Spinach & Artichoke al Forno is my ultimate comfort food, reminiscent of cozy Italian dinners and family gatherings. This creamy and cheesy dish combines tender spinach, hearty artichokes, and a blend of flavorful cheeses, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something comforting on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to please both family and friends alike. Plus, I love to enjoy it with chips for an extra crunchy and delicious twist.

What Is Spinach & Artichoke al Forno?

Spinach & Artichoke al Forno is a popular Italian dish known for its creamy and savory flavors. It combines spinach, artichokes, and cheese into a delicious baked dish that’s perfect for dipping with bread, crackers, or chips.

How To Make Spinach & Artichoke al Forno

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2:

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3:

Add the chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.

Step 4:

Stir in the thawed and squeezed dry chopped spinach, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 5:

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 6:

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 7:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serve:

Serve warm with sliced baguette, chips, or crackers for dipping.

Tips

• Make sure to squeeze out any extra water from the spinach and artichoke hearts. This helps prevent your dish from getting too watery. Use a kitchen towel or paper towel to do this.
• The recipe suggests using mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, but feel free to try other types like Gruyère or fontina. You can even experiment with goat cheese for a different taste.
• Before you bake your dish, give the mixture a taste. If you feel like it needs more flavor, add extra garlic powder, salt, or pepper. Remember, Parmesan cheese can also add some saltiness.

How To Serve Spinach & Artichoke al Forno

Here are My Favorite ways to serve up your Spinach & Artichoke al Forno:

On Toasted Baguette Slices: Spread the warm mixture over toasted slices of baguette for a delicious appetizer or party snack.

With Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside tortilla chips for a classic dip experience. The creamy mixture pairs perfectly with the crispy chips.

With Crackers: Arrange a variety of crackers on a platter and let guests scoop up the cheesy goodness with their favorite crackers.

As a Dip for Veggies: Offer a colorful array of fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices for a lighter option.

Stuffed in Mushrooms: Spoon the mixture into mushroom caps and bake until bubbly for a tasty and elegant appetizer.

As a Pasta Sauce: Toss the Spinach & Artichoke al Forno with cooked pasta for a hearty and flavorful main dish. Top with extra Parmesan cheese for added richness.

How to Store

To store Spinach & Artichoke al Forno, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Conclusion

Spinach & Artichoke al Forno is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the richness of cheese, the freshness of spinach, and the tanginess of artichokes. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, its creamy texture and savory flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With its simple preparation and satisfying taste, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute for fresh spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before incorporating it into the recipe.

Can I use canned artichoke hearts? Yes, canned artichoke hearts work well in this recipe. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly before chopping and adding them to the dish.

What type of cheese should I use in the Spinach & Artichoke al Forno recipe? A combination of cheeses works best for this dish. Popular choices include mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Feel free to experiment with different varieties to suit your taste preferences.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish? Spinach & Artichoke al Forno is a versatile dish, and you can customize it to your liking. Consider adding ingredients like cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic for extra flavor.