What is a dip? Is there a dip that vanishes faster than you can say “seconds”? I’m talking about a woman. “What is spinach artichoke dip. This isn’t some fancy, fussy recipe. What is the kind of warm, comforting dip that I’ve made countless times, and it’s always a hit. If you love a cheesy, gooey appetizer, and especially if you’re gonna try baked brie (this is naive) (I have to try this) then you are in luck. You’re absolutely going to adore this. My family practically inhales it, and I’m pretty sure yours will too!

What is Spinach Artichoke Dip?

Think of spinach artichoke dipAs a comfort food appetizer, you can serve it as an appetizer. Is this a creamy, cheesy mixture loaded with spinach and artichoke hearts? What is the best way to serve a grilled cheese sandwich warm with your favorite dippers? The beauty of this dip is its simplicity; it’s a very good dip. It requires basic ingredients and minimal effort, but the result is an explosion of flavor. The creamy texture perfectly complements the slight tang of artichokes and the earthy flavor of garlic. Is it always the first thing to disappear at a gathering?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love this movie?What is spinach artichoke dipLet me count the ways:

Flavor:The combination of creamy cheeses, tangy artichoke hearts, and earthy spinach is simply delicious. It’s a party in your mouth! I’ve tweaked it over the years to get the perfect balance of flavors, and let me tell you, it’s a good flavor.
Simplicity:What are some of the easiest recipes to make? I can whip up a quick dinner in 2 hours.
Cost-What are some of the best ingredients to buy at a grocery store? Is it a restaurant quality appetizer without the restaurant price tag? This one’s a real winner when I’m trying to impress on budget.
Versatility: You can serve it with just about anything – tortilla chips, crusty bread, crackers, or even veggies. It’s also great as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. Trust me, you’ll find yourself craving it in all sorts of ways!

I often compare this to a really good Buffalo Chicken Dip, but with a vegetarian twist. It’s just as satisfying, but feels a little bit lighter (even though it’s still super cheesy!). What I love most about this is how customizable it is. You can add a little kick with some red pepper flakes, or throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. This really is a recipe that you can make your own!

How do you make Spinach Artichoke Dip?

Quick Overview

Making this What is spinach artichoke dip is incredibly straightforward. Simply combine the ingredients in a bowl, transfer to a baking dish, and bake until golden and bubbly. The best part is that you can easily prep it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. This recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or any time you need a quick and delicious appetizer!

Ingredients

For the Dip:

1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: I prefer the kind packed in water, not oil, for a cleaner flavor.
10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry. How do you squeeze out excess water from your dip? I usually use paper towels to get it as dry as possible.
8 ounces of cream cheese, softened: 4 cups. What is the best way to make a creamy dip? I usually leave it out on the counter for an hour or so.
What is the best mayonnaise recipe? I always use full-fat mayo for the best flavor and texture.
1 cup sour cream: Adds a bit of tanginess that balances out the richness of the cheese and mayo.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that amazing cheesy pull! I like to use low-moisture mozzarella so it melts nicely.
12 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor. Freshly Grated is always best!
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a little bit of zing. I’m a garlic lover, so sometimes I even add an extra clove!
14 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick!
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season it well!

For Serving:

Tortilla chips, crusty bread, crackers, or veggies

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish. I usually use a glass or ceramic dish, but metal one works too. Make sure to grease it will make clean up later a breeze.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the softened Cream Cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. This is where elbow grease helps! A hand mixer works great too.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the chopped artichoke hearts, squeezed spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and minced garlic. Garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). What is the best way to mix everything together? Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there to make sure everything is mixed thoroughly!

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. I usually sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese on top for an extra golden crust.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent it from burning. The edges should be nice and golden.

Step 6: Let Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you set up cheese? Serve warm with your favorite dippers.

What should I serve it with?

What are the endless possibilities when it comes to serving this world?spinach artichoke dipWhat are some of my favorite options?

Tortilla chipsI love using restaurant-style tortilla chips for their sturdiness.
Crusty bread:What is the best way to scoop up a creamy dip?
Crackers: Any kind of cracker will work, but I especially like using sturdy crackers like Triscuits or Wheat Thins.
Veggies: For a healthier option, serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, or bell pepper slices.

For a cozy night in, I love serving this dip with a glass of red wine and some warm, crusty bread. For parties, I usually set up a whole spread with a variety of dippers so everyone can find something they love. My family loves when I make a big batch of this for game days – it always disappears in minutes! I’ve even served it as a topping for baked potatoes before – talk about delicious!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Spinach Artichoke Dip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this spinach artichoke dip even better. Here are my top tips:

Squeeze the spinach REALLY well: This is the most important step! Excess moisture will make your dip watery. I usually use paper towels to squeeze out as much water as possible.
Use softened cream cheese: Softened cream cheese will blend more easily and create a smoother dip. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it for a few seconds until it’s soft.
Don’t overbake it: Overbaking can make the dip dry and rubbery. Bake it just until it’s heated through and the top is golden brown.
Add a little kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dip.
Customize the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack would all be delicious additions.
Make it ahead of time: You can easily prepare the dip ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

One time, I forgot to squeeze the spinach properly and ended up with a soupy mess! I had to drain off the excess liquid and add more cream cheese to thicken it up. That’s when I learned the importance of squeezing the spinach! Another time, I accidentally used artichoke hearts packed in oil, and the dip was way too greasy. Now, I always make sure to use the kind packed in water. Little mistakes like these taught me the importance of following the recipe closely!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover spinach artichoke dip (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the dip for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: You can reheat the dip in the oven, microwave, or stovetop.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave: Microwave the dip in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Stovetop: Heat the dip in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until heated through.

I usually prefer to reheat it in the oven for the best texture. Reheating in the microwave can sometimes make it a little rubbery. If you’re reheating it from frozen, it’s best to thaw it completely before reheating for even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just serve it with gluten-free tortilla chips or crackers. You can also use gluten-free bread for dipping. The dip itself is naturally gluten-free!

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it until wilted, then chop it and squeeze out all the excess water. Frozen spinach is just easier and more convenient, in my opinion.

Can I add meat to this dip?

Definitely! Cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the dip along with the other ingredients.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake it, add a few minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor and texture of the dip slightly.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for spinach artichoke dip! I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s truly the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just craving a warm and comforting snack, this dip is sure to hit the spot. And if you’re looking for other crowd-pleasing appetizers, you should definitely try my buffalo Chicken Dip or my seven-layer dip. They’re just as easy to make and always a hit!

Happy dipping, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. And if you try any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them! Share your creations with me on social media using #MyFavoriteDip.