Costco Artichoke Jalapeno Dip**
The Costco Artichoke Jalapeno Dip is a savory dip that combines the creamy comfort of cream cheese with the spicy kick of jalapeños. This dip is a popular item at Costco, and it's easy to see why. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: This is the base of the dip, providing a smooth and creamy texture.
- Artichokes: The star of the show, artichokes add a mild earthy flavor and small chunks of texture to the dip.
- Jalapeños: These spicy peppers add a nice kick of heat to the dip, without being overpowering.
- Mayonnaise: A small amount of mayonnaise helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a creamy consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice sharpness to the dip.
- Cornstarch: This ingredient is used as a thickener to thicken the dip.
- Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor to the dip.
- Salt: To taste.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the flavors.
- Citric Acid: This is used to enhance the sourness of the dip.
- Dill: A sprig of dill provides a fresh aroma to the dip.
Instructions
- Chop the Artichokes: Start by cutting the artichokes into small chunks.
- Drain the Artichokes: Make sure to drain the artichokes well to remove as much excess water as possible.
- Process the Artichokes: Add the chopped artichokes to a food processor and pulse until they are roughly chopped.
- Add the Jalapeños: Add the chopped Jalapeños to the food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and citric acid.
- Add the Artichokes and Jalapeños: Pour the contents of the food processor into the bowl with the other ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Season the dip to your liking with salt and pepper.
- Serve: The dip is best served chilled, but you can leave it at room temperature or warm it up if you prefer.
Taste Test
The Costco Artichoke Jalapeno Dip has a perfect balance of flavors. The creamy cream cheese and the spicy jalapeños complement each other perfectly, creating a dip that is both rich and spicy. The mild earthy flavor of the artichokes pairs well with the spice of the jalapeños, making for a very satisfying snack.
Storage
The Costco Artichoke Jalapeno Dip does not store well, so It's best used within 5 days of opening. While it might seem like a lot, it goes a long way. You can store the dip in the fridge in an airtight container.
Using the Dip
The Costco Artichoke Jalapeno Dip is great for use as an appetizer, side dish, or even a sandwich spread. Try stuffing mushrooms, cheese bread, or veggie wraps with it for a tasty meal or snack.
Substitutions
If you're looking to make a version of this dip without certain ingredients, here are some suggestions:
- Sour Cream: Substitute sour cream for the cream cheese for a milder taste.
- Whipped Cream: If you want a lighter alternative, use whipped cream instead of cream cheese.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to achieve the desired level of flavor.
Nutrition
The Costco Artichoke Jalapeno Dip provides a good amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Each serving contains only 90 calories, making it a guilt-free snack or appetizer.
Value
At $9.49 for a 31ounce container (which works out to $0.306 per ounce), the Costco Artichoke Jalapeno Dip is a great value. It's a high-quality ingredient that you can feel good about incorporating into your meals.
Conclusion
The Costco Artichokes Jalapenos Dip is a delicious and versatile snack or appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty and satisfying snack at home or when you're entertaining. Don't miss out on this tasty treat from Costco!
With this article, I hope you have a better understanding of the Costco Artichoke Jalapeno Dip and how to prepare and enjoy it. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you try the dip yourself.