Thursday, December 29, 2011

classic spinach dip - with a twist, of course

The best spinach dip I've ever created? Yes, it has bacon, which automatically puts this recipe in the running for "best ever" but there's just something about it that is so ... satisfying. Great combination of textures - a little crunch, some creaminess but not overdone, my newest version of spinach dip has it all.


Serve at an elegant holiday party or other special occasion, or bring along to your next al fresco dining experience with a bottle of wine and a bit of charcuterie and good cheese. Like all spinach dips, this looks beautiful served in a crusty bread bowl; this version is particularly suited to dipping with pita chips. And if you haven't tried the Archer Farms Hummus Chips with Sea Salt from Target, get a bag now. Absolutely delicious little snack, and so good with this dip!

Recipe:
One 10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
3 slices hardwood-smoked thick cut bacon
4 heaping tablespoons minced water chestnuts
6 tablespoons mayonnaise (NOT "salad dressing")
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 to 3/4 dried oregano (try a little dill just to change it up sometimes)
freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese


In a skillet, cook bacon slices until crispy and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. While bacon is cooking, squeeze out as much water as you can from the thawed chopped spinach. Mince the water chestnuts and combine with the spinach. When bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble into small pieces and add to spinach-water chestnut mixture.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and black pepper. Stir into spinach mixture, mixing thoroughly, and add feta cheese, breaking up any larger clumps of feta cheese. Season to taste with salt (I find that little or no salt is needed with the bacon and feta cheese).
Makes about 2 cups of spinach dip.

6 comments:

SarahBeth said...

That does sound good! I'll have to try those chips too.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Lonesome Road Studio said...

Thank you! The chips do come in other flavors but I knew that I wanted something plainer to accompany a more full-flavored dip. Enjoy, and Happy New Year! Angie

Melissa said...

Popping in from the Etsy Blog Team...

I have tagged this in my favorites and am making this asap. The bacon and feta got me. Thank you for suggesting this as a fine main for an alfresco picnic! So chic!

Lonesome Road Studio said...

We ate the whole dish tonight before supper.... I literally could not stop eating it, and even the hubs who doesn't like cooked green things devoured it. Thanks for bookmarking it, I hope you enjoy it! See you @ the Etsy blog team!

hopeandjoyhome said...

My mouth is watering! I make the classic version of this..why did I never think of adding bacon?! I must try this!

Lonesome Road Studio said...

I think I'm going to make it again soon, I can't stop thinking about how good it is, LOL!

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