Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip

This is the best dip for watching the big game, holiday parties, or just for a good snack. I found this on the back of Knorr Vegetable recipe mix package. We served it with pieces of sourdough bread although it is also good with crackers. The combination of the spinach, artichokes, and cheese makes this a winner recipe. You can also find this recipe here at Knorr Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip recipe page.

Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip

1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (about 6 oz.)
1 package Knorr® Vegetable recipe mix
1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 can (8 oz.) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350°.
Combine all ingredients except 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Spoon into a 2-quart casserole, then top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
Bake for 35 minutes or until dip is hot. Dip, dip hooray!

Spanakopita Dip: Substitute feta cheese for the cheddar and omit artichoke hearts. Spoon into mini phyllo cups and bake 8 minutes or until filling puffs.

MAKES 4 cups dip

Spinach Dip in a Sourdough Bread Bowl

This is a dip or spread that is great for any occasion and we love it! It is Knorr's Spinach Dip and I have prepared it and put it into a sourdough bread bowl. You can also go to their site at Let's Make Knorr Recipes for more great recipes with their soup and dip mixes. We had this on Sunday for the football game with crackers and sourdough bread slices. (we will not discuss the beating the Seahawks got from the Giants...). So without further ado, let's make some spinach dip.



Knorr Spinach Dip

1 package (10 oz) baby spinach, chopped OR 1 package (10 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 container (16 oz) sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 package Knorr Vegetable recipe mix
1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped (optional)
3 green onions, chopped (optional)

Combine all ingredients and chill about 2 hours. Serve with your favorite dippers.

Notes:
- You can hollow out a unsliced sourdough round to make a lovely bread bowl that is yummy to eat but also makes a nice serving idea for parties.
- This can also be used as a spread on sandwiches with your favorite luncheon meats and cheeses to give a little extra zip along with getting a serving of vegetables with the spinach in the dip.
- Water chestnuts give the dip an extra crunch against the creamy texture which makes it even better, but if you do not like water chestnuts you can omit them.

Other add ins:
1. Shredded cheddar cheese
2. Chopped olives
3. Chopped sweet red pepper

Favorite Dippers:
1. We used Ritz crackers, but you can also use basically any favorite cracker
2. Crostini
3. Sourdough bread from the hollowed out bread bowl
4. Assorted fresh raw vegetables

Salmon Dip

As it is known, my husband lives for salmon fishing. So, when he goes fishing and catches fish, another thing I make that the family loves is salmon dip. Put it on Ritz crackers or any other cracker and it makes a wonderful snack. Here is my recipe:

Salmon Dip

1 lb smoked salmon or 1 16 oz can of salmon (if you do not have freshed smoked salmon available)
1 6 oz package cream cheese
2 Tbsp sour cream
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (can be omitted if you don't like the extra kick)
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp chopped parsley
1/4 tsp garlic salt

Chop smoked salmon finely or drain can of salmon. Add all ingredients to a bowl or food processor. Mix until smooth. (use a bowl if you want your dip chunky, use a food processor if you want your dip smooth) Refrigerate till served.
*You may omit the garlic salt and use 1/2 clove minced fresh garlic instead if desired*
*You can also add another 6 oz cream cheese if you want it stiffer in case you want to make a salmon dip ball, to use for parties; makes it easier to mold for a salmon dip ball*

This is awesome on crackers, bagels, or make it into a festive ball for parties (that's another post as we get closer to the holidays, when I bring on all the holiday treats and tips and tricks)