From the Kitchen:: Spinach Artichoke Dip

With the Super Bowl approaching this weekend, I thought I’d share with you our current favorite appetizer.  Sunday nights are “Eat Whatever You Want” night in our home, which basically means I don’t cook.  It’s been a great way for Sunday to feel more restful for all of us, and specifically giving me a break from the kitchen.  The kids generally request popcorn, a sandwich, fruit, or something else that is simple to prepare.  It’s their favorite meal and they frequently ask for other nights to be the same.

During football season, we eat dinner while watching the game, and the kids have gotten into cheering for whichever team happens to be winning that night.  The girls are even picking up on some football terms and Mason yells “TOUCHDOWN” every few minutes.

Bradley got into making Spinach Artichoke Dip this fall, trying a few different recipes and finishing it off with the recipe below.  He and I would enjoy munching on this while the kids ate their popcorn and apples.  It’s a simple dip recipe, but it looks complicated; my favorite kind of dish to make.

We haven’t attended a Super bowl party since we’ve had kids.  But, if you are going to one, this would be a great dish to make to class it up a little.  Or if you’re staying home like we are, this would be a great way to feel like you’re at a party.  Either way, it’s delicious and works well for lunch the next day.

//Spinach Artichoke Dip//

12 frozen dinner rolls
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
1/4 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups artichokes, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon garlic
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
olive oil
Salt
shredded Parmesan cheese (about a 1/4 cup)

Place frozen rolls around the edge of a cast iron skillet* and let them rise as directed on package.

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheese blend, and sour cream/mayonnaise.  Chop artichokes into smaller pieces and stir into cheese mixture.  Add garlic and red pepper flakes.  Gently stir in spinach.

Spoon mixture into the middle of the skillet.  Brush rolls with a little bit of olive oil, shredded Parmesan and salt.

Bake for 25 minutes in a 375 degree oven.

Use rolls for dipping and serve with additional crackers, tortilla chips, or pita chips.

*If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a regular baking dish would work just as well.  Use a 2-quart casserole or 8×11 baking pan*

recipe source:  slightly adapted from Thoughtful Women