Creamy Kale Artichoke Dip: A Party Staple

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This recipe delivers a rich, flavorful artichoke dip with a healthy boost from kale – perfect for gatherings or a satisfying snack. Developed by actress and writer Emma Myles for her cookbook The Trigger Kitchen, this dip balances indulgence with fresh vegetables.

Why This Dip Works

Artichoke dips are popular because of their warm, cheesy comfort. This version stands out by incorporating kale, making it slightly more nutritious without sacrificing taste. The addition of truffle zest and everything bagel seasoning elevates the flavor profile, while the simple preparation makes it accessible for home cooks.

Ingredients & Preparation

This recipe yields approximately 5 cups of dip.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, divided
  • 1 (16oz/454g) bag chopped kale
  • Pinch of salt, plus more to taste
  • 1-2 large shallots, finely diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, grated
  • 8oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon truffle zest
  • Pepper to taste
  • 10oz (283g) grilled artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 2oz (57g) shredded melting cheese (Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) everything bagel seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Kale: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add kale, toss to coat, and steam with water and salt for 2-3 minutes until vibrant. Set aside, discarding excess liquid from the pan.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining butter and oil to the pan and heat to medium-high. Sauté shallots until translucent (about 3 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Combine Base: Mash in the cream cheese until smooth, then stir in milk, Parmesan, truffle zest, salt, and pepper.
  4. Fold in Vegetables: Fold in the cooked kale and artichoke hearts until combined.
  5. Broil to Finish: Top with shredded melting cheese and everything bagel seasoning. Broil for 5-7 minutes until golden.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dip with pita chips, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or spread it on sourdough bread for a gourmet sandwich. It pairs well with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp as a flavorful topping.

This dip is a crowd-pleaser, combining the comfort of a classic artichoke dip with the freshness of kale and a touch of sophistication from truffle zest. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a larger meal.