Spinach artichoke dip has been my go-to for years, and this recipe is the one that always gets rave reviews! I remember the first time I made this creamy spinach artichoke dip for a potluck – the bowl was scraped clean within minutes. The aroma of garlic and warm cheese filling my kitchen is just pure comfort. What I love most is that this homemade spinach artichoke dip is surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for any gathering, big or small. Get ready for your new favorite appetizer! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Artichoke Dip
This recipe for spinach artichoke dip is a winner for so many reasons:
- Unbelievably creamy spinach artichoke dip flavor that’s rich and decadent.
- Incredibly easy spinach artichoke dip preparation – you can whip it up in minutes!
- It’s a budget-friendly appetizer that still feels fancy.
- Packed with wholesome spinach and artichoke hearts for a touch of goodness.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that the whole family will adore.
- This easy spinach artichoke dip is perfect for game days or any party.
- The baked texture is wonderfully bubbly and cheesy.
Spinach Artichoke Dip Ingredients
Gathering the right spinach artichoke dip ingredients is key to achieving that perfect, beloved appetizer. You’ll need one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, making sure it’s thawed and well-drained to avoid a watery dip. Also grab a 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped; these add a lovely tang. The creamy base comes from 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, which provides a rich foundation. We’ll also use 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise for extra creaminess and a hint of tang. For that irresistible cheesy pull, you’ll want 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Two minced garlic cloves bring a wonderful aroma and flavor, complemented by 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional but adds a subtle warmth.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip
Learning how to make spinach artichoke dip is surprisingly simple, and the result is pure, cheesy bliss! Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious homemade version.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a small baking dish. This prevents the dip from sticking and makes for a cleaner presentation.
- Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 8 oz cream cheese, softened, the 1/2 cup sour cream, and the 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Mix these together with a spoon or spatula until you have a smooth, creamy base. It should look light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Now it’s time to add the star ingredients for this spinach artichoke dip recipe! Stir in the 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained very well, and the 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped.
- Step 4: Next, add the cheeses and seasonings. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and if you like a little kick, the 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Mix everything gently until just combined. You want to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- Step 5: Transfer this glorious mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with your spoon or spatula. The aroma at this stage is already incredible!
- Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for the dip to be hot and bubbly around the edges, with a lightly golden-brown, irresistible top. The cheese will be melted and gooey, promising a fantastic texture. This is the magic moment of how to make spinach artichoke dip!
- Step 7: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dip to set slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serve your warm, bubbly spinach artichoke dip right away and watch it disappear!
Pro Tips for the Best Spinach Artichoke Dip
Want to elevate your appetizer game? Here are my go-to tricks for the most delicious spinach artichoke dip:
- Make sure to really squeeze out the moisture from the thawed spinach. I use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth – getting it dry prevents a watery dip.
- Don’t skip softening the cream cheese! Cold cream cheese makes for a lumpy dip, and nobody wants that.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg along with the salt and pepper. It adds a subtle warmth that really complements the spinach and artichokes.
- For an extra-gooey finish, sprinkle a little more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top before baking. It creates a beautiful, golden crust.
What’s the secret to perfect creamy spinach artichoke dip?
The key to a truly perfect and creamy spinach artichoke dip is the combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, plus ensuring you squeeze out every last drop of water from the spinach. This creates a rich, smooth base for a delightfully cheesy spinach artichoke dip.
Can I make homemade spinach artichoke dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with baked spinach artichoke dip?
The biggest pitfall is a watery dip, which happens if you don’t drain the spinach and artichokes thoroughly. Another common mistake is overmixing; gently combine the ingredients to maintain a good texture. Also, avoid using too much liquid in the mixture itself.
Best Ways to Serve Spinach Artichoke Dip
Wondering what to serve with spinach artichoke dip? This versatile appetizer is fantastic with a variety of dippers! For a classic pairing, serve it piping hot with sturdy tortilla chips or crusty baguette slices. The crunch of the chips and the chewiness of the bread are perfect contrasts to the creamy dip. You can also include a colorful platter of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices for a lighter, healthier option. For something a bit different, try serving it with pretzel bites or pita bread.
Spinach Artichoke Dip Nutrition Facts
Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for this delicious spinach artichoke dip, per serving (recipe makes 8 servings):
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your spinach artichoke dip recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Spinach Artichoke Dip
Properly storing and reheating this beloved spinach artichoke dip recipe ensures you can enjoy every last bite. Once your baked spinach artichoke dip has cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly. To reheat, thaw frozen dip in the refrigerator overnight. Then, you can warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until it’s bubbly and hot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Artichoke Dip
Can I make spinach artichoke dip without cream cheese?
Yes, you can! While cream cheese provides that signature richness, you can achieve a delicious dip without it. Try substituting Greek yogurt or a combination of Neufchâtel cheese and a little extra mayonnaise for a similar creamy texture. These spinach artichoke dip variations still offer a wonderful flavor profile.
What goes well with spinach artichoke dip?
This classic appetizer pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers! For a satisfying crunch, serve it with tortilla chips, pita chips, or slices of toasted baguette. You can also offer fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, and cucumber for a healthier option. Pretzels or even crackers are also great choices.
How do I make spinach artichoke dip with chicken?
Adding cooked chicken is a fantastic way to make this appetizer more substantial! Simply shred or dice about 1 cup of cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly) and stir it into the dip mixture along with the spinach and artichokes in Step 3 of the recipe. This makes for a heartier, more filling dish, and is one of the popular spinach artichoke dip variations.
Can I make this a healthier spinach artichoke dip?
You can lighten up this recipe by using reduced-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and opting for whole-wheat crackers or fresh veggies for dipping. While it won’t be exactly the same as the classic version, these adjustments create a more healthy spinach artichoke dip option without sacrificing too much flavor.
Spinach Artichoke Dip Variations You Can Try
I love how adaptable this recipe is! You can easily customize this spinach artichoke dip to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spinach artichoke dip without cream cheese: For a lighter take, swap the cream cheese for Neufchâtel cheese or a blend of Greek yogurt and a touch of mayonnaise. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors with fewer calories.
- Spinach artichoke dip with chicken: Make it a heartier appetizer by adding about a cup of shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is perfect!) to the mixture before baking. It turns this dip into a more substantial dish.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the mix. This adds a wonderful warmth that complements the creamy, cheesy flavors.
- Smoky Flavor: For a smoky twist, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a tablespoon of diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. It adds a delightful depth of flavor that’s perfect for game day.
Spinach Artichoke Dip: 7 Reasons It’s a Winner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy baked spinach artichoke dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer made with tender spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and melted cheeses. It’s perfect for game day, parties, or any gathering, best served warm with chips, bread, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a lightly golden top.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Make ahead by assembling the dip and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Add extra cheese on top before baking for a gooier finish.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
