This creamy Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip is the ultimate party snack! With crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and tasty artichokes mixed in, it’s a flavor bomb that everyone loves.
Trust me, when you serve this dip with crunchy chips or soft bread, people will come back for seconds—if not thirds! Who can resist it? I know I can’t! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon adds that perfect crunch and smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too! I like to cook it until extra crispy for an added texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for this dip, but frozen spinach saves time. Just be sure to squeeze out excess water. Personally, I love the vibrant color fresh spinach adds!
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes are super easy and convenient. If you have fresh ones on hand, feel free to use them; just cook them until tender first. You can also swap them for other veggies like mushrooms.
Cream Cheese: This makes the dip creamy! If you want a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead, but start with a little less to maintain that creamy consistency.
Cheeses: I use mozzarella for its meltiness and Parmesan for a tangy kick. You can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or even a cheese blend if you prefer!
How Do I Ensure My Dip Is Creamy and Well-Mixed?
Mixing well is crucial for a smooth and creamy texture. Here are some tips:
- Start with softened cream cheese. Leaving it at room temperature for a bit makes blending easier.
- Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to get everything combined smoothly.
- Don’t skip the sour cream and mayonnaise; they add creaminess and flavor.
- Ensure your spinach is well-drained to prevent a watery dip. Pat it dry with a towel if needed!
By following these steps, you’ll create a luxuriously creamy Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip that everyone will love!
How to Make Delicious Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 10 oz fresh spinach (or frozen, 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 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This amazing dip takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, for a total of 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or game day treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dip is ready to go in!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once it’s done, take out the bacon and let it drain on paper towels. Crumble it into small pieces when it’s cool enough to handle, but save a little bit for topping later.
3. Sauté the Spinach:
If you’re using fresh spinach, add it to the same skillet and cook for just a couple of minutes until it’s wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and pat it dry with a towel. You want to get rid of any extra moisture!
4. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, and crumbled bacon. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
5. Season the Mixture:
Don’t forget to season! Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer your creamy dip mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks evenly.
7. Bake the Dip:
Pop your dip in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden on top, making your kitchen smell amazing!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, add the reserved crumbled bacon on top for that extra crunch. Serve your dip warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh veggie sticks. Everyone will love it!
Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of your Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach is a convenient option. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dip. This prevents the dip from becoming watery!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Your Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Enjoy it for a quick snack or appetizer!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Just mix everything together, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to serve, transfer it to a baking dish and bake as directed!
What Else Can I Serve with This Dip?
This dip is fantastic with a variety of dippers! Crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, and fresh vegetables like carrot sticks or celery work perfectly. You can even serve it with pita chips for an extra crunch!
