This creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip is a party favorite! With tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and a mix of cheeses, it’s perfectly cheesy and full of flavor.
You’ll want to scoop it up with crunchy chips or warm bread. Trust me, as soon as it hits the table, it’ll be gone in a flash! 😄
I love making this dip for gatherings because it’s so easy to whip up. Just mix, bake, and watch everyone come back for seconds! Enjoying it warm is the best part!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Chopped Spinach: Fresh spinach can also work well, but you’ll need to blanch it first. I usually stick with frozen for convenience; just make sure to squeeze out all the excess water for the best texture.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichoke hearts are reliable and easy to find. For a fresh twist, you can use fresh artichokes, though they will require more prep. I love the convenience of canned artichokes!
Cream Cheese: While cream cheese gives a rich, creamy base, you could use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for lighter or vegan options. Just know that it might change the flavor slightly.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but feel free to experiment! Cheddar or even goat cheese can add a different flavor. I often mix in a bit of cheddar for extra sharpness.
Mayonnaise: If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can replace it with additional sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier profile.
How Do You Make Sure Your Dip Is Creamy and Not Gummy?
Achieving that ideal creamy texture in spinach artichoke dip involves a couple of key techniques:
- Make sure your cream cheese is super soft. Leaving it out for about 30 minutes before mixing helps a lot.
- Thoroughly drain the spinach and artichokes to prevent excess moisture. Squeeze out water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Mix the ingredients gently, especially when folding in the cheeses. This keeps the mixture fluffy.
- Bake just until it’s bubbly and golden on top, about 25-30 minutes. Overbaking can make it tough.
With these tips, your dip will be smooth and delicious every time!
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Key Ingredients:
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces 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 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Spinach Artichoke Dip will take about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to enjoying this warm, cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dip will bake evenly and get bubbly and golden brown perfect for serving!
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or hand mixer to mix these until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the base for your dip.
3. Add Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’d like a bit of spice). This step really amps up the flavor of your dip!
4. Incorporate Spinach and Artichokes:
Now, carefully fold in the drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Make sure everything is mixed well—this will give your dip its hearty texture!
5. Cheese It Up:
It’s time to add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to make sure that the cheeses are well distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer your cheesy mixture into a baking dish, about 8 inches in size, and spread it out evenly. This will help it cook evenly and get that delicious golden crust on top!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want it to be golden and bubbly on top — that’s when you know it’s ready!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, carefully remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This gives it a moment to set and makes it easier to scoop!
9. Enjoy!
Serve your warm Spinach Artichoke Dip with toasted baguette slices, crunchy crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! If using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 1 pound. Blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes until wilted, then drain and chop it before mixing it into the dip.
Can I Make This Dip in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
Can I Freeze Spinach Artichoke Dip?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking! Just place it in an airtight freezer-safe dish. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it, then bake as usual. It’s best to consume within 2 months for the best quality.