Oh my gosh, you guys – this spinach artichoke dip recipe is my absolute go-to for parties, game nights, or honestly… just those nights when I want to eat dip for dinner (no judgment here!). There’s something magical about how the creamy cheeses blend with the earthy spinach and tangy artichokes. I’ve been making this version for years – tweaked from my aunt’s famous recipe – and it never fails to disappear first at gatherings. The best part? It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have. Trust me, once you try this warm, bubbly perfection straight from the oven, you’ll understand why it’s been my secret weapon for every occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Artichoke Dip
Let me count the ways this dip will become your new favorite:
- Creamy dreamy texture – That perfect blend of cream cheese, mayo and sour cream makes it luxuriously smooth
- Foolproof prep – Just mix and bake! (Even my kitchen-disaster friends nail this one)
- Always a crowd-pleaser – I’ve never brought home leftovers from a party
- Super versatile – Equally happy with crusty bread, chips, or veggies (or a spoon… we don’t judge)
Seriously, this dip checks all the boxes – easy, delicious, and always a hit!
Ingredients for Spinach Artichoke Dip
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the creamiest, dreamiest dip ever. I swear by these exact ingredients – they’re what give my version that perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- 1 cup chopped spinach (thawed if frozen, and seriously – squeeze out ALL that excess water!)
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts (I use the jarred kind, drained and roughly chopped)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened – leave it out for an hour or microwave for 15 seconds)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat tastes best, but light works in a pinch)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (this is my secret for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (plus extra for sprinkling on top if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (the real stuff, not the powdered kind!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic if you’re feeling extra)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked makes all the difference)
Pro tip: Measure everything before you start – it makes the mixing process so much smoother (pun totally intended)!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this dip! Here’s the simple lineup that gets the job done every time:
- Medium mixing bowl (big enough to hold all that cheesy goodness)
- 9-inch baking dish (or any oven-safe dish that holds about 2 quarts)
- Oven (obviously!) preheated to 350°F
- Spatula or spoon for mixing (I always grab my trusty wooden spoon)
That’s it! Now let’s get mixing.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip
Okay, let’s get down to the good stuff! Making this dip is seriously simple, but I’ll walk you through each step because those little details make all the difference between good dip and “oh-my-gosh-give-me-the-recipe” dip.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your spinach and give it a good squeeze over the sink to remove every last drop of water. I usually wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out like I’m mad at it – this prevents a watery dip later! Chop your artichokes into bite-sized pieces too.
Step 2: Mix the Base
Now for the creamy magic! In your mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use your spoon or a hand mixer to blend until it’s completely smooth – no lumps allowed! This is the foundation of your dip, so take your time here. The mixture should look like fluffy clouds when it’s ready.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Time to bring in the flavor! Gently fold in your squeezed spinach, chopped artichokes, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper. I like to use a folding motion rather than stirring vigorously – it keeps the texture perfect. The mixture will be thick and chunky at this point, and that’s exactly what we want!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Scoop your mixture into the baking dish and smooth the top. If you’re feeling extra (I always am), sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the top gets those gorgeous golden spots. The dip should be hot all the way through – if you dip a chip in, it should come out coated in creamy goodness, not clumpy!
Pro tip: If you want that beautiful browned top but your dip is already hot, just broil it for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch it closely though – it goes from golden to burnt in seconds!
Tips for the Best Spinach Artichoke Dip
After making this dip approximately a million times (okay, maybe dozens), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:
- Squeeze that spinach DRY – I’m talking until your hands hurt! Excess moisture is the enemy of creamy dip.
- Fresh garlic lovers unite – Swap the garlic powder for 2 minced cloves when you really want that punchy flavor.
- Cheese adjustments – Want it extra gooey? Add more mozzarella. Prefer tang? Up the Parmesan.
- Room temp ingredients – Take everything out 30 minutes early – cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly.
- Taste as you go – Dip needs seasoning! Adjust pepper or add a pinch of salt if needed.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll have dip perfection every single time!
Serving Suggestions for Spinach Artichoke Dip
Oh, the possibilities! This dip plays well with so many dippers – here are my absolute favorites:
- Crusty bread – Baguette slices toasted just until golden are perfect for scooping
- Tortilla chips – The sturdy ones that won’t break under all that cheesy weight
- Pita chips – Their subtle saltiness complements the dip beautifully
- Fresh veggies – Bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or carrot sticks for a lighter option
Presentation tip: I love serving this in a warm crockpot to keep it gooey all party long, or in a cute cast iron skillet straight from the oven for that rustic vibe. Don’t forget the spoon – people will dive right in!
Storage and Reheating
Okay, confession time – this dip rarely lasts long enough to store at my house! But if you somehow have leftovers (you magical self-control unicorn, you), here’s how to keep them perfect. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days max. For reheating, I always use the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly again – the microwave works in a pinch, but can make it a bit greasy. Pro tip: Sprinkle a little fresh cheese on top before reheating to revive that just-baked look!
Spinach Artichoke Dip Variations
Here’s where the fun begins – this recipe is like your favorite little black dress that you can accessorize a million ways! My go-to twists:
- Spice it up – Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for heat lovers
- Greek yogurt swap – Replace half the mayo/sour cream with Greek yogurt for tang
- Extra crunch – Add water chestnuts or top with buttery breadcrumbs
- Bacon boost – Because let’s be real… bacon makes everything better
The beauty? You can tweak this endlessly and it’s always delicious. Your turn to get creative!
Spinach Artichoke Dip FAQs
I get asked these questions ALL the time when I bring this dip to parties – so let me save you some time and share my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works great – just thaw it completely and squeeze out every last drop of water (I mean it – I’ve learned the hard way that soggy spinach ruins the texture). One 10-oz package equals about 1 cup chopped.
How far ahead can I make this?
You’ve got options! Mix everything up to 24 hours before and keep it covered in the fridge (perfect for stress-free party prep). Or bake it fully, then reheat when needed – it keeps that fresh taste beautifully.
Why is my dip watery?
Nine times out of ten, it’s under-squeezed spinach! That extra moisture comes out during baking. My trick? Wring spinach in a clean kitchen towel until no more water drips – your dip will stay gloriously creamy.
Can I make spinach artichoke dip in a slow cooker?
You bet! Mix as directed, then cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. It’s perfect for keeping warm at parties – just give it a stir now and then.
What’s the best cheese blend?
I swear by the mozzarella-Parmesan combo, but feel free to experiment! Pepper jack adds spice, while asiago brings nuttiness. Just keep the total cheese amount about the same.
Nutritional Information
Just between us – this isn’t health food, but everything’s fine in moderation, right? Here’s the scoop per serving (based on my exact recipe):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 28g (12g saturated)
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 8g
Remember, these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients – like using light mayo or extra cheese. But let’s be real… you’re here for the creamy deliciousness, not the calorie count!
Try this recipe and share your results – I’d love to hear how yours turns out! For more delicious recipes, check out our Pinterest page.
PrintCreamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe That Steals Every Party
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, flavorful dip featuring spinach and artichokes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add spinach, artichokes, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Spread mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve warm with bread or chips.
Notes
- Squeeze excess water from spinach before mixing.
- Use fresh or frozen spinach.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg