This creamy spinach artichoke dip is a crowd-pleaser! It’s packed with cheesy goodness and tender artichokes—perfect for dipping crispy chips or fresh veggies.
Whenever I make this dip, it vanishes faster than you can say “yum!” Sometimes I find myself eating it straight from the bowl. Who’s judging? 🤭
It’s so easy to whip up! Just mix the ingredients, bake until bubbly, and enjoy with friends. You won’t want to share, but you probably should! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Spinach: It’s super convenient because it’s prepped for you! If fresh spinach is available, use about 1 pound, cooked and chopped. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery dip.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichoke hearts work well, but if you have fresh ones, they can be boiled and chopped. Just be sure to cook them until tender first. Also, marinated artichokes add a different flavor twist!
Cream Cheese: This is key for creaminess! For a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese. It’s lower in fat but still has a great taste. You can also use a vegan cream cheese for a plant-based version.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: They blend well together for a smooth texture. You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for extra protein, or use vegan sour cream if needed. The mayonnaise can also be skipped in favor of more yogurt!
Cheeses: I love mozzarella and Parmesan, but feel free to mix in cheddar or pepper jack if you like some extra flavor. Just be aware that it may change the color and richness of the dip.
How Can I Make Sure My Dip is Creamy and Not Dry?
The creaminess of the dip depends on your mixing technique and baking time! To keep it creamy, follow these tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is soft. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before mixing.
- Mix the ingredients well to combine air into the mix; it helps with the overall consistency.
- Watch your baking time carefully. Bake until the dip is bubbly but avoid over-baking, which can make it dry.
Your dip should be creamy and delicious, perfect for scooping!
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dip 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 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious spinach artichoke dip will take about 10 minutes for prep and an additional 25-30 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish, and trust me, it’s worth every second!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the dip bakes evenly and becomes wonderfully bubbly.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix them together until smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed here!
3. Add the Good Stuff:
Now it’s time to bring in the flavor! Add in the drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Mix everything together well until it’s fully combined.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the mix to a 1-quart baking dish. Spread it out evenly with your spatula. Make sure every corner is covered so you get a tasty dip in every bite!
5. Bake It Up:
Pop that dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot, bubbly, and the top has a lovely golden brown color.
6. Cool and Serve:
After baking, carefully remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors settle just a bit. Then, serve it warm with toasted baguette slices or crunchy crackers for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
There you go! Now you’re ready to impress everyone with your homemade spinach artichoke dip. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If you prefer fresh spinach, you’ll need about 1 pound. Cook it down first, then chop and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it into the dip.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake it, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and adjust the baking time accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual servings as needed.
Can I Freeze Spinach Artichoke Dip?
Yes! This dip freezes well. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
