Hot Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip: Copycat Recipe
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Indulge in the irresistible allure of restaurant-quality appetizers right in the comfort of your own home with this sensational Hot Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip: Copycat Recipe. Rich and velvety creamy Alfredo sauce forms the decadent base, infused with the aromatic essence of roasted garlic, imparting depth and complexity. The marriage of tender spinach leaves and tangy artichoke hearts adds a delightful contrast, while a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese blankets the dip with its signature savory notes. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, this irresistible dip promises to be the star of any occasion. If this is your first time get ready to dip, savor, and enjoy the flavors in every bite!
FRESH INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or Butter): Two tablespoons of olive oil or butter serve as the foundation for sautéing the minced garlic, infusing the dip with a rich, savory aroma.
- Garlic Clove: Four cloves of garlic, minced to release their robust flavor, lend a pungent yet aromatic essence to the dip, elevating its overall taste profile.
- Alfredo Sauce (Jarred): A 16-ounce jar of Alfredo sauce provides a creamy base for the dip, offering a velvety texture and a subtle hint of garlic-infused richness.
- Cream Cheese (Brick): Eight ounces of room temperature cream cheese contribute to the dip’s luxurious creaminess, adding a smooth and indulgent consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese (Shredded): Half a cup of shredded Parmesan cheese imparts a bold, nutty flavor and adds a touch of sharpness to the dip, enhancing its overall complexity.
- Romano Cheese (Shredded): Another half cup of shredded Romano cheese further enriches the dip with its distinctively tangy and salty taste, complementing the other cheeses.
- Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded): Two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese provide the dip with its signature stretchy, gooey texture, creating a luscious, melty blanket of cheese over the top.
- Artichoke Hearts (Drained/Rinsed/Chopped): A generous 28 ounces of water-packed artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, and chopped.
- Chopped Spinach (Thawed and Moisture Squeezed Out Really Well): Twelve ounces of thawed chopped spinach, with excess moisture thoroughly squeezed out, offer a vibrant green hue and a mild, slightly sweet taste.
- Milk (Optional): A quarter cup of milk serves as an optional ingredient to control the consistency of the dip, allowing you to adjust it to your desired thickness.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS POPULAR APPETIZERS?
Time needed: 35 minutes
- Preheat your Oven:
Prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this sensational Hot Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip, crafted with love and flavor-packed ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get started.
- Prepare the Alfredo Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil (or butter) and minced garlic clove sautéing until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the Alfredo Cheese Sauce:
Combine alfredo sauce, and then add the brick of cream cheese and allow that to melt. - Prepare the Alfredo Cheese Sauce:
Finally add the shredded Parmesan cheese, Romano Cheese, and 1¾ of the cup mozzarella cheese (set aside the remaining ¼), allowing them to melt and meld into the alfredo sauce. - Combine the Ingredients:
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts and well-drained spinach, ensuring to squeeze out any excess moisture. Once the alfredo cheese sauce is creamy and smooth, pour it over the spinach and artichoke mixture, stirring until thoroughly combine ingredients. - Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer the cheesy spinach and artichoke mixture into a small baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for an extra cheese finish. - Bake in the Oven:
Bake in the oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly. For added crispiness, you can turn the broiler on for the last few minutes. Make sure you supervise it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Once baked to perfection, remove the creamy dip from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Fresh spinach can be used in place of frozen, but you’ll need to blanch it first and then chop it finely before adding it to the dip. Plus make sure all the moisture is squeezed out.
Thawed spinach should be placed in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, then squeezed tightly to remove excess moisture. Or you can just use your hands and squeeze out the water to avoid your dip from being runny.
Either marinated or plain artichoke hearts can be used, depending on personal preference. If using marinated artichokes, be sure to drain them well before adding them to the dip.
Yes, spinach artichoke dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Adjusting the amount of milk or Alfredo sauce can help to control the consistency of the dip. Adding a little extra milk can make the dip creamier, while reducing the amount of cheese can make it less thick.
Spinach artichoke dip can be served at room temperature, allowing its flavors to fully develop and meld together for a delightful tasting experience. Alternatively, serving it hot from the oven adds an extra level of indulgence, as the dip becomes creamy and bubbly, with the cheese perfectly melted and golden brown on top.
FABULOUS RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses to alter the flavor profile of the dip. For example, add a blend of fontina, provolone, or Gruyère for a richer taste.
- Dairy-Free Options: Use dairy-free alternatives such as vegan cream cheese, dairy-free shredded cheese, and a plant-based Alfredo sauce. These dairy-free options can create a vegan-friendly version of the dip.
- Greek Yogurt and Sour Cream: Substitute some or all of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangier twist,
- Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or crab meat into the dip for added protein.
- Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat with diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Enhance with fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or dill, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.
- Nutritional Boost: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or carmelized onions for added texture and nutrition.
- Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round bread loaf and fill it with the dip before baking for a creative presentation and delicious edible bowl.
- Toppings: Sprinkle crushed breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, or crispy bacon bits on top of the dip before baking.
- Individual Servings: Spoon the dip into small ramekins for individual servings at parties or gatherings.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Use the spinach artichoke dip as a filling for stuffed mushrooms, then bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is bubbly.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH ARTICHOKE DIP?
Spinach artichoke dip, are guilty pleasures cherished for its creamy texture and bold flavors. Commonly found alongside are classic tortilla chips, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices offering a satisfying crunch. Also, an assortment of fresh vegetable sticks, including carrot, celery, and bell peppers.
This delicious dip can be served as a side dish to a steak or chicken meal by complementing the richness of the main dish. The dip’s savory blend of cheeses, spinach, and artichoke hearts offers a satisfying contrast to the steak or chicken.
Whether spread on baguette or dipping crispy fries, spinach artichoke dip adds a touch of indulgence to any meat-centric meal. If served at a party or at home, this amazing appetizer or as a side dish it is perfect to satisfy every palate and occasion.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER SPINACH DIP?
To properly store leftover dip, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature beforehand. Stored this way, the dip can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm the dip in a microwave-safe dish in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. To reheat it in an baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated for about 15-20 minutes. If the dip has thickened, you can add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.
CAN YOU FREEZE LEFTOVER ARTICHOKE DIP FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Yes, you can freeze leftover spinach artichoke dip for later consumption. To freeze the dip, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to freeze the dip in portions for easier thawing and reheating later. Frozen spinach artichoke dip can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the dip, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to ensure gradual and even thawing. Once thawed, reheat the dip using your preferred method, such as in the microwave or oven, until heated through. You may need to stir the dip occasionally during reheating to ensure it heats evenly. If the dip has separated or become watery after thawing, you can try stirring it to reincorporate the ingredients. Also, adding a little extra cheese or cream to restore its creamy consistency.
LOOKING FOR MORE APPETIZER RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Wings: Everything you’d ever want in a chicken wing, plus they’re baked, not fried! The recipe contains some of my favorite Asian flavor combinations includes: sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Easy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: These bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are baked instead of fried and they’re even better than the fried version. Who can resist fresh jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and wrapped in crispy bacon, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Easy Loaded Deviled Eggs: This is our favorite way to use up hard-boiled eggs that are destined for the trash. This filling has a creamy texture and crunchy bits of dill pickles and crisp bacon inside and over the top.
Hot Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip: Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (or Butter)
- 4 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 16 oz. Alfredo Sauce (jarred)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (brick)(room temperature)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Romano cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 28 oz. Artichoke Hearts (drained/rinsed/chopped)
- 12 oz. Spinach (thawed and moisture squeezed out really well)
- ¼ Cup Milk optional ingredient to control consistency
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this sensational Hot Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip, crafted with love and flavor-packed ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get started.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil (or butter) and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the jar of Alfredo sauce, and then add the brick of cream cheese and allow that to melt.
- Finally add the shredded Parmesan cheese, Romano Cheese, and ¾ of the shredded mozzarella cheese (set aside the remaining ¼), allowing them to melt and meld into the alfredo sauce.
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts and well-drained spinach, ensuring to squeeze out any excess moisture. Once the Alfredo cheese sauce is creamy and smooth, pour it over the spinach and artichoke mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined.
- Taste the dip and add additional kosher salt and black pepper if needed.
- Transfer the cheesy spinach and artichoke mixture into an oven-safe dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until it's bubbly. For added crispiness, you can turn the broiler on for the last few minutes. Make sure you supervise it carefully so it doesn't burn.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm with dippable accompaniments, such as tortilla chips, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable sticks. Get ready to dip, indulge, and savor every delightful bite of this homemade masterpiece!
It was eaten in a minutes. Very Good