Cream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
If you’re like me and can’t resist a warm, creamy, cheesy dip that brings everyone together at the party, then you’re going to adore this Cream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe. It’s honestly one of those magic recipes I keep coming back to because it’s super easy, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for game night, a casual get-together, or just because you deserve a tasty snack, stick around—I’ll share all my tips to make sure your dip comes out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Creamy Texture: Thanks to the combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo, every bite is silky and smooth without being too heavy.
- Balanced Flavors: The parmesan adds nuttiness while mozzarella melts beautifully, and the garlic brings just the right punch.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With under 10 minutes prep and a short bake time, it’s ready to impress fast.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect alongside chips, crackers, or toasted bread for endless snacking possibilities.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Cream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe plays a special role to give you that classic, rich flavor and perfect creamy consistency. Plus, I’ll clue you in on what to look for when shopping so your dip shines.
- Cream Cheese: This is the base for the dip’s creaminess, so make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps and get that smooth blend.
- Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the richness of cream cheese while keeping it light.
- Mayonnaise: Helps keep the dip moist and adds a little extra depth with its mellow flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs more punch than powder, balancing the cheesy richness with a savory kick.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely shredded for a nutty, salty edge—it melts in beautifully but doesn’t get stringy.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey stretchiness that everyone loves in a baked dip.
- Pepper: Just a touch enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Artichoke Hearts (Canned): Make sure to thoroughly drain and chop them—they bring a mild, slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the spinach.
- Frozen Spinach: Thaw completely and squeeze out all excess water to keep your dip from getting watery.
Make It Your Way
I love how versatile this Cream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe can be. You can easily tweak it based on what you have on hand or dietary needs—but honestly, the original combo hits the spot every time. Don’t be shy about making it your own with these ideas!
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños when I want to turn up the heat, and my friends absolutely love that surprise punch.
- Dairy-Free Variation: Swap out cream cheese and mayo for vegan versions and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Fresh Spinach: If you want fresher taste, sauté baby spinach until wilted instead of frozen—just make sure to squeeze out the moisture well.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked bacon bits or shredded chicken for a heartier dip that can almost pass as a meal.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always spray my baking dish with a little non-stick spray ahead of time to keep that dip from sticking and make cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll thank me later! I like a small 1-quart dish because the dip stays nice and thick.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
Grab a bowl and stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, parmesan, mozzarella, and a good sprinkle of pepper. I find mixing the cheeses and cream cheese first helps avoid lumps—and make sure your cream cheese is room temperature!
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Now stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and thoroughly squeezed spinach. The key here is to get as much moisture out as possible—if it’s too wet, your dip can end up runny, and nobody wants that.
Step 4: Bake to Melty Perfection
Spread your mixture evenly into your prepared dish and slide it into the oven for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for everything to be warmed through and the cheese to be nice and melty. If you want a golden top, you can broil it for the last 2 minutes—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Serve immediately with your favorite dippers—I love tortilla chips, but toasted baguette slices or crunchy crackers are just as good. It’s impossible not to dig in once this dip is bubbly and hot!
Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Warm Cream Cheese: Always let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing—that smooth texture is a game changer.
- Drain, Drain, Drain: Squeeze frozen spinach and canned artichokes very well to prevent extra liquid from watering down your dip.
- Mix by Hand: Use a sturdy spoon or spatula instead of a mixer; it helps keep the dip from becoming too thin and keeps the texture perfect.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Baking too long can dry out the dip—set a timer for 20 minutes and check the melty goodness right then.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra freshly grated parmesan or some chopped fresh parsley right on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens things up. Sometimes, a little crushed red pepper flakes on top gives a nice visual and flavor punch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs so nicely with crunchy veggies like celery sticks, carrot batons, and bell pepper slices for a lighter option. For carbs, I’m all about toasted baguette slices or hearty pita chips. And during cooler months, I love serving it alongside a hot soup or chili for a cozy combo.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite tricks for parties is serving this dip in a hollowed-out sourdough boule—everyone raves about the rustic look and the bonus bread dipping! You can also spoon it into mini ramekins for individual servings or even stuff it inside puff pastry triangles for a fancy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. I always make sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent drying out before sealing the container.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dip! I usually pop it into a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake it at 350°F until bubbly and warmed through—usually about 20-25 minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, I find baking it is best for keeping the creamy texture intact. Just cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent the top from drying out, bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warm. Microwaving works in a pinch, but can make the dip a little watery.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this Cream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, just sauté it briefly until wilted and then squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it into the dip. This prevents the dip from becoming watery and ensures a creamy texture.
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What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
The easiest trick is to leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before making the dip. If you’re in a hurry, microwave it in short 10-second bursts, turning in between, until it’s soft but not melted.
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Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the dip ingredients a day in advance and store it in the fridge, then bake just before your event. This makes hosting so much easier and the dip will still turn out perfectly creamy and delicious.
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What should I serve with Cream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip?
Classic tortilla chips, crunchy crackers, and toasted bread slices are my go-to options. For a lighter touch, fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers are wonderful for dipping as well.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free, but just be sure to choose gluten-free dippers like certain chips or crackers if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is honestly one of my all-time favorites to bring out whenever I want something comforting, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing. It’s that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that I just can’t get enough of—and I know you’ll love it just as much. Next time you need a quick and delicious appetizer (or just want to treat yourself), give this recipe a try. I promise, it won’t disappoint, and soon enough, it’ll be your go-to dip too!
PrintCream Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
This creamy and cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Made with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, parmesan, mozzarella, spinach, and artichoke hearts, it bakes to golden perfection and pairs wonderfully with chips, crackers, or toasted bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, well softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic clove, minced
- 2/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (76g)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese (56g)
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 (14 oz) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 6 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain excess liquid
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a small 1-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prepare it for the dip.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the chopped artichoke hearts and thoroughly drained spinach into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Bake the Dip: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake until the dip is heated through and melted, about 20 minutes.
- Serve Warm: Remove the dish from the oven and serve the dip warm. Accompany with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain frozen spinach and canned artichokes to avoid a watery dip.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier and slightly healthier twist.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top before baking.
- This dip can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; simply bake right before serving.
- Try serving with pita chips or fresh vegetable sticks for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
