Imagine a dip that’s as comforting as your favorite sweater on a crisp fall day. This skinny spinach and artichoke wonder—it’s a hug in a bowl, really—reminds me of those lazy Sunday afternoons when time seems to slow down, and you can just savor each bite. It’s like jazz music: a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and suddenly everything feels just right.
Steps
- In a medium pot over medium heat, combine reduced-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, butter, and parmesan cheese. Stir frequently, allowing the mixture to melt into a smooth consistency. Wait for it to start bubbling lightly.
- Add the chopped artichoke hearts, drained jalapeños, and well-drained spinach to the pot. Incorporate the pressed garlic cloves into the mixture. Let it bubble for a few more minutes until well combined and heated through.
Ingredients
- 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
- 16 oz (2 cups) plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese
- 14 oz quartered artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
- 4 oz can diced jalapeños, drained (optional: keep undrained for extra spice)
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2-3 garlic cloves, pressed
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1784 kcal | Carbs: 88 g | Protein: 136 g | Fat: 104 g | Saturated Fat: 64 g | Trans Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 304 mg | Sodium: 7096 mg | Potassium: 2568 mg | Fiber: 16 g | Sugar: 40 g | Vitamin A: 38864 IU | Vitamin C: 40 mg | Calcium: 3032 mg | Iron: 32 mg
FAQ
- What makes this spinach and artichoke dip “skinny”?
- This dip is considered “skinny” because it uses Greek yogurt, which leads to 50% less cholesterol, 56% less fat, 40% less salt, and a bit more protein compared to traditional recipes.
- Can I make this dip spicier?
- Yes, you can adjust the spice level by not draining the diced jalapeños before adding them to the dip. This will provide extra heat.
- Is it necessary to use non-fat Greek yogurt?
- While non-fat Greek yogurt is used to reduce fat content, you can substitute it with regular Greek yogurt for a creamier texture, though this will increase the fat content slightly.
- How do I ensure the spinach is properly drained?
- To ensure the spinach is well-drained, use your hands to squeeze out excess water over the sink. This will prevent the dip from becoming watery.
- How should I serve the skinny spinach and artichoke dip?
- Serve the dip warm and cheesy as an appetizer. It’s perfect for gatherings like game days, and even those who are not watching their diet will enjoy its rich flavor.
Tips
- Ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained. Squeeze it over the sink to remove as much water as possible to avoid a watery dip.
- If you prefer a spicier dip, consider not draining the diced jalapeños before adding them to the mixture.
- Continuously stir the mixture while heating to achieve a smooth, even consistency and prevent any ingredients from sticking to the pot.
- Serve the dip warm for the best taste and texture, as it enhances the cheesy flavor and creamy consistency.
Equipment
- Medium pot – If you don’t already have a suitable pot for melting ingredients together.
- Garlic press – For pressing garlic cloves.
- Cheese grater – If you need to grate the parmesan cheese and don’t have one.
