Spinach Artichoke Sliders
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I absolutely love making Spinach Artichoke Sliders for gatherings! These tasty little bites are packed with flavor and are so easy to prepare. The combination of creamy spinach and tangy artichokes nestled in a soft slider bun makes them irresistible. They are perfect for game day or any casual get-together, and I always find that they're the first appetizer to disappear! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they are such a hit.
Making Spinach Artichoke Sliders was a fun experiment for my last gathering. I wanted something that combined my favorite dip into an easy-to-eat format. The result was a hit! By mixing cream cheese with artichokes and spinach, I created a rich filling that pairs beautifully with soft slider buns. I recommend using fresh spinach to elevate the flavor.
One tip I learned is to bake the sliders until they are just golden brown; you don’t want them too crispy. This keeps the sliders soft and lends a delightful contrast to the creamy filling. When paired with a zesty dipping sauce, they're truly unbeatable!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy, flavorful filling that bursts in every bite
- Easy to make ahead for entertaining or snacking
- Perfect handheld size for parties or game days
Flavor Fusion
The combination of creamy ingredients like cream cheese and sour cream creates a luxuriously smooth texture that perfectly contrasts with the tender pieces of artichoke. When mixed, the filling should be thick yet spreadable, ensuring it's easy to scoop onto the slider buns. Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the best creaminess, as low-fat versions can lead to a grainy texture after baking.
Another key flavor contributor in these sliders is the garlic powder. It enhances the savory notes of the spinach and artichokes, making each bite a little burst of flavor. If you're a garlic lover, feel free to substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic. Just sauté it briefly in a pan before adding to the mixture to mellow its sharpness.
Assembly and Baking Tips
When assembling the sliders, be sure to scoop a generous amount of the spinach-artichoke filling onto each bun. This helps to avoid any dry bites and ensures a delightful creamy taste throughout. Don't worry if some filling spills out; it adds to the rustic appeal and is delicious to devour once baked. Be mindful to arrange the buns on the baking sheet so they are snug but not overcrowded, allowing for even baking.
Baking time is crucial for getting those golden edges. Check the sliders after about 20 minutes; if they're not yet golden, continue baking, but keep an eye out to prevent over-browning. Ideally, you'll want the tops to be a light golden hue while the filling is bubbling slightly—this visual cue tells you that the filling has fully heated through and is ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to get started:
Slider Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 package slider buns (12 count)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start mixing!
Instructions
Here’s how to make your Spinach Artichoke Sliders:
Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble Sliders
Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Scoop the spinach-artichoke mixture onto each bottom half and cover with the top halves.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the sliders are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Serve
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy your homemade sliders fresh from the oven!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of heat.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These Spinach Artichoke Sliders are ideal for prepping ahead of time, making them perfect for busy hosts. You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just assemble the sliders and bake them when you’re ready to serve. This cuts down on time and mess when you have guests arriving.
For leftovers, store any uneaten sliders in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. If you prefer, you can also freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders; wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste! You can add cooked, crumbled sausage or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Alternatively, consider incorporating different cheeses like feta or cheddar for a unique flavor profile. Experimenting with herbs, such as fresh dill or parsley, can also elevate the sliders remarkably.
To serve these sliders, consider pairing them with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or even a spicy aioli. This not only adds extra flavor but also engages guests in a fun dipping experience. Present them warm on a platter surrounded by a colorful array of fresh vegetables for a well-rounded appetizer spread.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the sliders a day in advance. Just cover them and store them in the fridge, then bake when you're ready to serve.
→ What can I serve with these sliders?
They pair wonderfully with a tangy dip like ranch or even a light salad to balance the richness.
→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach completely before using.
→ Are these sliders vegetarian?
Yes, they are vegetarian, making them a great option for meatless meals or gatherings.
Spinach Artichoke Sliders
I absolutely love making Spinach Artichoke Sliders for gatherings! These tasty little bites are packed with flavor and are so easy to prepare. The combination of creamy spinach and tangy artichokes nestled in a soft slider bun makes them irresistible. They are perfect for game day or any casual get-together, and I always find that they're the first appetizer to disappear! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they are such a hit.
What You'll Need
Slider Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 package slider buns (12 count)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Scoop the spinach-artichoke mixture onto each bottom half and cover with the top halves.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the sliders are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of heat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 6g