Easy Slider Spinach Artichoke Sliders
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I love making Easy Slider Spinach Artichoke Sliders as they combine my favorite flavors into a fun, bite-sized treat. The creamy spinach and artichoke filling pairs perfectly with soft rolls, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack. Whenever I have friends over, these sliders are always a hit, as they are simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Plus, they can be made ahead and baked just before serving, allowing me to enjoy more time with my guests. It’s the perfect dish for casual get-togethers or game days!
Making these Easy Slider Spinach Artichoke Sliders became a weekend tradition for me. I remember the first time I made them; I was trying to impress friends during a casual get-together. The combination of cream cheese, spinach, and artichokes created a rich, creamy filling that everyone couldn't resist. I also discovered that using fresh garlic adds an unexpected depth of flavor that elevates the sliders even further.
One of my favorite tips is to vary the cheese blend. Using a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a gooey texture while adding that savory kick. Baked until golden brown, these sliders have become a staple choice for entertaining and are always requested at gatherings!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and cheesy filling packed with flavor
- Fun and easy to serve as appetizers
- Perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers
Key Techniques for Perfect Sliders
When preparing the creamy filling for these Easy Slider Spinach Artichoke Sliders, it's essential to ensure that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This allows for an easy blending process and results in a smooth texture for the filling. If you're short on time, you can microwave the cream cheese for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to melt it. A smooth filling means that it will spread easily and cook evenly in the oven.
Incorporating spinach and artichoke hearts adds vibrant flavor and texture. Make sure to drain the artichokes thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which could make the filling watery. Chopping the spinach finely helps it blend seamlessly into the cream mixture, while also distributing its flavor throughout each slider. I recommend using fresh spinach if available, as it yields a fresher taste compared to frozen options.
Serving and Storage Tips
These sliders can be made ahead of time, which is a huge bonus for entertaining. After assembling the sliders, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you plan to bake them directly from the fridge, add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat through properly. This make-ahead option is perfect for busy party days when you want to minimize last-minute kitchen work.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual sliders for about 30-45 seconds, but the oven method will retain a better texture. For freezing, assemble the sliders without baking them, then wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Bake them from frozen, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for your delicious sliders:
Slider Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls
- 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Make sure to prepare all ingredients before baking for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to assemble and bake your sliders:
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, artichokes, minced garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until well combined.
Assemble the Sliders
Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the creamy filling evenly across the rolls and then place the top halves on.
Bake the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled sliders for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is hot.
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten up the filling.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to customize the sliders with your favorite cheeses. For an extra gooey texture, consider adding provolone or gouda alongside the mozzarella. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, use a vegan cream cheese alternative and plant-based cheese. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly, so adjust seasonings as necessary to maintain that rich, creamy taste.
To add some extra zing, consider mixing in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the filling. These additions will elevate the flavor and create a unique twist, while still keeping the core spinach and artichoke combination that makes these sliders so beloved.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you find that your filling is too runny, it may be due to excess liquid from the spinach or artichokes. To fix this, increase the amount of cream cheese or add a bit of shredded cheese to help absorb the moisture. You can also consider letting the filling sit in a fine mesh strainer for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture before assembling the sliders.
Should the tops of your sliders become too browned before the filling is hot, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This will protect the tops while allowing the filling to heat through completely, ensuring a delicious result without burnt edges.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
→ Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the mixture.
→ What other ingredients can I add?
You can incorporate cooked chicken or bacon for additional protein, or try different cheeses according to your preference.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Easy Slider Spinach Artichoke Sliders
I love making Easy Slider Spinach Artichoke Sliders as they combine my favorite flavors into a fun, bite-sized treat. The creamy spinach and artichoke filling pairs perfectly with soft rolls, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack. Whenever I have friends over, these sliders are always a hit, as they are simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Plus, they can be made ahead and baked just before serving, allowing me to enjoy more time with my guests. It’s the perfect dish for casual get-togethers or game days!
What You'll Need
Slider Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls
- 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, artichokes, minced garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until well combined.
Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the creamy filling evenly across the rolls and then place the top halves on.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled sliders for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is hot.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten up the filling.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 8g