SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

I love ordering this dip as an appetizer at restaurants. What I don't like is paying about $8-$10 for such a small amount. I hunted food websites for a good dip and came across this one. It makes a large amount for a crowd but can easily be halved if it's just for your family. I like to assemble the ingredients the day before and then bake it right before the party. With cream cheese on sale everywhere and New Year's Eve right around the corner, this is a good time to try it out.

SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

16 oz. cream cheese (2 blocks)
1 c. mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c. sour cream
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 t. black pepper
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
5 oz. frozen spinach, chopped, drained, and squeezed dry
1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray a 9 x 13 Pyrex dish with cooking spray.
3. Shred cheeses, crush garlic, chop artichokes, drain spinach. Set aside.
   
4. Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, pepper, and garlic in a mixing bowl until creamy.
5. Add artichokes and spinach and hand mix until blended.
6. Spread in the sprayed baking dish.
7. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil.
   
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
9. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.
10. Serve with tortilla chips, bagel chips, crackers, Melba slices, or baguette slices.

VARIATIONS: Try adding crab meat, smoked salmon, onions, roasted red peppers or different cheeses such as pepper jack, Havarti or sharp cheddar.