Spinach-and-Artichoke-Dip-Stuffed Venison Backstrap Recipe
This recipe blends two all-time favorites into one great recipe.
It might be a toss up around here over which is the more popular dish, spinach and artichoke dip or grilled backstrap. This recipe combines the two by butterflying a section of backstrap, topping it with a mixture of cream cheese, chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, and shredded parmesan cheese. The backstrap gets rolled, then heads to the Traeger grill to cook until the center reaches 140 degrees.
Slice the stuffed backstrap across the grain. We cook to 140 degrees for a nice medium-rare.
To butterfly the backstrap section, start by coming up a half inch or so on the side. Slice, parallel to the board, almost all the way through the backstrap. Fold the backstrap open like a book.
Butterfly the backstrap out flat.
Next, start another slice about 1/2 inch beyond the ending point of your first cut. Repeat the slicing action, allowing you to fold the backstrap out flat. Don’t worry if you slice all the way through the backstrap in a spot or two, it will still roll back up. If your backstrap came from a large buck, you might be able to get a fourth slice, just make it fold out in an even thickness.
INGREDIENTS
1 section of backstrap, 2-3 pounds
2 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese, softened
1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, chopped
1 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Chop the artichoke heart into small pieces.
Give the artichoke hearts a rough chop before adding them to the dip.
Butterfly the backstrap to a flat sheet. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, spinach and artichoke hearts.
Mix the softened cream cheese with the spinach and chopped artichoke hearts.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the butterflied backstrap. Spread the parmesan cheese over the cream cheese mixture. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Spread the dip over the butterflied backstrap before rolling.
Roll the backstrap back up. Use toothpicks to secure any areas where the butterfly cuts went all the way through the meat.
Roll the backstrap up, pinning any trouble spots closed with toothpicks.
Season the roll well on the exterior with salt, black pepper and a light sprinkle of garlic powder.
Grill at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.
Slice across the grain into half-inch thick slices.