The Very Best Spinach Artichoke Dip Ever

Ingredients

• 16 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 14 ounces canned artichoke hearts (chop up into smaller pieces for use, or a couple of pulses in the processor)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1-3 garlic cloves, chopped (depending on your garlic preference)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   In a deep fry pan, melt butter over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add cream cheese and garlic, stir 3-4 minutes or until the cream cheese melts.

4. 4

   Add artichokes, sour cream, and 1 1/2 cup of mozzarella (save 1/2 cup for the topping).

5. 5

   Fold in spinach approximately 1 cup at a time and let the spinach reduce (this takes patience -- but it's worth it!).

6. 6

   Optional for heat: mix in jalepenos (1-3 tblsp chopped, canned or fresh) and/or crushed red pepper flakes (1 tsp).

7. 7

   Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top.

8. 8

   Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or until top is lightly browned.

9. 9

   Let cool 5 minutes, serve with pita chips for dipping or as a spread.