining salt. Simmer while stirring occasionally for 1 minute. Pour wine into pan and cook until nearly evaporated.

Step 8: Blend Cream Cheese

Remove from heat and whisk cream cheese into mixture until well combined. Smooth surface with spatula.

Step 9: Top And Broil

Sprinkle remaining feta and parmesan cheese over top. Broil for 3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Serve immediately with crackers or pita chips while hot and bubbling.

Tips for Cheesy, Hot Perfection

• Drain Like a Pro: Squeeze artichoke hearts and spinach in a clean kitchen towel, removing every drop of liquid to prevent a soggy dip disaster.
• Caramelize for Flavor: Let the artichoke mixture sizzle undisturbed in the skillet, developing a golden-brown crust that adds rich, deep taste.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Blend cheeses slowly into the cream base, creating smooth pockets of melty deliciousness throughout the dip.
• Deglaze with Finesse: Splash white wine into the hot pan, letting it nearly evaporate and concentrate those incredible flavor molecules.
• Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing, ensuring a more even blend and creamy consistency.

Store Spinach Dip Like a Pro

• Vacuum Seal: Transfer the dip to a vacuum-sealed bag, removing all air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. Lock in freshness for up to 3 months with this professional storage method.
• Glass Container Method: Store the dip in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to preserve texture and prevent bacterial growth. This approach keeps the dip fresh for 4 to 5 days and prevents flavor contamination from other foods.
• Portion Freeze Technique: Divide the dip into small, single-serving portions using silicone muffin trays or ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop out the portions and transfer to a freezer bag. This method allows you to thaw exactly what you need, reducing waste and maintaining the dip's creamy consistency.

Additions to Make It Even Better

• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Replace spinach with roasted red peppers and zucchini for a smoky, charred flavor profile that adds depth to the classic dip.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to elevate the dip with authentic Mediterranean herbaceous notes that complement the artichoke and feta.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños and swap red pepper flakes for chipotle powder to create a fiery version that brings intense heat and complexity to the creamy base.
• Seafood Enriched Option: Mix in lump crab meat or chopped shrimp to transform the dip into a luxurious protein-packed appetizer that feels indulgent and sophisticated.

Cheesy Wrap-Up for Alton Brown’s Dip

Culinary magic emerges from Alton Brown’s spinach and artichoke dip, a harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors and Southern comfort.

Skillet-roasted artichokes mingle with vibrant spinach, creating a luxurious canvas of creamy textures and bold tastes.

Feta and parmesan cheeses elevate this classic appetizer beyond ordinary expectations.

Mediterranean herbs and red pepper flakes introduce a subtle warmth that lingers on taste buds.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe promises to delight gatherings and intimate dinners alike.

Passionate cooks and dip enthusiasts, share this delectable creation, spark conversations in comments, and spread culinary joy across your social networks.

Alton Brown Spinach And Artichoke Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Alton Brown’s spinach and artichoke dip delivers creamy comfort with Mediterranean flair. Packed with tangy cheese and rich spinach, this appetizer offers a perfect blend of flavors that will make guests crave more at your next gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
• 10 ounces (283 grams) frozen spinach, thawed

Dairy and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups (150 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup (113 grams) crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, grated on rasp (microplane)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) white wine (pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc)
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Position the oven rack near the top and activate the broiler to high heat, ensuring optimal temperature for the final cooking stage.
2. Thoroughly drain artichoke hearts and spinach by placing them in a clean kitchen towel or multiple layers of paper towels, pressing firmly to remove excess moisture and prevent wateriness in the dip.
3. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over high heat for approximately 2 minutes, creating an ideal surface for sautéing ingredients.
4. Add olive oil to the hot skillet, then introduce chopped artichoke hearts and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
5. Use a spatula to press down on the artichokes, encouraging even browning and preventing sticking to the pan surface.
6. Continue cooking the artichokes for 6 minutes total, pressing and stirring periodically to achieve a deep golden color and enhanced flavor profile.
7. In a separate medium bowl, combine minced garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice, creating a smooth and creamy base for the dip.
8. Incorporate half of the feta and parmesan cheeses into the cream mixture, reserving the remaining cheese for topping.
9. Return to the skillet and add red pepper flakes and remaining garlic to the artichoke mixture, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
10. Introduce spinach and remaining salt to the skillet, cooking briefly to wilt the leaves and release any additional moisture.
11. Deglaze the pan with wine, allowing it to reduce and concentrate the flavors until the liquid is almost completely evaporated.
12. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the prepared cream cheese mixture until thoroughly combined.
13. Smooth the surface of the dip with a spatula and generously sprinkle the remaining feta and parmesan cheeses on top.
14. Place the skillet under the broiler for 3 minutes, watching carefully until the top turns golden brown and develops a bubbling, appetizing crust.
15. Serve the dip immediately while warm, accompanied by crisp crackers or toasted pita chips for an irresistible appetizer.

Notes

• Pat artichoke hearts and spinach thoroughly with paper towels to eliminate water that could make your dip soggy.
• Let cheese melt slowly into the warm cream mixture, creating smooth, luxurious texture without clumping.
• Deglaze skillet with crisp white wine, scraping up delicious browned bits for extra flavor complexity.
• Press mixture gently in hot skillet, allowing golden-brown crispy edges to develop without constant stirring.
• Blend cheeses gradually to ensure even distribution and prevent dense cheese pockets in the final dip.
• Use room temperature ingredients for seamless mixing and consistent creamy result.
• Select fresh, high-quality artichoke hearts for maximum flavor and tender texture.
• Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance overall taste profile.
• Cook on medium-low heat to prevent burning and maintain silky smooth consistency.
• Rest dip briefly after cooking to allow flavors to meld and settle beautifully.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 249
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 545 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg