The Starving Chef Recipe: Cast Iron Spinach Artichoke Dip

By Felicia Vargo, The Starving Chef

I love summer because it means I get to experiment with cooking outdoors.

This spinach artichoke dip can be baked in the oven or over an open flame. No matter which way you cook it, it will surely be a highlight of your next cookout.

Cast Iron Spinach Artichoke Dip

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Makes: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

1 can artichoke hearts (drained)
5-6 C fresh spinach
2 T olive oil
1 T garlic, minced
½ red onion, diced
8-10 multi-colored cherry tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 C mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 C pepperjack cheese, shredded
½ C Parmesan cheese + more for topping
½ C Greek yogurt
1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)
Fresh pita chips, for dipping

Here's How

1. Use an outdoor grill or stovetop to heat the olive oil in the cast iron skillet until shimmering. Sauté the onions until fragrant—about two to three minutes, then add the artichoke hearts, garlic, tomatoes and spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted, another five to six minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together the cream cheese with the mozzarella cheese, pepper jack cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir in the Greek yogurt then fold in the sautéed vegetables until completely combined.
3. Transfer the cheese mixture back to the cast iron and spread into an even layer. Arrange the sliced jalapeno around the edges of the cast iron, as desired. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
4. Cover with foil. If using an outdoor grill with a lid, bake at 500 F for 10-15 minutes over a low flame. If using a standard oven, cook at 425 F for 15-20 minutes. For both methods, remove the foil and continue to cook until the Parmesan is browning around the edges—another 10-15 minutes.
5. Let the cast iron cool for another 10 minutes prior to serving. Serve with toasted pitas or vegetables. Enjoy!

Like The Starving Chef on Facebook and subscribe on YouTube to keep up with weekly videos, recipe challenges and more. Find this recipe, and many others, with step-by-step pictures on TheStarvingChefBlog.com.