Get ready to fall head over heels for this creamy, cheesy classic: Spinach Artichoke Dip. With its bubbly golden top and melty center, this appetizer is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for get-togethers or simply cozy nights at home. The tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and cheese all come together in a luscious bite that will have everyone swooning, whether you serve it with crunchy veggies, toasty bread, or your favorite chips. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make and yet guaranteed to vanish at parties, look no further than this Spinach Artichoke Dip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Each one is simple but essential, and when mixed together, they create a dip that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. From creamy cheeses to bright, earthy spinach and tangy artichokes, every spoonful is loaded with flavor and fantastic texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a splash of richness and helps the garlic flavors bloom.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is the secret to a deep, aromatic base in every bite.
- Fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Brings gorgeous color, nutrients, and a sweet, mild taste.
- Artichoke hearts (drained and chopped): Offer tangy brightness and tender texture that balance the creaminess.
- Cream cheese (softened): The ultimate source of creaminess, ensuring the dip is smooth and rich.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang that lightens up the heaviness and brings a delicate zing.
- Mayonnaise: Binds everything together and adds a velvety mouthfeel.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Delivers nutty, salty undertones and the irresistibly crispy topping.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into lovely, gooey strings throughout the dip for ultimate cheese pulls.
- Salt and black pepper: Essentials to highlight all the other flavors in the mix.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle heat, just a sprinkle goes a long way.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip
Step 1: Sauté the Flavors
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this way, it’s hot and ready as soon as your mixture is assembled. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—the foundation of deep flavor starts right here. Quickly add the chopped spinach and let it wilt, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes. This softens it perfectly and blends the spinach and garlic into one glorious, aromatic base.
Step 2: Mix in the Good Stuff
Transfer your wilted spinach and garlic from the skillet straight into a large mixing bowl. Now pile on the chopped artichoke hearts, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Don’t forget the pinch of salt and pepper, plus those crushed red pepper flakes if you’re after a little extra kick. Stir it all together until your mixture is beautifully creamy and evenly combined. You’ll be able to see flecks of green and artichoke peeking through a decadent cheesy blend—perfection!
Step 3: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Goodness
Smooth the mixture into a small baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a dip that’s bubbling at the edges and just starting to take on a golden-brown hue on top. It’s seriously hard to wait, but the anticipation is so worth it! The cheese will have melted into puddles of joy and everything will be toasty and melded together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Pull the dip out and let it cool just slightly before serving—just enough that no one burns their mouth but the cheese is still irresistibly melty. Serve the Spinach Artichoke Dip straight from the baking dish, surrounded by tortilla chips, crisp crackers, or thick slices of toasted baguette. Trust me, nobody will be able to resist diving right in!
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Dip
Garnishes
A great garnish takes Spinach Artichoke Dip from delicious to show-stopping. Try a final flourish of chopped fresh parsley or chives for color, a little extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan for crunch, or even a dusting of smoked paprika if you want a pop of smokiness and color. These finishing touches make the dip look as lush as it tastes.
Side Dishes
When it comes to what to serve alongside, think about dippers with different textures and flavors. Tortilla chips offer that extra crunch, baguette slices give a chewy bite, and crackers bring just the right amount of salt. Want to keep things lighter? Fresh veggie sticks like carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers are a fantastic option for scooping up the warm, cheesy dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Get festive and serve the Spinach Artichoke Dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl, which doubles as both a serving dish and snack. For parties, divide the dip into mini ramekins for individual portions—perfect for dipping and mingling. Or, stuff it into mushroom caps, halved mini sweet peppers, or even as a decadent topping for baked potatoes for a fun twist on the classic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spinach Artichoke Dip keeps well and is just as tasty the next day! Transfer any uneaten dip to an airtight container, then pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, ready to be reheated whenever you’re craving a cozy snack.
Freezing
If you want to make your Spinach Artichoke Dip far in advance, you’re in luck—it freezes beautifully! Place the unbaked mixture in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed until piping hot and bubbly.
Reheating
When you’re ready to bring your leftover dip back to life, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until hot throughout. Give everything a good stir, and if needed, add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly so there’s no excess moisture. This shortcut saves time and still delivers delicious results in your Spinach Artichoke Dip.
Is it possible to make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dip a day before, cover, and refrigerate it unbaked. When you’re ready, simply pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How can I make this dip spicier?
To bring on the heat, double the crushed red pepper flakes or stir in a finely chopped jalapeño. You could also drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the finished Spinach Artichoke Dip for a zesty kick.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You sure can! Substitute plant-based cream cheese, vegan mayo, and dairy-free cheeses for the creamy elements. Use your favorite non-dairy alternatives and you’ll still achieve a crave-worthy dip, just right for every guest.
What’s the best way to transport Spinach Artichoke Dip to a party?
Bake the dip in a portable, lidded baking dish so it stays warm and gooey. Wrap the dish in a kitchen towel for insulation, and don’t forget to pack your favorite dippers in separate containers for easy serving on arrival!
Final Thoughts
Spinach Artichoke Dip is pure comfort, party-starting magic, and a total crowd favorite rolled into one irresistible bite. Whether you whip it up for gatherings or treat yourself on a cozy night in, there’s just something about this dip that always brings people together. Give it a try and see just how fast it disappears—you might want to bookmark this as your new signature appetizer!
Print
Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and cheesy goodness of this Spinach Artichoke Dip, a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Mix ingredients: Transfer spinach to a bowl, add artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Bake: Spread the mixture in a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with chips, crackers, or bread.
Notes
- Use frozen spinach for a quicker version.
- Dip can be prepared a day ahead and baked when needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
