Description
This Hot Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer featuring tender artichoke hearts blended with cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, enhanced with garlic powder and a touch of cayenne pepper. Baked to golden perfection and bubbling hot, it makes an irresistible party starter perfect for dipping with bread or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (14-oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Garnish
- Paprika, for sprinkling
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to warm it up while you prepare the dip.
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy to create a rich base.
- Add Mayonnaise: Add the mayonnaise to the cream cheese and mix thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the grated Parmesan, chopped artichoke hearts, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined dip mixture into a pie plate or a shallow gratin dish, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbly throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle with paprika and chopped fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. Serve warm with chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before beating.
- Drain and chop the artichoke hearts finely for an even dip consistency.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to taste depending on how spicy you like your dip.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Serve with a variety of dippers such as pita chips, vegetable sticks, or toasted bread slices.
