Spinach Artichoke Dip

Forgetting to squeeze your thawed spinach dry is the single biggest culprit behind a watery, disappointing dip. Taking that extra minute ensures your spinach artichoke dip emerges from the oven luxuriously thick and perfectly scoopable. I learned this the hard way years ago, bringing a sadly soupy version to a friend’s game day party. It was a lesson in patience and a good kitchen towel. Since then, I’ve perfected this classic, turning it into my most requested, no-fail party dish. This spinach artichoke dip recipe is the ultimate creamy, baked party favorite for a reason. It’s the comforting, cheesy anchor of any gathering, from casual family nights to big game day spreads. It’s about simple ingredients coming together to create something warm, welcoming, and utterly irresistible. Let’s make a batch that will have everyone hovering around the baking dish, scoop after delicious scoop.

Print

Ingredients List

This spinach artichoke dip gets its iconic flavor from a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients. The magic is in their combination.

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:

• Lighter Version: Use light or Neufchâtel cream cheese, light sour cream, and light mayonnaise. Part-skim mozzarella works perfectly.
• Dairy-Free: Swap in your favorite plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor to the Parmesan portion.
• Fresh Spinach: You can use about 5-6 cups of fresh spinach. Sauté it with a touch of oil until fully wilted, then squeeze out ALL the liquid.
• Cheese Choices: A blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella is fantastic. For extra tang, add a handful of shredded Gruyère.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

This is about 30% faster than many recipes that require pre-cooking a roux. We’re going for a straightforward mix-and-bake method that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for the best, creamiest spinach artichoke dip you’ve ever made.

1. Prep the Greens. This is the most important step! Place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Twist and squeeze over the sink until no more green liquid runs out. You’ll be amazed at how much water comes out. Chop the drained artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix the Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat until smooth and fully combined. This creamy base is what makes the dip so luxuriously rich.
3. Combine Everything. To the creamy base, add 1 cup of the mozzarella, ½ cup of the Parmesan, the minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir well. Now, fold in the thoroughly squeezed spinach and chopped artichokes until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Bake to Perfection. Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish (like an 8x8 or 9-inch round). Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan over the top. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes, until the dip is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown and beautifully melted.
5. Rest and Serve. Let the baked spinach artichoke dip rest for about 5 minutes after pulling it from the oven. This allows it to set slightly, making it the perfect scoopable consistency for your chips, bread, or veggies.

Nutritional Information

(Per ¼ cup serving, approximate): Calories: 180 | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Protein: 6g | Calcium: 15% DV | Vitamin A: 25% DV.

Spinach is a great source of vitamins A and K, while artichokes provide fiber. Using the lighter ingredient swaps mentioned above can adjust these numbers to fit your dietary goals while still enjoying this classic comfort food.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this spinach artichoke dip recipe. Just a few basics from a regular kitchen:

• A large mixing bowl
• A hand mixer or sturdy spatula
• A clean kitchen towel or paper towels (for the spinach!)
• A 2-quart baking dish (8x8 inch square or 9-inch round work perfectly)
• A standard oven

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spinach artichoke dip has earned its spot as a party staple for some very good reasons.

• Crowd-Pleasing Guarantee: It’s the dish that disappears first. The combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors is universally loved.
• Incredibly Easy: No roux, no complicated steps. It’s a simple mix-and-bake situation, perfect for stress-free hosting.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the entire dip a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just add the final cheese topping and bake when you’re ready. It’s a game-changer for party planning.
• Versatile Serving: Equally amazing with tortilla chips, crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks. It works for any season or occasion.
• Tastes Like Home: It’s that familiar, cozy flavor that brings people together. Simple ingredients, warm memories.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily tweak this spinach artichoke dip to align with different dietary preferences without sacrificing the creamy, comforting essence.

• For a Lighter Dip: Use the light/lower-fat versions of cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and cheese as listed in the swaps. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for half of the sour cream for a protein boost.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: The market for plant-based dairy has exploded. Use high-quality vegan cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheeses. The flavors have come a long way and work wonderfully here.
• Boost the Veggies: Add in finely chopped roasted red peppers, water chestnuts for crunch, or even some extra sautéed mushrooms for an even more veggie-forward version.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers, chips, or vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

A hot, bubbly dish of spinach artichoke dip is the star of the show, but what you serve it with completes the experience.

• The Classic Scoops: Sturdy tortilla chips, pita chips, baguette slices (toasted or soft), and sturdy crackers like Triscuits are all perfect vehicles.
• Veggie Platter: For a fresher option, serve with carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, and cherry tomatoes. It’s a great way to balance the richness.
• For a Full Spread: This dip is a natural fit on a board with other easy game day dips. Pair it with my zesty Buffalo Chicken Dip for a spicy option, or my elegant Hot Crab Dip for a seafood twist. For a cool contrast, a layered Loaded Taco Dip is always a hit.
• As a Topping: Don’t box it in as just a dip! It’s fantastic spooned over baked potatoes, grilled chicken breasts, or even as a pasta sauce thinned with a little pasta water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small missteps can take your spinach artichoke dip from fabulous to flawed. Here’s how to steer clear.

1. Not Squeezing the Spinach Enough: I said it at the start, and I’ll say it again. Watery spinach = watery dip. Squeeze until your hands are tired. It’s non-negotiable for the right texture.
2. Using Cold Cream Cheese: If your cream cheese is straight from the fridge, it will be lumpy and won’t blend smoothly into the base. Let it sit on the counter for 30-60 minutes before you start.
3. Overbaking: You want it bubbly and golden, not dried out. The dip will continue to set as it cools. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil.
4. Skipping the Fresh Garlic: Garlic powder is a fine backup, but the punch of fresh minced garlic makes a world of difference in flavor. Don’t skip it.
5. Forgetting to Let it Rest: Scooping into a lava-hot, completely liquid dip is a recipe for burns and a mess. Letting it sit for 5 minutes allows it to thicken to the ideal dippable consistency.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This spinach artichoke dip makes fantastic leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!).

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For a larger amount, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). You may want to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating in the oven.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dip for up to 2 months. Assemble it in a freezer-safe baking dish, but wait to add the final cheese topping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the cheese, and bake as directed. Note: The texture of the dairy may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste delicious.
• Make-Ahead: As mentioned, this is one of the best easy dips for game day prep. Assemble the dip (without the final cheese topping) up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

This spinach artichoke dip recipe is more than just an appetizer; it’s a reliable, joyful centerpiece for any gathering. It proves that with a few simple ingredients and one crucial tip (squeeze that spinach!), you can create a dish that feels both special and deeply comforting. It’s the definition of comfort food, made easy. Whether you’re hosting a crowd for the big game or just want a cozy snack for movie night, this dip delivers every time. I hope it becomes a trusted favorite in your kitchen, creating its own warm memories around your table.

If you’re looking for more stress-free, crowd-feeding ideas, check out my full guide to Crockpot Appetizer Recipes for hands-off hosting. And for another creamy, cheesy favorite, you have to try my Creamy Jalapeno Popper Dip.

I’d love to hear how your spinach artichoke dip turns out! Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest so I can see your delicious creation. Happy dipping.

Okay, here's the requested RankMath-compatible FAQ block for "Spinach Artichoke Dip," following all specified formatting instructions:

FAQs about Spinach Artichoke Dip

💬 Lets Stay Connected!
For daily recipes, kitchen tips, and exclusive content, follow me on:
👉 Facebook for behind the scenes and community fun
👉 Pinterest for visual inspiration and meal ideas
👉 X (Twitter) for quick tips and trending recipes

📲 Join the flavor journey, your next favorite recipe is just a follow away!