Easy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip (No Mayo!)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil, divided, or 2 tablespoons EVOO + 2 cloves garlic, minced if not needing low FODMAP
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves (about 2 tightly packed cups)
• 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) full-fat cream cheese, softened (lactose-free if needed)
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces) full-fat sour cream (lactose-free if needed)
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste), plus more for sprinkling
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts (canned in brine), drained, rinsed, squeezed, dried, and coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, coarsely shredded (lactose-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, finely shredded
• Avocado oil cooking spray (or your preferred cooking spray)
• Additional shredded cheese, chopped scallion greens, fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 1.5-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

2. 2

   Sauté the Spinach: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of the garlic-infused olive oil (or EVOO) and swirl to coat. If using minced garlic, add it to the oil and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Add the spinach, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove spinach to a cutting board and coarsely chop. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. 3

   Mix the Dip: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 tablespoon of the garlic-infused olive oil (omit if using fresh garlic), salt and pepper until combined. If needed, use a fork to smooth out any lumps. Fold in the sautéed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts and shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until well mixed.

4. 4

   Assemble and Bake: Transfer the dip mixture to the prepared 1.5-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Cover with additional shredded cheese if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

5. 5

   Serve: Remove the spinach artichoke dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. If you'd like, garnish it with extra shredded cheese, chopped scallion greens, or fresh parsley. Serve with dippers that match your dietary preferences—classic tortilla chips, fresh veggies, crackers, sliced sourdough bread, or low carb options like pepperoni or salami (see notes for more dietary specific options).