If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleaser snack, look no further than this Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe. Bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness blended perfectly with tender spinach and tangy artichoke hearts, this dip is the kind of warm, comforting treat that instantly brings people together. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or a festive celebration, serving up this dip guarantees smiles all around and endless requests for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe is its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that come together to create something truly irresistible. Each component adds its own special charm to the final flavor and texture, from the rich cream cheese to the sharp Parmesan and melty mozzarella.
- Artichoke hearts (1 can, 14 oz, drained and chopped): These provide a wonderfully tender texture and a slightly tangy, earthy flavor that balances perfectly with the creamy elements.
- Frozen spinach (1 package, 10 oz, thawed and drained): Adds vibrant color and a subtle spinach flavor while keeping the dip fresh and healthy.
- Cream cheese (1 cup, softened): The creamy foundation that makes every bite delightfully smooth and rich.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle tang, enhancing the overall creaminess and helping marry all the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Packs a salty, nutty punch that elevates the dip’s savory depth.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded, plus 1/4 cup for topping): Offers luscious meltiness and that golden, bubbly crust on top.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds just the right hint of garlicky warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt (1/4 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting your oven to the right temperature ensures that your dip bakes evenly, resulting in a warm, bubbly treat with a beautifully golden top.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and combine the chopped artichoke hearts, thawed and drained spinach, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is well blended, creating a creamy and textured base that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Next, transfer your spinach and artichoke mixture into a 9-inch baking dish or something similarly sized. Spread it out evenly, making sure the surface is nice and smooth for even baking.
Step 4: Top with Mozzarella
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the dip. This step is what gives you that irresistible golden brown, bubbly cheese crust that everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dip is hot throughout, bubbling at the edges, and the cheese topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, it’s time to serve. Scoop it out while it’s warm and gooey and watch your guests delight in every bite of this classic comfort food.
How to Serve Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe even more, consider adding a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives brings a pop of color and freshness, while a light dusting of extra Parmesan adds an extra umami punch. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top can add a nice kick.
Side Dishes
This dip is incredibly versatile with what you serve it alongside. Crunchy tortilla chips, crispy pita wedges, or fresh crusty bread are perfect for dipping. For a healthier twist, try sliced veggies like bell peppers, cucumber sticks, or carrot coins—they add a nice crunch and balance the rich dip wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can truly make your Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe stand out. Try serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic, shareable feel. Individual ramekins topped with melted cheese make for elegant servings at parties. You could even use mini bell peppers or baked potato skins as edible vessels, offering a colorful and creative twist that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which can be rare!), store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready, simply reheat for a quick snack or addition to your next meal.
Freezing
This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe freezes well, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Portion the dip into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring the dip back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until it’s warm and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, sauté about 6 cups until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to your dip mixture. This can add a fresher flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this dip vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and cheeses for plant-based versions. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How spicy is this dip?
This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe is mild and creamy, perfect for all taste buds. However, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you want to give it a gentle kick.
Can I prepare this dip in advance and bake it later?
Definitely! Prepare the dip mixture ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, add the topping and bake as usual.
What’s the best way to serve this dip at a party?
Keep the dip warm by baking it right before guests arrive or use a small warming tray. Serve it with plenty of dippers like chips, bread, and veggies so everyone can dig in happily.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe truly has a way of bringing people together with its creamy, cheesy, and flavorful magic. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim but impressive enough to star at any gathering. Once you try it, it’s sure to become your go-to dip that everyone raves about, making every occasion a little warmer and more delicious.
Print
Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Combining tender artichokes, nutritious spinach, and a blend of cheeses with savory seasonings, this dip bakes to golden perfection and is delicious served warm with chips, crackers, or fresh bread.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, thawed and drained spinach, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly in a 9-inch or similarly sized baking dish to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip for a bubbly, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with your choice of chips, crackers, or fresh bread for dipping. Enjoy your delicious appetizer!
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze excess moisture from the spinach to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with sour cream for a tangier flavor if preferred.
- This dip can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving to save time.
- To make it gluten-free, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
