Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Applebees Spinach and Artichoke Dip

I first discovered this stuff about 4 years ago and I fell in love with it instantly. If you haven't tried it, then you don't know what you're missing...I know it doesn't sound good to some of you, but trust me, it's awesome.

Problem is, as always, sometimes you can't afford to go out to eat, even at Applebees which, while it isn't the most expensive place to dine out, it certainly doesn't have a "Dollar Menu". So, when you get a craving for (what I consider to be) Applebees most delicious appetizer, you can now make it at home. Let's get started....

First you're gonna need a few things.....(and I'll cover several ways to do this)...
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350F degrees and make sure your rack is in the middle. (most likely, it probably already is)
Now, the ingredients.....

1. Spinach. You can use the canned spinach ( I use the Popeye's brand, but it really doesn't matter...one can will do just fine) or you can use a 10oz frozen box of spinach, just make sure you thaw it first. Either way it works the same. Oh, if you use the canned spinach, make sure you drain it COMPLETELY.

2. Artichoke hearts. I use the canned kind. Now they come in several different sizes of hearts...I use the small or medium...it really doesn't matter, it's just the small ones are easier to work with. As with the spinach, make sure these are COMPLETELY drained.

3. A jar of regular Alfredo sauce. I've used the Ragu, as well as the Paul Newman, and they both pretty much work out the same. Not much difference in taste...and as I remember the Ragu is a little cheaper.

4. Cream cheese. You need 4oz of it. Set it out on the counter for about 10 minutes before starting, so it can soften up a bit...(makes it easier to work with). A good idea is to set it in a bowl and put it on top of the oven while it's preheating.

5. Mozzarella cheese. About 1/2 cup shredded. I'd go ahead and get the pre shredded kind, because it's a soft cheese and shredding it can sometimes be a pain.

6. Parmesan/Romano cheese mix. The canned kind. About a cup of it.

7. 1/2 tsp of minced garlic. You can use the powder if you want to, but the real stuff is better for this.

Ok, now get out an 8x8 casserole dish and add all of these ingredients together. Make sure the cream cheese gets evenly mixed throughout. (This is the only hard part) Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheeses get melted and bubbly. Serve on tortilla chips or bread.

Hope you enjoy this one guys....Darci actually wants me to make some right now, lol
Later,
Greg