This classic baked spinach artichoke dip gets an upgrade with the addition of buttery asiago cheese! Make it for a party and watch everyone grab seconds!
It’s hard to beat a classic dip like spinach artichoke dip. ย I mean, it’s on the appetizer menu of nearly every major restaurant! ย I took that dip and added a few things, like roasted red peppers, smoky bacon… and my personal favorite, tangy and buttery asiago cheese!
There are so many great opportunities this time of year to enjoy game day foods! ย College football, professional football, the World Series, etc. ย While the games are fun to watch, the food is even better right?!
There’s just something about great appetizers… they’re so fun to eat, and always so full of amazing flavor!
Instead of easy to break tortilla chips, I wanted to serve it alongside some sturdy slices of toasted baguette! ย No more breaking mid-dip. Plus I love the way the crunchy whole grain bread contrasts with the smooth, cheesy dip!
I’m sure by now, everyone has had a classic spinach and artichoke dip. ย Not knocking it, it IS pretty amazing!
I always felt it could use some extra flavors though… so for my version I added sweet roasted red peppers, smoky bacon, and extra cheese! ย Not just any cheese though, asiago cheese!
Asiago cheese is somewhat similar to Parmesan, except it isn’t quite as dry and crumbly, which means it melts BEAUTIFULLY!
I don’t have any problem finding asiago cheese in my regular grocery store (I buy a wedge of it, and grate it myself), but if you can’t find it at all, Parmesan will work as well.
My favorite vessel for baking this spinach artichoke dip is my trusty 9″ cast iron skillet (8″ works too, it will just be a little thicker), but if you don’t have one, a regular pie pan will do!
PREFER TO MAKE THIS A CHILLED DIP?
- Omit step 1
- Complete steps 2 and 3, let spinach mixture cool completely.
- Omit flour in step 4, then combine sour cream, mayo, red peppers, artichokes, bacon, cooled spinach and onion mixture, black pepper, and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese with 1/2 cup asiago cheese.
- Transfer to serving bowl and cover. ย Chill for at least 1-2 hours.
- If dip thickens too much during chilling, stir in a tablespoon of milk before serving.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of asiago cheese and serve with any dippers you’d like (baguette slices, pita chips, tortilla chips, veggies, etc)
I hope you all try my version of this classic party dip… it really will knock your socks off!
MORE GREAT PARTY DIPS:
- Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip
- Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Dip
- Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Caramelized Onion Dipย
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, sliced into short, thin strips
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz jar of artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed
- 8 oz sour cream
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained, patted dry, and chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded asiago cheese, divided
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Spray a 9" pie plate or 9" cast iron skillet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Add artichoke hearts to a mesh sieve and lay a few paper towels on top. Press down to remove any excess liquid. Transfer artichokes to a cutting board and chop. Set aside.
- To a small skillet, add bacon strips and cook over MED to MED-LOW heat until bacon is crisp and brown. Remove to a plate, reserving drippings, and add diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings. Raise heat to MED-HIGH and cook 3-5 minutes, until soft and starting to brown. Add spinach and garlic to the skillet and cook another minute, until spinach is wilted. Set aside.
- To a large mixing bowl, add sour cream and flour. Stir together, then add in mayo, chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, bacon, and cooked spinach and onion mixture. Stir together, then add in mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup asiago cheese, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish/skillet and top with remaining 1/4 cup asiago cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, until heated through and lightly browned.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, sturdy tortilla chips or veggies.
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Chef Tips
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Jennifer says
This looks so amazing!!! Do you think it would work in a crock pot? I was thinking of making it for an outdoor party!
The Chunky Chef says
I haven’t tested it, but I’m sure it could be done in a slow cooker ๐
Devon says
Fantastic recipe, I personally do it without the bacon and it always comes out amazing!
Julie Neal says
Can I make this, put in the fridge & bake it tomorrow? ย It looks amazing
The Chunky Chef says
I’ve not done it myself, but I think that would work well ๐
Stephanie, One Caring Mom says
This looks so, so, sooo good!!!! I love artichoke and spinach dips! And I love that you included an option to keep it chilled – especially for summertime! I canโt wait to try this. Thanks for sharing!!!ย
Billy says
Thank you so much for sharing your recipe! This looks so delicious. I love the additions you made too – not just the classic typical spinach artichoke dip. Can’t wait to make this tonight.
Leesa Ausman says
Can u use frozen spinach in place of fresh
The Chunky Chef says
Hi Leesa ๐ Yes, absolutely! Just make sure once defrosted, you wring out all the water or else the dip will be very watery
Stacey says
Spinach and artichoke dip is my favourite appetizer – and I am craving it after looking at those photos!
Krista says
Bring on the dips! Perfect for gameday!
Allyson Zea says
I need this in my belly RIGHT NOW!!!!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
This is amazing! First, I just looooove artichokes. And adding the asiago just takes this over the top! Such a pretty dip, too!
Erin Dee says
This looks so creamy and delicious! I love what you’ve done here with your version!
Jen says
I want this tonight! Perfect for Monday Night Football!
Sara says
I can’t wait to try this! Some crusty bread would be so good for dipping!