Kicked-Up Spinach Dip.

What’s better than veggies?

Well, in my opinion… everything.

But the real answer is veggies sauteed in bacon grease. Naturally.

Warning: this is not your run-of-the-mill spinach dip. Been there, done that.

A few weeks ago my uncle made a spinach dip for a party and it was so good that I nearly ate the entire dish myself. That is nothing out of the norm, but this was really good. I am not quite sure what all went into it, but what I do remember is spinach, mushrooms, red peppers and bacon.

The best part? You can eat this hot or cold. You can saute the veggies or you can just mix them into the dip. Versatile, simple and delicious.

Then you can eat an entire bag of pita chips too.

It’s strongly encouraged. Plus, it’s the holiday season. Calories are free.

I used a bunch of crumbled gorgonzola in my dip because I’m freaky like that.

But I know that for many of you, any form of cheese in the blue gives you the heebie jeebies. No need to add the blue. Add some feta or goat or cheddar… or even none at all. Make this your dip!

Pop it in the oven, twiddle your thumbs, pace until it’s done, then dig in.

Use a cracker. Or a chip. Or a spoon. Or your finger.

Or even another veggie. Did I really just say that?

I’m not really sure where I went, but I need to go find me.

Kicked-Up Spinach Dip

makes about 3 cups of dip

8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, softened

8 ounces sour cream

4 slices bacon

1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped

1/4 red pepper, chopped

1/4 green pepper, chopped

1/2 cup chopped mushrooms

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 bag spinach

1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese (or cheese of your choice)

Preheat oven to 375.

In a large skillet, fry bacon, then set aside to drain on a paper towel, leaving grease in skillet. On medium heat, add onions and peppers with a pinch of salt and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and saute 5 more minutes. Add garlic and spinach, stirring until spinach wilts. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream with a hand mixer (or even just a spoon – just make sure it is combined). Fold in spinach, pepper, and mushroom mixture. Fold in blue cheese or cheese of choice. Fold in bacon.

Pour dip in an oven-safe dish and bake for 20 minutes, until top is golden brown and dip is warm. Serve with pita chips, crackers, bread and veggies.

I’m fairly certain I got 4-5 servings of veggies by eating this.

I won’t tell you how much I had to eat to get those veggies. But at least I got them. I give myself and “A” for effort.

Tagged as: appetizers, recipes