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This Spinach Artichoke Dip stands out for its unbeatable combination of creamy texture, cheesy richness, and savory vegetable goodness—all packed into a simple, quick-to-make appetizer.
It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings.
With ingredients like spinach and artichokes, it delivers plant-based fiber, vitamins (especially A and C), and antioxidants, making it more than just a guilty pleasure.
The cream cheese and Parmesan provide a boost of protein and calcium, while the option to substitute Greek yogurt and low-fat cream cheese makes it adaptable for healthier lifestyles.
Despite being indulgent in taste, it’s relatively low in carbs and sugar (just 6g of carbs and 2g sugar per serving), making it a smart choice for low-carb snackers.
Whether baked fresh or prepped in advance, this dip is ideal for easy, satisfying, and flavorful everyday entertaining.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Pyrex Easy Grab Glass Pie Plate
Perfect for baking and serving. Its even heat distribution and oven-to-table design make it ideal for dips like this. Durable, easy to clean, and multipurpose—great for pies, casseroles, and more.
KitchenAid Classic Mixing Bowl Set
Essential for smooth, mess-free mixing. Non-slip bases and nesting design make these bowls a space-saving powerhouse for all kinds of prep work, from batters to salads.
OXO Good Grips Garlic Press
Makes mincing garlic effortless. This sturdy press helps you quickly crush garlic with minimal mess, saving time and enhancing flavor in dips, marinades, and sauces.
Cuisinart Box Grater
For perfectly shredded Parmesan cheese. This tool grates cheese faster and fresher than pre-packaged options, improving flavor and texture in recipes like this dip and more.
Hamilton Beach Portable Slow Cooker (Optional Variation)
Great for the crockpot version. Cook and serve the dip right from the slow cooker—ideal for keeping it warm during parties and potlucks.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl – For combining all dip ingredients smoothly.
- 1 Garlic Press – For easily mincing fresh garlic.
- 1 Box Grater – To shred fresh Parmesan cheese.
- 1 8×8-inch Baking Dish or Glass Pie Plate – For baking and serving the dip.
- 1 Oven or Slow Cooker – Baking or heating the dip to hot and bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces canned artichoke hearts drained thoroughly and finely chopped
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated and loosely packed (divided use)
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- ½ cup frozen spinach thawed and excess moisture squeezed out
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the dip mixture. Grease a small baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar size) with non-stick spray or a light coating of oil.
- Combine Creamy Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything together until the texture is smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.
- Add Flavorful Mix-Ins: Fold in the chopped artichoke hearts, thawed and squeezed spinach, minced garlic, and ¾ cup of the grated Parmesan. Stir well to evenly distribute the vegetables and cheese throughout the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the creamy dip mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the surface. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for a golden, cheesy finish.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Hot: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the dip up to 2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve.
- Freezer Friendly: Mix all ingredients and freeze in a freezer-safe dish or bag (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before transferring to a baking dish and baking as directed.
- Use Fresh Spinach Option: Prefer fresh spinach? Sauté about 10 oz in a skillet with a little olive oil until wilted. Let it cool, then squeeze out excess liquid before mixing it into the dip.
- Healthier Swap: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and opt for reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories and saturated fat.
- Slow Cooker Version: Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on high for 2 hours. Stir before serving and keep on “warm” throughout your gathering.
Chef’s Secrets for Creamy Perfection
To achieve the ultimate creamy texture and flavor in your spinach artichoke dip, start with softened cream cheese—cold cream cheese can leave lumps and won’t blend smoothly.
For best results, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before mixing. Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded; the flavor is sharper, and it melts better into the dip.
When using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible—a damp spinach base can make the dip watery and dull in flavor.
For added depth, consider lightly sautéing the garlic before mixing it in. It brings out its sweetness and balances the richness of the cheese.
Finally, bake the dip just until bubbly and golden on top—overbaking can cause separation and greasy texture.
Tasty Ways to Serve and Enjoy
This spinach artichoke dip is a hit at gatherings and works beautifully with a variety of dippers.
Serve it warm straight from the oven with crispy baguette slices, pita chips, or sturdy crackers that can hold the creamy texture.
For a lighter twist, offer sliced vegetables like carrots, celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or bell pepper strips—these add crunch and freshness.
It also works wonderfully as a topping: try spreading it over baked potatoes or inside a warm sandwich for an indulgent, melty filling.
Hosting a party? Keep it in a small slow cooker on warm to maintain its creamy consistency for hours.
Whether it’s the star of the appetizer table or a flavorful addition to other dishes, this dip is always a satisfying crowd-pleaser.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When ready to reheat, place the dip in a small oven-safe dish and warm it at 325°F for 10–15 minutes, or until hot throughout.
For quicker reheating, use the microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between until heated evenly.
If the dip looks a bit thick after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.
This dip can also be frozen before baking—store the mixture in a freezer-safe container or zip bag, and it will keep for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. However, freezing after baking is not recommended as the texture may change.
Common Questions About This Dip
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then let it cool and squeeze out the liquid. Chop it if needed before mixing it into the dip.
2. What cheeses work best in this dip?
Parmesan is classic for its sharp, salty flavor. You can add mozzarella or fontina for extra meltiness, but avoid overly soft cheeses that may affect texture.
3. Can I make this dip dairy-free?
You can experiment with plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo alternatives. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Just make sure your dippers—such as chips or crackers—are certified gluten-free to keep it safe for sensitive eaters.
5. How far in advance can I prep it?
You can prepare the dip mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
This recipe is inspired by tastesbetterfromscratch and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.