This easy artichoke dip uses marinated jarred artichoke hearts, green olives, pine nuts and manchego cheese and comes together in the food processor in 10 minutes.
Make it ahead or at the last minute and spread it on crackers or toasted baguette slices. It's perfect for any summer party or backyard BBQ.
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Confession: When I throw a party, I don't always put a lot of thought into a show stopper appetizer. I'm so focused on the dinner and dessert that I just want an easy appetizer that will only take minutes to make that I think everyone will love.
Examples are quick-bistered shishito peppers, roasted red pepper aioli made in the blender, and bread dipping oil.
I came up with this party appetizer one afternoon when I needed a dip and didn't have time to go to the grocery store. I had a big jar of marinated artichoke hearts and a block of manchego cheese (an cheese obsession I had at the time) and presto, this dip was born when I found some pine nuts and green olives hiding behind a carton of yogurt.
It's been a favorite ever since.
❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick. Make it in 10 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients. You only need 5 ingredients plus olive oil.
- Easy. No food prepping required except grating a little cheese.
- Flexible. Add a touch of lemon if you want or throw some other herbs into the food processor such as dill or thyme.
🧅 Main Ingredients + Notes
This list only covers ingredients that require some notes. Go to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe with a complete listing of the ingredients, measurements, and directions.
- Artichoke hearts - I recommend marinated artichoke hearts for a good punch of flavor. I don't recommend canned artichoke hearts that are not marinated in herbs.
- Pimentón de la Vera - This is an optional spice that adds a touch of smoke to the dip. It's made from chiles harvested in the La Vera region of Spain and dried over smoldering fires of local oak. I like to add a pinch of this spice to a lot of dishes to add a depth of flavor.
🎯 Why This Recipe Works
- The olives add a perfect note of acid that perks up the artichokes and keeps this dip from being bland.
- Pine nuts combined with the manchego cheese and olive oil gives this artichoke dip a creamy dip with a some texture.
💡Ideas for Possible Variations
- Use Parmesan cheese in place of manchego cheese.
- Add 2 finely minced fresh garlic cloves.
🙋♀️ FAQ
Yes! Make this delicious artichoke dip up to 4 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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10-Minute Artichoke Dip Recipe with Manchego Cheese
Equipment
- box grater
Ingredients
- 2 cups marinated artichoke hearts drained
- 6 pitted green olives
- ½ cup coarsely grated manchego cheese
- ¼ cup coarsely chopped flat leaf parsley
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
- ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon Pimentón de la Vera optional
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor, except the oil. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.Note: be sure to drain any excess liquid from both the marinated artichoke hearts and green olives.Add the olive oil one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition, until you reach the consistency you want.
- Serve at room temperature with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, pita bread or toasted baguette slices. Or get creative and serve it in a bread bowl.
The Ninja Baker
Your ingredient list is brilliant, Susan...It's a delicious recipe for living! Thank you for the tidbit about the chiles from the La Vera region of Spain...They sound pricey but divine =)
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much! This is my new favorite spice now 🙂
apuginthekitchen
Wonderful Susan, I love artichoke hearts, on salads or straight out of the jar. Really nice idea adding the pine nuts!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Me too, Suzanne. I always have a jar in the pantry!
Mimi
This looks absolutely delicious!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Mimi!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers
Ohhhhhhhh, this is just wonderful!! I am loving all of the flavors in it! This would also make for a great snack to accompany mu weekday lunches!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Totally! I can see this little spread on all kinds of things!
Constance Smith (@FoodieArmyWife)
Oh Susan, this looks AMAZING!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much, Constance, and for such a wonderful job leading us this week!
Eileen
I think I could eat this everyday!
Simple to prepare but complex in flavor.
Cheers!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Eileen! It's not going to last long in the refrigerator, that's for sure 🙂
Samantha @FerraroKitchen
Obsessed with this!! Ever since we got back from Spain, I could not stop eating Manchego!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Ooohh, Manchego is one of my favorite cheeses!! I want so much to go to Spain and eat Manchego and olives all day long 🙂
Carnivorous Maximus
I am ready to be a test subject for this spread. Bring it on! Go Niners.
Sarah
This is being hidden from my mom - if she sees it she'll blame me for ruining her diet! It looks so decadent
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Sarah! There's cheese in it, for sure, but no mayo, cream cheese, or cream! So it could be a whole lot worse. Or maybe that's just me rationalizing for my own diet :-).
Renee
I absolutely love those last two ingredients! And the rest of them too. I am seriously making these the next time I have friends over and entertaining.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Renee!! It would go great with your olive tapas!!
Martin D. Redmond
Love this recipe! Especially the last two ingredients! I'm gonna have to try this one!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Martin!! I'm working down the list - can't wait to see what you've paired with this!!
Amanda @ MarocMama
Tapas are totally a simple comfort food - nothing complicated. This sounds totally delicious, love it!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Love tapas! And now with so many great ideas, I want to actually have a tapas party at the house!!
Tammy Northrup
I just bought some manchego cheese last night because it was on sale! Funny because I had never heard of it before. I can't wait to try it in this recipe. Yum!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I love manchego - I just had some on some ravioli tonight with sauteed tomatoes and garlic! I hope you like it too 🙂
Megan @ I Run For Wine
I love manchego, I love artichokes....so I know I will devour this dish. YUM!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Best of all, it's sooooo easy to make! Thanks so much Megan!
Shaina
This spread sounds amazing. Artichokes are the best!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much Shaina!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
Enjoy with "a little wine?" Who are we kidding here?
The Wimpy Vegetarian
"A little" is all relative, you know.... 🙂 I can see you've got me pegged, though LOL
Manu
Did I read artichokes and manchego??? Oh boy!! Can't wait to make this spread!!! Thanks for the recipe!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much Manu! This was such a fun week wasn't it?
Choc Chip Uru
Such a delicious cheese spread my friend, I never though of adding artichokes!
Cheers
CCU
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much CCU! It's lunch today 🙂
Rita
Yumm! You used artichokes hearts that were not marinated, right? And of course pitted olives.
I've developed several tapas recipes and make them fairly often, esp as appetizers when I have guests for dinner.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Really, really good points, Rita. I'm going to go back into the recipe to be more specific. To clarify, I used marinated artichokes, and yes, pitted, definitely pitted, olives. I think my next dinner party is going to be all tapas.
Stacy
If this lovely spread of rich flavors is simple, give me simple every time! I could eat this with a big spoon, Susan! Or I could scoop it up with a carrot stick and pretend to be healthy. Either way, yum!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much Stacy! It's sooo good. We ate a bunch yesterday watching football, and today it's lunch!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
Sunday is Australia Day (our 4th of July) and I'm going to a big picnic and taking this spread. I'm in love with it.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much Maureen! Happy 4th of July coming up for you. I hope you like it!!
Helene D'Souza
I need more simple recipes such as yours in my life. =)
Now I just have to wait until I get to some good artichoke hearts. I can taste your dip already! yum!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Helene! Oh yes, let's hear it for simple recipes that don't sacrifice on flavor!
Cheryl
Yum, Yum! It sure looks yummy. I have some artichoke hearts just waiting for a recipe, maybe I'll have to try this! HUGS
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Oh, I hope you like it!!! Thanks so much Cheryl.
cheri
What a great combination of flavors! Can't wait to make this dish.
Cindys Recipes and Writings
A great combination of flavors, Susan! Wow!
Norma Chang
I know I will love this. Has all my favorite foods in it but best of all it is so simple and no cooking, love, love.
Norma Chang
Did not do something correctly to have my recent post appear.
Mary @ Fit and Fed
I know I just stopped by here..... but when I saw that title of artichoke hearts and manchego spread I had to stop by again. Talk about two of my favorite ingredients! Looks great for a party or potluck! And I see the nod to Humboldt Fog, as you know we both love that one.
Soni
Ooh lovely flavors going on Susan! Love artichoke hearts with the manchego and pine nuts sounds like a great addition too! Cannot wait to try this recipe!
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere
I love artichokes! I don't think I would be able to keep my hands out of this one!
Lane @ Supper for a Steal
Whoa this looks perfect. I'm such a huge artichoke fan and manchego haha. I would devour it.
mjskit
Love the last ingredient. 🙂 What a great artichoke spread! Most are full of mayo or sour cream. I love the manchego in this, especially since it is my favorite of all cheeses! Keeping this one Susan!
Oui, Chef
WOW does this sound good. You call it a spread but I might just eat it out of the bowl with a spoon!
Cass @foodmyfriend
Isn't manchego cheese the best? This looks perfect. Was it super zesty?
The Wimpy Vegetarian
It was, Cass! Partly because of the olives too. I added it to a grilled cheese sandwich this week - soooo good!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel
Oh my goodness, this looks and sounds amazing! I want to stuff my face with a baguette full of it 😉
Tiffany @ Triple Crème Decadence
What delicious idea! I'll have to give this a try.