Mexican Layer Dip

Source- Never Grow Up

I wanted something to have for our company we had after Christmas.  I made this dip for them.  I added a step of heating in the oven.  

Ingredients

• 1 can of refried beans
• 1 jar of chunky salsa
• 2 packs of cream cheese
• 1 tub of sour cream
• 1 package of taco seasoning
• 1 block of sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 block of monterey jack
• tortilla chips for dipping

Preparation

• Spread the refried beans along the bottom of a pan. I use 9x13, but you can use whatever you've got on hand. Spread to the thickness you desire. If you don't like beans, you can always skip them too.
• Pour salsa over the beans and spread evenly.
• In separate bowl, mix together the sour cream and cream cheese and taco seasoning. You can add vary the sour cream and cream cheese to get the thickness you desire, and also vary how much taco seasoning you use to vary the spiciness.
• Spread the mixture on top of the salsa.
• Shred the cheeses and put on top.
• Place in 300 degree oven until cheese is melted and bubbly. 

Next Time- I don't think I'll be making this again.  Didn't turn out like I expected and I've had better dips. 

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Source- Kraft Foods

This recipe rocked!!  My sister-in-law, Jen, had only tried this and was already threatening to take me home to Chicago so I could cook for her!  

I've changed the preparation instructions because the Kraft site had you making it in the microwave, which I absolutely hate to do, and they had you spreading the cream cheese on the bottom first.  So, if you want the original directions, click the Kraft link.  Also, the addition of the sour cream made the dip less dry, and definitely was needed.

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened 
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 pkg.  (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
• 1 jar (7.5 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained, chopped
• 1/2 cup  Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 cup  Grated Parmesan Cheese

Preparation  

• Mix everything in a bowl. 
• Spread into a oven safe baking dish.
• Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
• Bake in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted and dip is heated through.  Mine took about 10-15 minutes.

Next Time- I like the changes I made in the preparation.  I think it was much nicer to have everything mixed together, and I liked the extra mozzarella melted on top. 

Homemade Onion & Herb Dip

Source- Joelen's Culinary Adventures

I was very excited to make this chip dip.  I love chip dip, and being able to make it myself would be spectacular.  Unfortunately, this dip turned into a big fat FAIL!  I'm not sure if the cause was the Miracle Whip I used instead of Mayo, or if there was something else wrong.  But it just didn't have good flavor.  I even tried fixing it, and nothing improved it.  

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups diced onions
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise (used Miracle Whip)
• 2 tablespoons finely minced parsley  (used 2 tsp dried)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (used black)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

• In a saute pan over medium heat add oil, heat and add onions and salt. 
• Cook the onions until they are caramelized, about 20 minutes. 
• Remove from heat and set aside to cool. 
• Mix the rest of the ingredients, and then add the cooled onions. 
• Refrigerate and stir again before serving.

Next Time- Not sure how to make this taste good.  I think I'd rather just start from scratch with a whole new recipe.  

Chicken Parm Balls

Source: Lauren's Kitchen and Dish it up

I saw this in my Google reader awhile ago. I didn't completely follow Lauren's way, which is why I linked to the blog where she got the recipe.

I've discovered that I hate working with pizza dough. I've used it a few times to make the Stromboli recipe I posted in the past, and this recipe didn't change my opinion. I've been using the Pillsbury refrigerated cans. Perhaps frozen, or fresh would be better? Anyone have any thoughts?

Ingredients

• 1 ball of fresh pizza dough
• 1-2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1-2 cups of diced chicken
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning (combine oregano, basil, parsley, and garlic)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• pizza or marinara sauce

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease pie pan.
• Grab a walnut-sized piece of dough and flatten.
  
• In each dough piece place a couple pieces of chopped chicken and a tablespoon of cheese.
  
• Seal dough around meat and cheese and place seam side down in pie pan.
• Repeat, placing approximately 16 dough balls in each pie plate.
• Once assembled, drizzle oil over the balls and sprinkle with the herbs and Parmesan cheese.
  
• Bake at 400°F for 16-20 min.
  
• Serve with warm pizza or marinara sauce.

Next Time- While these turned out good, I wasn't overly impressed. I think it would be better the original way with pepperoni, instead of chicken. Or maybe a combination, to give them a little more flavor.

Chili Cheese Dip

Source: My Family!

This is a great dip. I grew up eating it, so I have no idea where my family actually got it. We usually had this around holiday time, but it is also great for parties. This has become a demand when I have friends over. Super easy, only 3 ingredients and everyone usually loves it!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pkg cream cheese
• 15 oz can chili, we use Hormel No Beans
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• Tortilla chips for serving, Fritos also work

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Place cream cheese in 13x9 pan, stick in oven for a few minutes to soften. Remove.
• Spread cream cheese evenly in bottom of pan.
• Pour chili over cream cheese, and evenly spread.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese over chili, evenly.
• Bake for about 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted
• Serve warm with chips.

This dip is also great warmed up, if you end up with leftovers.