Hot Spinach Artichoke White Bean Dip
Family birthdays and Sunday dinners are sacred for our extended family. It’s a time when we all get together around the table and share food, laughter and smiles. And some of the best family conversations happen as we linger before dessert, after eating delicious foods.
But our dinners (and appetizers too) aren’t without some degree of restriction. To moderate our fat intake, we aim for more healthful versions of family favorites. So when I was asked to partake in the November 2011 SideCar Series, featuring Bush’s Beans, on Kitchen PLAY, I knew it was a good fit. Beans are good-for-you food.
My contribution is a Hot Spinach Artichoke White Bean Dip. Like many people, my family adores the traditional hot spinach artichoke dip. The cheese! The flavor! The dipping goodness! But it’s such a nutritional splurge that we almost never have it anymore.
Now we can. I turned that creamy hot dip on its head, making it a lightened up, way-less-guilt dip by trading cream cheese and other creamy (read: full-fat) ingredients for white cannellini beans pureed with garlic and vegetable stock.
The artichoke dip is still fabulously creamy with a mix of Romano and mozzarella cheese, chopped artichoke hearts and spinach. Oh, and the salt and pepper — which is a necessary addition to any savory recipe.
My family shared this artichoke dip at a recent family birthday dinner. I have to admit that as everyone went in for the first taste, I held my breath a little bit. Would they like it? Would they miss the decadent ingredients? Considering how fast the dip disappeared, it definitely didn’t disappoint.
Hot Spinach Artichoke White Bean Dip
serves 8
1 15-oz can cannellini beans (recommended: Bush’s Beans)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup vegetable stock
1 9-oz box frozen chopped spinach, prepared according to package directions and strained
1 8.5-oz can artichoke hearts, chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese mix
salt and pepper, to taste
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the cannellini beans, garlic and vegetable stock. Transfer to a large bowl and stir together with the spinach, artichoke hearts, Romano cheese and mozzarella. Season well with salt and pepper.
Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch square baking dish and spread out to form one even layer.
Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly at the edges.
Serve this dip with fresh cut veggies or crispy, thicker tortilla chips.
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Disclosure: I was compensated by Kitchen PLAY and Bush’s Beans for my time in creating this recipe and post. I was also provided with product to work with. Nonetheless, all opinions expressed are my own.
Category: Appetizers, Beans, cheese, Quick and Easy Recipes, Recipes, Reviews, Contests and More, spreads/dips, vegetables
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Sarah W. Caron is a freelance writer, editor and recipe developer.Comments (8)
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Great idea to replace some of those high fat ingredients with creamy cannellini beans. I will definitely be trying this. I’m happy to be doing this SideCar series with you!
Cookin’ Canuck recently posted..Cannellini Bean Vegetarian “Meatballs” with Tomato Sauce Recipe
The dip sounds delicious.. we have been trying to eat healthier and using the beans is e a great idea to cut down on the fat, etc.
Patti Villers recently posted..Our friend ‘Jack’ made it through the night
I love spinach artichoke dip. What a fabulous idea to combine it with beans.
Kate recently posted..Better with bacon
this looks so delicious! i love the idea of adding beans to this classic dip. my husband would love it
Thanks, Brandi! Let me know if you try it. I love feedback.
Loved this dish. I made it for a Thanksgiving potluck and it was gone in two seconds. So easy to make too. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much, Brittney! I am so glad it was a hit for you. Ours disappeared almost instantly too.