Spinach Artichoke Dip
Table of Contents
When Veggies Meet Cheese Magic
Picture this: you want a crowd-pleasing appetizer that secretly sneaks in veggies, but also hits that indulgent, cheesy sweet spot. Spinach Artichoke Dip answers the call—delivering a blend of wilted spinach, tangy artichokes, and a cream-laden sauce that morphs into molten bliss once baked. Serve it with chips, bread, or even spoon it onto your plate if you’re feeling shameless. Because hey, there’s spinach in there—it must be healthy, right?
Why You’ll Love This Dip
- Vegetable Camouflage: Let’s face it, spinach + artichoke count as “greens,” so you can claim it’s borderline nutritious.
- Hot & Cheesy: Bubbly cheese is the universal crowd magnet.
- Versatile: Serve with chips, baguette slices, or even top a baked potato with it—no judging.
- Easy Win: Stir everything together, bake, watch cheese do its glorious meltdown.
(If you prefer spicier dips, check out our Buffalo Chicken Dip for spicy, cheesy, goodness.)
Creaminess Comes from Dairy & Veggies
The cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese combine to form a luscious, scoopable sauce that binds the spinach and artichokes. A key to ultra-creamy dips is making sure your dairy components are at room temperature before mixing—this prevents lumps. Meanwhile, properly draining spinach and artichokes ensures you don’t water down your cheese mixture.
(Pro Tip: If your dip seems too thick, fold in a spoonful or two of milk. Too thin? Extra cheese or cream cheese solves that “problem.”)
From Veggie Chaos to Cheesy Harmony
Ingredients
Veggies & Base
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Seasoning & Cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or a mix of mozzarella & Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (plus more if you’re extra cheesy)
(Optional Extra Flavor)
- Pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick
- 2 tbsp melted butter for added richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep & Preheat
Oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish (8×8, pie dish, or a cast-iron skillet). - Combine the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, sour cream (or yogurt), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If you have melted butter handy, toss it in for a silky bonus. - Add the Veggies
Fold in the drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Make sure you’ve squeezed out extra moisture from the spinach—excess water dulls the dip’s lusciously thick texture. - Load the Cheese
Mix in half the mozzarella and the Parmesan, reserving some for a gooey top layer. Give it a gentle stir so the cheese is well distributed. - Assemble & Bake
Spread the mixture into your baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella (and extra Parmesan if you like). Bake ~20–25 minutes until edges bubble and the top turns golden. A quick broil can further brown that cheesy crust—just keep an eye on it. - Serve Hot & Proud
Pull it out, let it cool a minute (to avoid scalding your mouth), then serve with chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, or raw veggies. Marvel at how these leafy greens just turned into everyone’s favorite appetizer.
Chef’s Tips
- Fresh Spinach Alternative: Sauté fresh spinach until wilted, drain thoroughly, and chop. Works just as well if you prefer fresh over frozen.
- Heat Adjustment: Stir in chili flakes or diced jalapeños if you want mild heat. Or skip for a purely cheesy vibe.
Dietary Tinkerings (Allergy/Diet)
- Gluten-Free: The dip itself is GF if your cheese and other ingredients are certified GF. Serve with GF crackers or veggies.
- Lighter Touch: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduced-fat cream cheese, and part-skim mozzarella—still decadent.
- Keto-ish: Indeed, it’s mostly cheese, spinach, and artichokes, so fairly low-carb. Just check your add-ins for hidden carbs.
Variations & Serving Shenanigans
Flavor Twists
- Bacon Bliss: Crumble crispy bacon on top after baking for smoky crunch.
- Spicier Spin: Swap half the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños.
Serving Ideas
- Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf, fill with dip, wrap in foil, and bake—rustic flair.
- Pizza Topping: Spread leftover dip on pizza dough, layer with extra cheese. Spinach-artichoke pizza, anyone?
(Looking for a tangy alternative? Try our Jalapeño Popper Dip if you crave more spice-laden creaminess.)
Store & Reheat: Because You’ll Want Seconds
Storage: Keep leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge ~3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until hot, or microwave gently, stirring halfway. If it looks dry, add a spoonful of milk or cream to revive.
Extra Q&A: Dip & Sip Pairings
Q: What drink pairs best with Spinach Artichoke Dip?
A: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Belgian-style ale can cut through the richness. For a non-alcoholic twist, a tangy lemonade or sparkling water with citrus can freshen up the palate. (Need more beverage tips? Check out Food & Wine’s Wine Pairing Guide for more suggestions!)
Q: Fresh vs. frozen spinach—who wins?
A: Frozen’s convenient and consistent. Fresh can taste brighter but requires more prep (wilting, draining). Both yield delicious results.
Q: Can I toss in extra veggies?
A: Sure—roasted peppers, caramelized onions, or chopped mushrooms can mesh well. Just keep an eye on moisture levels.
Creamy Send-Off
You’ve now transformed leafy greens and artichoke hearts into a gooey, tangy powerhouse known as Spinach Artichoke Dip. Whether it’s for game day, date night, or just because you crave an excuse to shovel cheese and veggies into your face, this dish has your back. One scoop, and you’ll realize spinach can indeed be the highlight of any meal—especially when drenched in molten dairy.
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Hungry for More? Check Out These Recipes!
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Spinach Artichoke Dip
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes25
minutes250
kcal40
minutesBake up Spinach Artichoke Dip—a dreamy mix of spinach, artichokes, and melted cheese. Quick, comforting, and always a hit at gatherings.
Ingredients
- Veggies & Base
1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Seasoning & Cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella (divided)
½ cup grated Parmesan (plus extra if desired)
(Optional: pinch of chili flakes, 2 tbsp melted butter for indulgence)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat
Oven to 350°F. Grease a small baking dish. - Combine Creamy Base
In a bowl, whisk softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Fold in spinach and artichokes—drain them well first! - Add Cheese
Mix in half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan. This ensures cheese in every bite. - Spread & Top
Spread into baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella (and more Parm if you’re a cheese fiend). - Bake
Bake ~20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden. Broil 1–2 minutes for a crusty top. - Serve Hot
Dish it up with bread, chips, or veggie sticks. Savor the molten, cheesy heaven.
Pro Tips / Chef’s Note
- Fresh Spinach: Wilt it in a skillet, drain thoroughly, and chop.
- Extra Heat: Stir in chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Leftovers: Reheat in the oven or microwave, stirring if needed to maintain creaminess.
- Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet: Dangerously Decadent, Irresistibly GooeyDecadent Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet delivers gooey, fudgy, chocolate-loaded brownie perfection straight from your cast-iron skillet. Dangerously delicious!
- Everything-Bagel Crusted Goat Cheese Bites: Crispy, Creamy, and Dangerously SnackableCrunchy, creamy Everything-Bagel Crusted Goat Cheese Bites make the ultimate appetizer. Tangy goat cheese meets crispy everything bagel seasoning—seriously addictive!
- One-Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Bold, Creamy, and Cajun-Spiced PerfectionBoldly flavored One-Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and easy dinner recipe made in one skillet. Say goodbye to cleanup stress!