Appetizers are essential for holiday parties and meals. Here is a delicious recipe for a healthier version of Spinach Artichoke Dip with homemade pita chips. The recipe is so easy to make and homemade dishes always taste so much better! Here is the recipe:

Healthier Spinach Artichoke Dip

1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 10-oz package frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 oz (half a block) Light cream cheese, at room temp

1/4 cup Light mayo (pick one with 35 cals/Tbsp)

1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, at room temp

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Handful of fresh Italian Parsley (the flat kind), chopped

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2-1 tsp salt (taste it before baking to see)

Juice of 1 small lemon

Small pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preheat oven to 375. In a large bowl mix together cream cheese, yogurt, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, and 1/2 the Parmesan cheese. When it’s smooth, gently mix in the chopped artichoke hearts and spinach with a spatula. Spread mixture into a shallow baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it begins to bubble on the sides. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top, and bake until the top is golden brown and sides are bubbling, about another 5-10 minutes. Serve with homemade or store-bought pita chips, whole grain tortilla chips, or cubes of bread. Makes 6 servings, about 102 calories per serving.

What are your favorite appetizers for holiday parties?