Hot Broccoli Dip Recipe

rebeca  Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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I really don’t cook often, but when I do, I like to make dishes that get people talking. I have a handful of signature dishes that everybody looks forward to and I like it that way. Because this is the season for entertaining, I thought I’d share a few recipes with you. My top recipe for this year is Hot Broccoli Dip, which is a variation of a recipe I found through Cabot. It’s very similar to spinach dip, with a few differences that will certainly make it stand out at your holiday party this year. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped broccoli
8 oz. Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, Vintage Choice Cheddar (or other premium extra sharp cheddar), grated
4 oz. cream cheese
1 cup parmesan cheese (add more to taste, if desired)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ – 1 teaspoon garlic powder (to taste)

1. Place frozen broccoli in microwave-safe bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave until hot and tender, about 9 minutes (do not add any water).

2. Mash broccoli with potato masher until large chunks are gone.

3. Add cheddar, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder and pepper to bowl. Cover again and microwave just until cheeses are melted, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Stir until smooth. (If mixture seems thin, it will thicken upon cooling.)

Serve with crackers–I prefer Triscuits, but hubby likes Toasteds.

Win It

This contest has ended. Congratulations, Scott, you’re the lucky winner.

One of our lucky readers will have a chance at winning a gift box from Cabot. The contest will run for one day only. Valued at more than $60, this gift will include (1) 2lb Vintage Choice Waxed Cheddar, (2) 8oz 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar, (2) 8oz 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar, (2) 8oz 50% Pepper Jack, a wooden cutting board & cow dish towel.

Cabot Creamery is a farmer owned cooperative comprised of farmers throughout New England and New York who produce all natural, award-winning cheeses. Once you try their cheese you’ll understand why they are fastest growing cheddar supplier in the country–due in large part to customer loyalty. Cabot is hands down one of my favorite cheeses. I love pairing one of their sharp cheddars with a nice sweet apple. Mmmm, so good.

To win, you must visit the Cabot website, come back here and tell me something interesting you learned. They have some great resources for pairing cheeses, along with a great database of recipes…so I’m sure you’ll find something useful.

Additional Entries (make sure to leave a comment for each entry):

1. Follow The Average Parent on facebook.
2. Post this page to your facebook profile.
3. Follow The Average Parent on Twitter.
4. Share this page on twitter.

The contest will run for 24 hours and I will notify the winner Wednesday morning. The winner will be chosen at random and will have two business days to send me their shipping information. Must ship to an actual address in the US (no P.O. boxes). Must be 18 or older to enter. Average Parent contributors are not eligible to win (sorry guys).