Olive Garden Artichoke Spinach Dip

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Artichokes:

• 2 fresh artichokes

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 lemon, juiced

For the Dip:

• 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened

• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, sifted

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for garnish

• 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 5 green onions, chopped

• 1 (6-ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Artichokes:

   • Trim the stems and remove the tough outer leaves of the artichokes. Cut off the sharp tips of the remaining leaves.

   • In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add salt and lemon juice. Place the artichokes in the boiling water and cook for 30 minutes until tender.

   • Remove the artichokes and allow them to cool. Once cooled, peel away the leaves and remove the fuzzy choke from the center. Chop the artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Dip:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mascarpone, flour, Parmesan, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, garlic, green onions, spinach, and the prepared artichokes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Bake the Dip:

   • Lightly coat a large non-stick baking dish or oven-safe skillet with cooking spray. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.

   • Bake in the preheated oven at 325°F for about 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and heated through.

4. Finish and Serve:

   • Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle the top with additional grated Parmesan.

   • Serve hot with grilled bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy!

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Notes:

• Spinach tip: Chop the spinach into tiny pieces for a smoother texture.

• Cream cheese tip: If you forget to set the cream cheese out early, cut it into smaller pieces or microwave it in 10-second intervals to soften faster.

• Flavor boost: Roast the garlic before adding it to the dip for a deeper, more intense flavor.

• Time-saving: Use canned or jarred artichoke hearts to save time on the artichoke prep.