– **Title**: Pull Apart Garlic Butter Spinach and Artichoke Dip Sliders
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 package (12-count) slider buns
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms attached. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
4. Spread the spinach and artichoke mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns.
5. Place the top halves of the slider buns over the filling. Pour the melted butter evenly over the tops of the buns.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
9. Pull apart the sliders and enjoy warm!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I recommend using Hawaiian sweet rolls for their soft texture and slight sweetness. If you can’t find them, any soft dinner rolls will work, or even whole wheat or gluten-free buns for a healthier twist.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect here, but you can also use frozen spinach. If using frozen, just make sure to thoroughly drain it to avoid excess moisture. Kale can work too for a heartier flavor.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes are convenient, but if you prefer fresh, just cook them up until tender and chop. Jars of marinated artichokes can add extra flavor if you enjoy a tangy kick.
Cheeses: Cream cheese provides the creamy base, so don’t skip it! For mozzarella, feel free to swap in provolone or cheddar. Adding goat cheese can also give a nice tart taste. For parmesan, grated or shredded both work well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is my go-to for this recipe. If you don’t have any, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/2 teaspoon instead. If you love garlic, feel free to add more to your taste!
How Do I Ensure My Dip Mixes Well and Fills the Buns Evenly?
The key to a smooth filling is thorough mixing. First, make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy blending. Start by combining cream cheese with sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth. This helps create a creamy, spreadable mixture.
- Mix in minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Add chopped spinach and artichokes slowly, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Finally, fold in shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan gently, so the cheese remains fluffy!
Taking these small steps makes a big difference. A well-mixed filling not only tastes better but also helps everything stick together in those fluffy slider buns. Enjoy!
How to Make Pull Apart Garlic Butter Spinach and Artichoke Dip Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (preferably Hawaiian sweet rolls)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh oregano, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking time. In total, plan for about 50 minutes to have these delicious sliders ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, turn your oven on to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This will get it nice and hot so your sliders bake evenly.
2. Make the Dip Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add the minced garlic along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. You can use a spatula or hand mixer to make this easier!
3. Add the Veggies and Cheese:
Now it’s time to stir in the chopped spinach, drained artichoke hearts, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan. Mix everything until all the ingredients are evenly combined and coated in that creamy goodness.
4. Prepare the Buns:
Take your slider buns and place them in a greased baking dish, keeping the buns together as a block. This makes it easier to fill each one with your yummy dip mixture!
5. Fill the Sliders:
Carefully pull the tops of the slider buns apart, and spoon the spinach and artichoke mixture into the center. Make sure you fill them nice and generously with all that cheesy goodness.
6. Brush with Butter:
Brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns. If you like a little spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top too!
7. Bake the Sliders:
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling all around—yum!
8. Let It Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re out of the oven, let your sliders cool for a few minutes. If you want, you can garnish them with fresh oregano to make them look extra special.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, it’s time to dig in! Serve the sliders warm, pulling each one apart for a cheesy, mouthwatering bite. Enjoy every delicious piece!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before chopping and adding it to the mixture. This will help keep your dip from becoming too watery.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for an alternative to mayonnaise, Greek yogurt works great for a similar creaminess with a tangy flavor. You can also use an equal amount of ranch dressing for a different twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, which will help keep them crispy on top.
Can I Add Extra Cheese or Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, for more flavor. You can also mix in other ingredients, such as cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or different spices to customize your sliders to your liking!
