Caramelized Onion and Artichoke Dip

I was piddling around the kitchen last week, trying to find something Superbowl-ish to make and share in time for the big game, when I found a jar of marinated artichoke hearts and a can of artichoke bottoms. Kind of an unusual find, those artichoke bottoms...I'd never seen canned artichoke bottoms before. I got them at he 99centsOnly store. I love that place, I find the most amazing stuff there. 

Artichoke bottoms are my favorite part of the artichoke when I steam them fresh. Delicious and worth all the effort of pulling off the leaves to get to the bottom. Yum. How are they canned? At this point, I didn't know, but I was going to find out. I had two things of artichokes staring at me, crying out to be made into a rich delicious Artichoke Dip!
I threw this one together with what I had on hand, so don't worry if you can't find artichoke bottoms, just use the easier to find hearts. (Note: I rinsed the marinated hearts to cut down on the acid from the marinade). In addition to the artichokes, I had a bunch of yellow onions, Greek yogurt, cream cheese and some Gruyere Cheese and this was the result, a decadent caramelized onion and artichoke dip! 

My husband suggested that it would be great as a sandwich spread. Maybe I'll give it a try on some sandwiches, possibly make some Paninis with it. I'll let you know how they turn out. In the meantime, make some of this delicious dip for the big game and enjoy!  (Go Niners!...oh wait, they lost...maybe next year!)

Caramelized Onion Artichoke Dip
Serves 8

2 cups onions, chopped (about 2 medium onions)
2T clarified butter (Ghee)
1 jar of artichoke hearts, chopped
4 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
3/4 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
Sprinkle of Parmesan cheese 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large skillet, add clarified butter and onions and saute until browned and evenly caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Allow to cool. 

  
In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayo, yogurt and 1/2 cup of the Gruyere cheese. Once onions are caramelized and cooled add to the cream cheese mixture and add chopped artichokes. 

Mix well and pour into a small casserole dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup of Gruyere cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. (Note: Gruyere doesn't melt into a smooth cheesy layer like mozzarella or cheddar, rather it makes more of a crust that gets a little brown. If you prefer a melted top, use mozzarella or cheddar to top your dip.)  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with sliced baguettes.

Other Superbowl foods you might like to try:
Fried Chickpeas
Movie Night/Game Night Snack Mix
Easy Chicken and Soy Chorizo Chili