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There's something inherently comforting about a warm, bubbly spinach artichoke dip. It's a timeless appetizer that rarely disappoints. But as much as I love the classic, I'm always looking for ways to add a new dimension, a touch of something special. That's where the idea for this variant was born. I had this beautiful wedge of Murray's Fromager D'Affinois w/ Herb, its rind dusted with fragrant herbs, and its promise of a rich, smooth interior. I knew its garlicky and herbaceous notes would be a perfect complement to the earthy spinach and the slightly tangy artichoke hearts.
Creating this dip was a joy. The Fromager D'Affinois melted seamlessly into the other cheeses, creating an unbelievably smooth and luscious texture. The herbs in the cheese weren't lost in the mix; instead, they wove their way through each bite, adding a fresh, aromatic counterpoint to the richness. Serving it warm, with a variety of dippers, was a pure delight. The sighs of satisfaction from those who tried it were all the confirmation I needed – this variation is a winner and has earned a permanent spot in my recipe repertoire. I can't wait for you to try it and experience the magic for yourself!
Creamy Herbaceous Spinach Artichoke Dip
This recipe takes the classic spinach artichoke dip to a new level with the addition of Murray's Fromager D'Affinois w/ Herb cheese, adding a layer of creamy texture and a delightful herbaceous flavor.
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces Murray's Fromager D'Affinois w/ Herb cheese, rind removed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
Process:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the thawed and well-drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing any excess moisture to evaporate. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped Fromager D'Affinois w/ Herb cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
- Add the spinach and artichoke mixture to the cheese mixture.
- Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Transfer the dip to a small baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden around the edges.
- Serve warm with your favorite dippers such as tortilla chips, pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Nutritional Estimate (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Total Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 40-50mg
- Sodium: Approximately 300-400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 8-12g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
- Total Sugars: Approximately 1-2g
- Protein: Approximately 8-10g
Please note that this is a rough estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
This herbaceous twist on a classic is sure to become a new favorite. The unique qualities of Murray's Fromager D'Affinois w/ Herb cheese truly elevate this dip to something special. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
