Spinach Artichoke Dip

Mayonnaise is one of those foods that polarizes people.  You either love it or you're absolutely so detested by the sight of it that it makes you gag. 🙅🏻‍♀️I suspect that whichever side of the mayonnaise fence you're on - may be directly related to where you grew up.  I grew up in the mid west and we put mayonnaise on, in and around EVERYTHING.  (Apple, raisin, celery and walnuts with a spoonful of mayonnaise was a staple salad in our house.)  I spent a few years living in Texas and in my experiences there, I ran across far fewer mayonnaise lovers like myself, in that region of the country.  

Have you ever met someone who detests mayonnaise but still eats foods that contain the offensive substance?  Mayonnaise is the secret to making potato casseroles so creamy and vegetable dips so tangy.  I don't want to say that the mayonnaise haters are wrong but .... you might just be missing out on some seriously delicious food by avoiding mayonnaise all together.  

This Spinach Artichoke Dip is seriously delicious and even though the mayonnaise isn't the star of the show here, it certainly plays an important role in making this dip creamy and delicious.    I feel like this dip falls into one of those categories of foods that non-mayonnaise eaters consume unknowingly.  The taste and flavor of the mayonnaise is somewhat masked by the more prominent cheese and artichoke flavors but its still important.  

My advice to you is this, if you decide to make this Spinach and Artichoke Dip, just don't disclose the fact that it contains mayonnaise to your dinner guests.  (Unless there's an allergy, of course.)  No one will be the wiser and everyone will love it.  

Spinach Artichoke Dip
1 Tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
11 ounces (or cups) baby spinach, chopped
8 ounces cream cheese
6 ounces (1 1/2 cups) gouda cheese, shredded
3 ounces (1 1/2 cups) parmesan cheese, grated
1 1/3 cups marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Heat oil in skillet.  Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. 

Add spinach, 1 handful at a time and cook until wilted and liquid evaporates.

Remove from heat.  Stir in cream cheese until melted.

Stir in gouda, Parmesan, artichokes, mayonnaise, pepper and cayenne.

Transfer to a 2 quart baking dish.  

Bake 22 minutes at 400.  

The Superbowl is Sunday.  😉 If you're still looking for a great snack to munch on during the game - look no further.  This Spinach and Artichoke dip is amazing.  Enjoy and Go Chiefs.  🏈

​Ciao!

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