Best 3 Spinach And Artichoke Football Empanadas Recipes

SPINACH AND CHEESE EMPANADAS

Steps:

• In the bowl of a standing electric mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter on high speed until very smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl, as necessary. Reduce the mixer speed to low, add the flour, little by little, and the salt, and process until just combined. Turn the dough out onto a slightly floured surface and knead lightly. Form the dough into a disk, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to overnight.
• Heat 1 teaspoon of the reserved bacon drippings in a medium nonstick skillet and, when hot, add the spinach. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted and has released its liquid, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the spinach to a colander to drain. When the spinach has cooled enough to handle, squeeze to release any excess water, then transfer to a cutting board and finely chop. Set aside.
• Add 2 more teaspoons of the bacon drippings to the same skillet, then add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft but not browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the reserved spinach, crumbled bacon, cottage cheese, salt and pepper to taste and nutmeg and mix thoroughly. Transfer to a mixing bowl and allow to cool thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
• Remove the dough from the refrigerator and, working on a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough to a thickness of about 1/8-inch thick. Using a small bowl or saucer as a guide, cut the dough into as many 5-inch circles as possible. Gather the scraps of dough together and knead lightly to reform the dough into a disk. Roll out as before and again cut as many rounds as you can. You should be able to get 10 to 12 rounds. Divide the spinach filling evenly among the dough circles. Using your fingers, lightly moisten the edges with some of the beaten egg, then fold 1 side over so that the edges meet, and press to seal. Crimp the edges using the tines of a fork and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all of the empanadas are assembled. Brush the tops of each empanada with some of the beaten egg and bake uncovered until golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Serve either warm or at room temperature.

SPINACH ARTICHOKE CALZONES

Steps:

• Coat a baking sheet and some plastic wrap with the cooking spray. Place the rolls on the baking sheet and cover with the plastic wrap. Let thaw and rise for 2 to 3 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the filling: Place the spinach in a kitchen towel and wring dry. Put in a large bowl, separating any clumps. Add the artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan and heavy cream and stir until combined. Season with pepper.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Roll out each dinner roll on a lightly floured surface into a 5-inch round. Spoon 1/4 cup of the filling on half of each dough round. Dampen the edges of the rounds with water, then fold the dough over the filling to enclose, pressing the edges to seal.
• Arrange the calzones on 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake until golden brown, 10 to 13 minutes.
• Serve the calzones with the warmed marinara sauce for dipping, and a salad.

THE BEST SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

Steps:

• Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray a 1-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Put the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and garlic in a large bowl. Mix vigorously until combined and smooth. (If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.) Add the spinach to the cream cheese mixture, breaking it up as you add it. Add the artichokes, mozzarella and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, mixing to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
• Bake until the dip begins to bubble, 20 to 25 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and continue to cook, keeping an eye on it so it doesn't burn, until the top is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Serve warm with crackers, chips or toasted bread.