Copycat Zio's Artichoke Spinach Dip Recipe

ingredients

3/4 cup chopped fresh spinach (compressed)
3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup yellow onion (chopped)
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup half and half
1/3 cup shredded Asagio or Parmesan cheese
1 cup monterey jack cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 jar (8 ounce size)marinated artichokes, chopped and drained, reserve juice
1/4 cup reserved artichoke heart juice
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoon real bacon bits
1 roma tomato (diced for garnish)

directions

In medium saucepan on medium low heat, place butter in sauce pan and melt. To melted butter stir in flour and salt; Stir briskly, until flour and butter turns into a thick paste; do not brown. Add to mixture slowly half and half and stir briskly until it thickens slightly.

Add Parmesan cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, 1/4 Cup Mozzarella cheese and artichokes. Stir cheese mixture until heated through. Add 1/4 cup reserved artichoke juice and lemon juice, stir. Add fresh chopped spinach and bacon bits, stir well. Heat until all is blended and mixture starts to bubble very lightly, remove from heat.

Place in oiled shallow casserole dish; sprinkle remainder of mozzarella cheese on top. Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 15 - 20 minutes.

Remove and sprinkle with diced tomato for garnish. Serve with Focaccia or crusty garlic bread.

nutrition data

328 calories, 27 grams fat, 9 grams carbohydrates, 13 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.

reviews & comments

Guest Foodie REVIEW:
December 31, 2005

I tried this recipe and the only problem is that the recipe does not tell you what to do with the cream cheese and onions so I had to improvise.
Debbie3559 REVIEW:
September 30, 2005

I worked as a Prep Cook for Zio's, several years ago. I would make this recipe regularly. the actual recipe called for prepackaged cream spinach, in house alfredo sauce, with black pepper and a touch of tabasco added. Otherwise, this is very close to the real thing.
carebear7s REVIEW:
March 21, 2005

This isn't exactly like Zio's Dip but very close and very good. I would put more spinach in it. The absolute closest to the real thing that I've found!

Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.