I bought the La Terra Fina Artichoke and Jalapeno Dip at Costco recently and really enjoyed the product. This is a great dip and and even better sandwich spread.
The Item Number is 194435 and it is located in the refrigerated case near the deli section.
Taste Test!
If you have ever tried the Spinach Artichoke Dip at Costco then this dip will taste remarkably similar. The base of both dips is identical and consists of cream cheese, artichoke, Monterey Jack cheese and mayonnaise.
The cream cheese and mayonnaise makes the dip smooth and creamy while the artichokes provide texture and a mild earthy flavor.
The real question is, “What do the jalapenos bring to the party?”
The label indicates a spiciness level of “Mild” which I believe is accurate. It turns out that the jalapenos bring just enough heat to make things interesting. I didn’t really taste any jalapeno flavor while I was eating the spread but I did get a pleasant mouth tingling experience as a slight afterburn.
I have been devouring this dip when spread onto toasted ciabatta bread and using it like mayo to make amazing roast beef sandwiches. I also had it for dinner last night when I tossed it with some pasta and diced rotisserie chicken. Yummy!
I like both the Spinach Artichoke dip and the Artichoke Jalapeno dip from La Terra Fina but enjoy the Jalapeno version a little more for the subtle jalapeno heat that makes the product slightly more interesting to eat.
Heating Instructions
This dip is tasty whether you eat it cold, straight from the container or if you warm it up by zapping in the microwave.
Here is how I warm up the dip:
- Place two cups of the dip into a microwave safe bowl.
- Put the bowl in the microwave and cover with a paper towel.
- Heat on High for one minute.
- Stir the dip and heat on High for one more minute.
- Remove from the microwave and serve.
Usage Ideas
One of the problems with the dip is that it does not store well so you need to use it fast or you will end up throwing away bunch of it. Specifically, the label says you should not freeze the dip and you should use it all within five days of opening.
Here are some creative ways to use the dip:
Stuffed Mushrooms
Remove the stems from button mushrooms and fill the caps with the dip. Bake in the oven until golden and bubbly for a delicious appetizer.
Cheesy Bread
Spread the dip onto slices of baguette or crusty bread. Top with shredded cheese and broil until melted and crispy for an awesome twist on garlic bread.
Veggie Wraps
Spread the dip onto tortilla wraps then layer with fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Roll up and slice into pinwheels for a tasty snack.
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Cut a slit into boneless, skinless chicken breasts and stuff them with the dip. Bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is melted for a flavorful main dish.
Here is a link to a great recipe from Grillin Fools that walks you through the process.
Dip-Stuffed Peppers
Cut the tops off mini bell peppers and remove the seeds. Fill them with the dip and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly. Serve as a fun and colorful appetizer.
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Bake potatoes until tender, then slice them open and stuff with the dip. Top with crispy bacon, green onions, and grated cheese for a hearty side dish.
Pizza Topping
Use the dip as a unique and flavorful pizza topping. Spread it onto pizza dough, then add shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, and other desired toppings. Bake until golden for a deliciously different pizza experience.
Pasta Sauce
Mix the dip with cooked pasta for a creamy and tangy sauce. Add some sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or roasted red peppers, for an extra burst of flavor.
Dip-Stuffed Burger
Mix the dip into ground beef to create a flavorful burger patty. Cook on the grill or stovetop, then top with additional cheese and serve on a bun for a creamy burger.
Savory Pinwheels
Spread the dip onto crescent roll dough. Roll up and slice into rounds, then bake until golden and puffed for a delicious and eye-catching appetizer.
Hopefully this list gave you a few new ideas on how to use up the almost two pounds of dip in five days!
Ingredients
The ingredients in this tasty dip include:
- Cream Cheese
- Artichokes
- Mayonnaise
- Monterey Jack Cheese
- Onions
- Jalapenos
- Corn starch
- Garlic
- Salt
- Sugar
- Citric acid
- Dill
The dip is certified Gluten Free.
Costco sells cream cheese, artichoke hearts, mayo, etc. so you could take this ingredient list and make up a batch of this dip at home!
Calories
Two tablespoons of this dip is a single serving which has the following calories and nutritional information:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 8g (10% DV)
- Cholesterol: 15mg (5% DV)
- Sodium: 170mg (7% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 2g (1% DV)
- Protein: 2g
This is not a low calorie food but it isn’t a nutritional train wreck either.
Costco Value
I bought the 31 ounce container of dip at Costco for $9.49 which works out to a cost of $0.306 per ounce.
You can find this dip at other retailers and it will cost about 30% more on a per ounce basis.
My only real complaint about the price of the dip is that it comes in a very large container and you need to consume it within five days of opening. The dip does not freeze well so you can’t really store it for later. I am never able to finish a container this large within five days and almost always end up throwing away some unused dip.
