Spicy Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe for Game Day and Get-Togethers

### Spicy Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe for Game Day and Gatherings

Spicy spinach and artichoke dip is a timeless starter that always wows at events, particularly on game day. This rich, cheesy dip is loaded with taste and is ideal for dipping tortilla chips, bread, or fresh veggies. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make this party favorite.

#### Ingredients

– **1 cup** frozen chopped spinach, thawed and rinsed
– **1 cup** canned artichoke hearts, rinsed and chopped
– **1 cup** cream cheese, softened
– **1/2 cup** sour cream
– **1/2 cup** mayonnaise
– **1 cup** shredded mozzarella cheese
– **1/2 cup** grated Parmesan cheese
– **2 cloves** garlic, minced
– **1/2 teaspoon** salt
– **1/4 teaspoon** black pepper
– **1/4 teaspoon** red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
– **Tortilla chips, bread, or vegetable sticks** for serving

#### Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. **Combine the Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Incorporate the chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, minced garlic, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Mix until all components are thoroughly combined.

3. **Transfer to Baking Dish**: Spoon the mixture into a baking dish (an 8×8 inch dish is ideal) and spread it out evenly.

4. **Bake**: Place the dish in the warmed oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly, with a light golden topping.

5. **Serve**: Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Enjoy it warm with tortilla chips, slices of bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

#### Tips for the Ideal Dip

– **Fresh Spinach**: If you like fresh spinach, use about 2 cups of it. Sauté it in a skillet until wilted, then chop and drain before adding to the mix.
– **Cheese Options**: Don’t hesitate to try different cheeses. Incorporating a little cream cheese or cheddar can boost the flavor and creaminess.
– **Prepare Ahead**: This dip can be made in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When it’s time to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
– **Serving Ideas**: Along with tortilla chips and bread, think about serving with pita chips, crackers, or even sliced baguette for an upscale touch.

#### Conclusion

Spicy spinach and artichoke dip is a flexible and tasty appetizer that is guaranteed to please at any gathering. Its creamy consistency and rich flavors make it a fantastic option for game day, parties, or casual meet-ups. With this simple recipe, you can quickly prepare a batch and enjoy the praises from your visitors!