Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

 

A creamy dip that can be made in advance. Swirles of flavor, diced country ham, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach makes this a delicious dip.

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 

3 cups thinly sliced sweet onion (from 2 medium onions)

1 garlic clove, minced (about 1 tsp.)

1 cup diced country ham (about 6 oz.)

2 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 

8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups) 

4 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded (about 1 cup) 

1 (1-lb.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained

Pita chips or toasted French bread slices

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium. Add onions, and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Stir in garlic, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Transfer onion mixture to a medium bowl, and wipe skillet clean.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in skillet over medium-high. Add ham, and cook, stirring often, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove ham from skillet, and drain on paper towels.

Add cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and ham to onion mixture in bowl, and stir until blended. Spoon mixture into cast-iron skillet. Cover and chill until ready to transport to tailgate. (Recipe can be made up to 1 day ahead. Be sure skillet cools completely before returning dip to skillet.) Transport to tailgate in a cooler.

Light 1 side of grill, heating to medium (350°F to 400°F), and leave other side unlit. Uncover skillet; place over unlit side of grill, and heat, covered with grill lid, stirring every 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and smooth, about 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or toasted French bread slices.

A Southern Living Recipe 

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