Spinach Artichoke Dip is an iconic appetizer known for its irresistible blend of cheesy, creamy textures and savory flavors. Loaded with tender spinach and marinated artichoke hearts, this dip is a true crowd-pleaser that promises to elevate any gathering. Get ready to grab your favorite chips, crackers, or fresh veggies and dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

Creamy & Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip: Your Go-To Party Appetizer

There are some appetizers that just stand the test of time, and Spinach Artichoke Dip is undoubtedly one of them. Its delightful combination of melted cheese, tangy sour cream, rich mayonnaise, and the earthy goodness of spinach and artichokes makes it an instant hit at any event. From casual family nights to festive holiday parties, this dip consistently earns rave reviews.

My love affair with Spinach Artichoke Dip began years ago while working at a bustling restaurant. It was often the first appetizer ordered by patrons, and sometimes, it even became my entire dinner! The secret to that restaurant’s success, beyond the perfectly balanced dip itself, was the accompanying fresh-baked pita chips. Since then, I’ve been a firm believer that the right dipper can transform the experience. While there are many fantastic options, warm, crunchy pita chips truly take this dip to another level!

The Irresistible Allure of Spinach Artichoke Dip

What makes Spinach Artichoke Dip so universally beloved? It’s a symphony of textures and flavors. You get the creamy warmth from the blend of cheeses and dairy, the slight tanginess that keeps it from being too heavy, and the distinctive savory notes from the spinach and tender artichoke hearts. Each scoop offers a delightful contrast – a smooth, melty base punctuated by the soft chunks of vegetables. It’s comforting, satisfying, and incredibly addictive, making it the ultimate comfort food for sharing.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Dip

Crafting the perfect Spinach Artichoke Dip starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital for achieving that rich, flavorful consistency:

• Spinach: We recommend using fresh baby spinach for its vibrant color and mild flavor. A standard 8-ounce bag is usually perfect. Chop it into smaller pieces for easier mixing and a smoother dip texture. There’s no need to pre-cook; it will wilt beautifully in the oven. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess water, which can make the dip watery.
• Cream Cheese: This is the foundation of our dip’s creamy base. Use a full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and best texture. Make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth blend with the other ingredients.
• Lemon Juice: While optional, a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice adds a wonderful brightness and a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese. It truly elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Mayonnaise: Contributes to the luxurious richness and silky-smooth texture of the dip. Use your favorite brand of quality mayonnaise for the best results.
• Sour Cream: Provides an essential tangy note and an additional layer of creaminess, balancing the richness of the cheeses and mayonnaise.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is key for a bold, savory flavor that stands out. For superior melting and flavor, we highly recommend buying a block of sharp cheddar and shredding it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
• Artichoke Hearts: Canned or jarred artichoke hearts (packed in water or oil) work perfectly. Ensure they are well-drained and chopped into small, manageable pieces. Quartered or chopped varieties are ideal.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a mild, aromatic garlic flavor that enhances the savory profile without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount to your preference or use fresh minced garlic for a stronger punch.
• Salt & Pepper: These essential seasonings bring all the flavors together. Start with the suggested amounts and adjust to taste. Remember that many dippers, especially chips, are already salty, so taste before adding too much extra salt.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top to create a beautiful golden, crispy crust when baked, adding another layer of salty, nutty flavor and a fantastic textural contrast. Freshly grated Parmesan is always superior.

How To Make the Ultimate Spinach Artichoke Dip

Making this incredible dip is surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cheesy and bubbly appetizer:

1. Prepare Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your dip is ready to go in.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dip ingredients – fresh spinach, softened cream cheese, lemon juice (if using), mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, drained and chopped artichoke hearts, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy mixture into an 8×8-inch baking pan or a 2-quart casserole dish. Ensure it’s spread evenly. Then, generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the entire surface of the dip. This will create that gorgeous golden crust.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. The dip should be hot, bubbly around the edges, and slightly golden on top.
5. Broil for a Golden Finish: For an extra crispy, golden-brown top, carefully switch your oven to the broil setting (low broil, if available). Broil for just 1-2 minutes, keeping a very close eye on it, as it can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with your choice of dippers. The flavors will be at their peak when freshly baked and hot!

The Best Accompaniments: What To Serve With Spinach Artichoke Dip

The beauty of Spinach Artichoke Dip lies in its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers, each offering a unique texture and flavor contrast. Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Pita Chips: My absolute personal favorite! Their sturdy crunch and slightly salty, often toasted flavor perfectly complement the creamy dip. Homemade pita chips are even better!
• Tortilla Chips: A classic choice, these are fantastic for scooping up generous amounts of the dip. Opt for sturdy, restaurant-style chips.
• Toasted Baguette Slices: Slices of a fresh baguette, lightly brushed with olive oil and toasted, provide a sophisticated and satisfying crunch.
• Fresh Veggies: For a lighter and healthier option, a colorful array of fresh vegetables is ideal. Think crisp carrot sticks, celery sticks, vibrant bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange), cucumber slices, or even cherry tomatoes.
• Pretzels: For those who love a salty, crunchy bite, sturdy pretzel crisps or traditional pretzels offer a delightful texture contrast.
• Crackers: Choose sturdy crackers like wheat thins, multigrain crackers, or even water crackers that can stand up to the thick consistency of the dip without breaking.

More Irresistible Appetizer Recipes:

If you loved this dip, be sure to explore more of our fantastic appetizer recipes:

• Cuban Sliders with savory pork and ham – perfect for a crowd!
• Mexican Street Corn Dip with a zesty, creamy dressing – a vibrant and flavorful choice.
• Easy Cheese Ball Recipe coated in crunchy pecans – elegant and simple.
• Zesty Queso Dip Recipe with a kick of green chiles – a Tex-Mex favorite.
• Fresh Veggie Dip with a hint of dill – a light and refreshing option.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Spinach Artichoke Dip

By
Chelsea Lords

Spinach Artichoke Dip is rich, cheesy, and packed with spinach and artichokes. Scoop it up with your favorite chips!

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
35 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Servings:
12 servings

Recipe Video (Not included in this HTML output)

For a visual guide, imagine a helpful video demonstrating each step of this delicious Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe.

Equipment

• 8 x 8-inch baking pan

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) bag fresh baby spinach coarsely chopped
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese softened
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts drained and chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping, see note 1
• Serving suggestions see note 2

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for the Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
• Spoon the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking pan or a 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
• Bake for 35 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and lightly golden.
• Set the oven to broil (low broil if available) and carefully broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
• Serve warm with pita chips, tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or your favorite dippers.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: For the best flavor and melt, grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block of Parmesan cheese using the small holes of a box grater.

Note 2: While I personally love serving this dip with homemade pita chips, other fantastic options include tortilla chips, fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers), pretzels, and toasted baguette slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 219kcal |
Carbohydrates: 6.9g |
Protein: 6.9g |
Fat: 18.8g |
Cholesterol: 37.9mg |
Sodium: 332.9mg |
Fiber: 2.4g |
Sugar: 1.3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.