Is there anything that a scalding hot, stringy cheesy type of dip would just balance, flavorwise, with spinach and artichokes? Well, you are not alone! Among partygoers, spinach artichoke dip is one favorite appetizer, be it in parties or in gatherings, and especially on cozy nights in. But what if you have this classic without mayonnaise? In this blog, we will be making an irresistible spinach artichoke dip that has no mayo in it and is way healthier, without compromising on taste. By the end of the article, you’ll learn not only to make this creamy delight but also how to customize it according to your taste, ideas for serving, and nutritional benefits. Be ready to astound your friends and family with one such unique dip that they will always remember!
Table of Contents
Why Choose Mayo-Free Spinach Artichoke Dip?
Traditional recipes for spinach artichoke dip take to mayonnaise as their base. Dietary restrictions, health concerns, or even just personal preference entice many people to pass on the mayonnaise in their dips. Here are just a few reasons it’s nice to have an alternative that excludes that mayo:
Healthier Option: The elimination of mayonnaise reduces the overall calories and level of unsaturated fats in your dip. In turn, it is healthier for weight-conscious individuals or for those who wish to eat more healthily.
Allergy-Friendly: Many are allergic to eggs, one of the active main ingredients in mayonnaise. Having a spinach artichoke dip without mayo means all people can be able to enjoy this wonderful dish without having to think about allergic reactions.
Improved Flavor: With alternatives like Greek yogurt or cream cheese, you get even greater flavor than you would have with mayonnaise, mainly because this makes the dip even richer and creamier.
Easier to Customize: Generally, a no-mayo dip is a lot more straightforward to customize. You can try different flavors that suit your taste bud settings without the overpowering taste of mayonnaise being an issue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a mouthwatering spinach artichoke dip without the use of mayonnaise, you would need the following ingredients:
Fresh Spinach: 2 cups of fresh spinach chopped
Artichoke Hearts: 1 can, 14 oz. artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
Cream Cheese: 8 oz. of cream cheese, softened – or Greek yogurt for lighter options
Sour Cream: ½ cup of sour cream – or Greek yogurt, plain
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
These will all mix together to make a thick, creamy dip that is great for any occasion.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip Without Mayo
Now that you have your ingredients ready to go, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making this mouth-watering spinach artichoke dip:
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach in it and sauté until it wilts completely, for about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the wilted spinach from the heat and let it cool down until it reaches room temperature.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In the large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix until smooth and creamy. You can do so with a hand mixer or even with a spatula.
Step 3: Flavorings
Stir in with the cream cheese the sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, minced garlic, onion powder, grated Parmesan, and half of the shredded mozzarella until everything is fully incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C. Transfer the spinach artichoke mixture into a baking dish and smooth it evenly. Sprinkle with the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When the dip is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks. Creamy spinach artichoke dip is now without mayo, just as you wanted it, and your guests will go crazy for it!
- Tips for Making Your Dip Your Own
The best thing about making spinach artichoke dip yourself is that you can really make it to your taste. Here are some ideas to make it even better:
Add Spice: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or a pinch of cayenne to make it extra hot.
Add Other Cheeses: Try other cheeses out, like feta, gouda, or even pepper jack for a little something special.
Make It Vegan: Replace cream cheese with cashew or tofu vegan cream cheese, sour cream with nutritional yeast for cheesy goodness.
Play with Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil give a nice refreshing note to the dip.
Try Different Breads: Serve this dip instead with pita bread, crackers, or even stuffed into mushrooms for a great appetizer.
- Nutritional Benefits of Spinach and Artichokes
Besides the great taste, spinach and artichokes offer a set of nutritional benefits that make this dip not only tasty but healthy for you because it is filled with nutrient-dense food, spinach being power-packed with vitamins A, C, and K, besides folate and iron, and artichokes containing rich amounts of antioxidants and fiber, hence great for digestive health.
Low in Calories: In this dip, without mayonnaise, the calorie content is rather low compared to other creamy dips, hence the indulgence without the guilt.
Supports Heart Health: The combination of spinach and artichokes supports heart health due to the high content of fiber and antioxidants.
Immune System: Vitamins and minerals within spinach and artichokes help boost your immune system for a healthy year-round.
Now that you have an excellent recipe for spinach artichoke dip with no mayo, you can indulge in a creamy and healthier version of this classic appetizer at your next gathering. Being able to tailor it according to your taste, you should be able to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings all in one go. Be it a party, a quiet night, or to take to a potluck, this is surely a hit!
We’d love to hear your thoughts! What are some variations you might want to give a try? Made one of these spinach artichoke dips before? Leave a comment below to share your experiences and any tips you might have!
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip – No Mayo Needed
Course: UncategorizedCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes25
minutes150
kcalIngredients
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a small baking dish to prepare it for the dip.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella until well combined.
- Gently fold in chopped artichoke hearts, thawed and drained spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the creamy spinach artichoke mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Carefully remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving with crackers or sliced baguette.
