Creamy Cheesy Spinach Appetizer Spread

Make Ahead Appetizers go well with Many Different Finger Foods

While serving party guests or family and friends, you can count on make ahead appetizers that will go well with many different types of finger foods. For instance, this recipe makes about 5 1/3 cups of creamy cheesy spinach appetizer spread that you can serve warm with various types of:

• Assorted crackers
• Assorted vegetables
• Assorted chips

For instance, you might serve this spread with wheat, rice, fancy or plain crackers. Assorted vegetables can be anything from carrot and celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and so many more. Assorted chips may be anything from corn chips, potato chips, tortilla chips and so on. While choosing the types of finger foods you will serve, consider the types of crackers, fresh vegetables and assorted chips and breads that you might like to eat. Consider those who you will be serving and everyone will be thoroughly impressed with some tasty tidbits while snacking or attending your party.

Recipe for Creamy Cheesy Spinach Appetizer Spread

What You Need

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 packages soften cream cheese 8 ounce
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons basil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 garlic cloves
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 can water chestnuts
• 1 package chopped spinach 9 ounce
• 1 jar pimento 2 ounce
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Assorted crackers
• Assorted vegetables
• Assorted chips

How to Make It

Allow the chopped spinach to thaw before preparation time. After thawing, you will squeeze the spinach to drain off the liquid. Set aside until needed. Drain and dice the water chestnuts into smaller pieces, cover and then set aside until needed.

Place cream cheese on the counter to soften for about 20 minutes before preparation time.

Prepare a 9 inch spring-form pan by lightly applying cooking spray. Set aside until needed.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using a food processor you will add the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, basil, salt, garlic and eggs. Process these ingredients until they are thoroughly blended and smooth.

Spoon this creamy cheese mixture into a large bowl. Add the parmesan cheese, water chestnuts, spinach, and pimento. Blend well and then pour into the prepared baking pan.

Place in the preheated oven to bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the center is set. Remove from oven and allow this dish to cool for at least 20 minutes.