This creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in. Made with creamy cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella, and loaded with artichokes and spinach, it’s a rich and indulgent dip that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Servings & Timing
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Ingredients List
- 8 oz cream cheese, well softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- ⅔ cup (76g) finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (56g) finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 (14 oz) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 6 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain excess liquid
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (a 9×9-inch dish works well) with a little butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Dip Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Artichokes and Spinach
Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and the thawed spinach. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid from the spinach as possible before adding it to the mixture, to avoid a watery dip.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Transfer the dip mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you like a slightly crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Step 5: Serve
Let the dip cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with crackers, pita chips, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Additional Notes
- Cheese Variations: Swap the mozzarella with gouda or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Texture Tip: For a smoother dip, blend the artichokes and spinach with the cream cheese mixture before baking.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of lemon juice for extra flavor.
Dietary Info (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
Keto-friendly, low-carb.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare baking dish
Step 2: Mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and cheeses
Step 3: Stir in garlic, artichokes, and spinach
Step 4: Spread into dish and bake
Step 5: Cool and serve
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Cream Cheese
- Full-fat cream cheese is preferred for the best texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if needed.
Cheeses
- For a sharper taste, try adding some grated sharp cheddar along with the Parmesan.
- You can substitute the mozzarella with provolone for a smokier flavor.
Spinach
- Fresh spinach can be used in place of frozen; just make sure to cook and drain it well before adding it to the dip.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Add crumbled cooked bacon to the dip for added crunch and flavor.
Greek-Inspired Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangy twist.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies like cucumber and celery.
- Perfect for a potluck, game day, or as a party appetizer.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerator
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer
- This dip can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A: Yes, just make sure to cook and thoroughly drain the fresh spinach to avoid extra moisture.
Q: How can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the dip a day or two in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q: Can I make this dip dairy-free?
A: Substitute the cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives. Coconut cream can replace sour cream.
Optional Personal Story
This spinach artichoke dip has been a staple at all our family gatherings. Whenever we get together, someone always asks me to bring this dip—it’s creamy, cheesy, and so addicting! I love making it because it’s simple yet flavorful, and it always disappears in minutes.
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