If you’re searching for the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and comforting party favorite, this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with tender spinach, tangy artichoke hearts, and a luscious blend of cheeses, every bite feels like a warm, flavorful hug. It’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week but impressive enough to steal the show at your next get-together. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its signature rich, creamy texture and delicious depth of flavor. From fresh aromatics to melty cheeses, these ingredients make the magic happen.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the onions and garlic.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Provides sweetness and aromatics to build the flavor base.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Brings a punch of savory warmth and depth.
- Canned artichoke hearts (drained and chopped): The star ingredient for tangy and tender bites throughout the dip.
- Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry): Adds vibrant greenery and subtle earthiness without excess moisture.
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides the rich, creamy body that everyone craves in this dip.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess to balance the richness.
- Mayonnaise: Enhances smoothness and helps bind all ingredients together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, contributing to the gooey texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Packs in a savory, nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Garlic powder: Provides a gentle garlic boost for complexity.
- Onion powder: Reinforces the onion flavor in a subtle way.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Offers just a hint of heat, if you like a touch of spice.
- Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly and bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for that final golden bake that makes this dip so irresistible. This initial step ensures everything finishes perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Gently heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the finely chopped onion with minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step forms the fragrant foundation for your dip’s deep flavor.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
Next, stir in your chopped artichoke hearts and thawed, squeezed spinach. Let them cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld and excess moisture to evaporate, creating a perfect consistency for the dip.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Cheese Blend
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until smooth and well incorporated—this creamy mixture is the heart of your Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe.
Step 5: Combine and Heat
Add the cream cheese mixture to the skillet with your sautéed veggies. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly, allowing everything to heat through and marry beautifully before baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is gloriously golden and bubbling. This step transforms your dip into a delectably melty, irresistible dish that everyone will love.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
Remove the dip from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy without losing that luscious texture.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Spinach Artichoke Dip hot alongside crunchy bread slices, crisp tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks. Watching everyone dive in is one of the easiest joys of this recipe!
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dusting of freshly chopped parsley makes a beautiful garnish, adding both a pop of color and a touch of freshness. A few red pepper flakes on top can also bring a pizazz of warmth.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with sturdy dippers like toasted baguette slices, crispy pita chips, or crunchy vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers. These sides provide perfect contrast to the creamy texture of the dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls or mini cast-iron skillets for an eye-catching presentation. You can also place it on a festive spread with other dips and finger foods for easy entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover dip (which is rare), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your second serving almost as good as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze this dip by placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or sour cream if it feels a bit dry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, cook it down in a pan until it’s wilted and most of the moisture has evaporated. Then squeeze out excess water before adding it to the dip to avoid sogginess.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but be cautious with your dippers—opt for gluten-free crackers or veggies to keep the whole snack gluten-friendly.
Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?
With substitutions like vegan cream cheese, vegan mayonnaise, and plant-based cheese, you can certainly adapt this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe to suit vegan or dairy-free diets. The flavor might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How spicy is the dip with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild, pleasant heat that enhances the other flavors without overpowering. You can easily omit or reduce the amount if you prefer no spice at all.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dip, store it in the fridge, then bake right before serving. This makes party prep stress-free and ensures a hot, fresh dip for your guests.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe. It’s comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly crowd-pleasing, making it a staple for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your friends and family—it’s a guaranteed hit that brings smiles and second helpings every time!
Print
Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip is a classic crowd-pleaser perfect for parties and gatherings. It features a delicious blend of sautéed onions, garlic, spinach, and artichoke hearts combined with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dip pairs wonderfully with bread, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for a warm, savory appetizer everyone will love.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Dairy & Condiments
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spices & Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and thawed spinach. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Ingredients Together: Add the creamy cheese mixture to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything well until fully blended and heated through.
- Bake the Dip: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the dip from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the hot spinach artichoke dip with bread slices, tortilla chips, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy your delicious appetizer!
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze excess water from the thawed spinach to prevent a watery dip.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This dip can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat in the oven before serving.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks.
