Loaded Veggie Dip

Name: Loaded Veggie Dip
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 5 cups
Ingredients: 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh broccoli; 1/2 cup finely chopped cauliflower; 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh carrot; 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/2 cup finely chopped celery; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped; 1 package (6-1/2 ounces) spreadable garlic and herb cream cheese; 1 package (1.4 ounces) vegetable recipe mix (Knorr); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 cup vegetable broth; 1/4 cup half-and-half cream; 3 cups shredded Italian cheese blend; 1/2 cup minced fresh basil; 1 package (9 ounces) fresh spinach, finely chopped; Assorted crackers or baked pita chips

Total Time Prep: 1 hour Cook: 1 hour

Yield 5 cups

Test Kitchen Approved

Packed with veggies and bursting with flavor, this chunky dip is sure to be a hit at your next party. Be sure to serve it with a thick cracker that can be used as a scoop. —Patrice Slaughter, Palm Bay, Florida

Ingredients

3/4 cup finely chopped fresh broccoli
1/2 cup finely chopped cauliflower
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh carrot
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped
1 package (6-1/2 ounces) spreadable garlic and herb cream cheese
1 package (1.4 ounces) vegetable recipe mix (Knorr)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup half-and-half cream
3 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
1/2 cup minced fresh basil
1 package (9 ounces) fresh spinach, finely chopped
Assorted crackers or baked pita chips

Directions

In a large skillet, saute the broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, onion, celery and garlic in 2 tablespoons oil until tender. Stir in the artichokes, cream cheese, vegetable recipe mix, garlic powder, white pepper and cayenne; set aside.
In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the broth, cream and remaining oil. Stir in the broccoli mixture, Italian cheese blend and basil. Fold in spinach. Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours or until cheese is melted and spinach is tender. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts

1/4 cup (calculated without crackers and chips): 133 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.

Recipe Creator