Trader Joe's Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip Review

While I don't entertain in my home very often I do like to keep quick snacks on hand just in case.  Just in case someone stops by or in case I feel the need to snack! 

One of the items I like to keep in stock is Trader Joe's Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip.  My husband and I first tried spinach artichoke dip as a restaurant appetizer and really liked it but wanted to have it at home.  After trying several home made recipes we weren't happy with I found this dip at Trader Joe's and decided to give it a try.

And I'm really glad I did.  The dip is 8.8 ounces and comes in a box which is found in the frozen foods section at Trader Joe's.  The dip is wrapped in plastic so to heat it I just cut the plastic away and nuke it for 2 minutes.  I then stir it all up and nuke for another 2 minutes or until it's hot all the way thru.   

Although this dip is perfectly fine on it's own right out of the microwave, sometimes I like to gussy mine up a little or stretch it out to look like there's more dip.  All that means is that if I feel like 8.8 ounces is not quite enough to go around, I add a few ounces of shredded Jarlsberg Swiss cheese to it during the second heating cycle.  This makes just a bit more dip and makes a richer dip.  It also slightly slows the eater down as it's harder to dip into so it lasts a little longer.  Yep, I'm sneaky, what can I say. 

I generally serve this dip with crackers, pita crisps, or breadsticks.  When I'm feeling really decadent I pick up a bag of Trader Joe's Parmesan Crisps to mix in with the other crackers or chips. 

The dip is hot, creamy, and delicious and I'm really happy that I tried it.  It's a great value as well at under $3 each (actually I think it's more like $1.99 but I don't remember for certain).  The only issues I have with this dip is that it cools down really quickly so I have to nuke it a few times to heat it back up or use my little dipper crock pot to keep it warm.  And it also sells out frequently, around the holidays, and during busy snack times like Superbowl Sunday.  So when I do buy this dip I buy 2 or 3 of them so I'm sure to have it when I really want it. 

5 Stars - when I whip out this dip people think I went thru a lot of trouble to make it.  They have no idea that it was sitting there in my freezer waiting for the occasion, that it takes under 4 minutes to prepare in the microwave, and that it's dirt cheap.  And it tastes really good too!