This hot spinach artichoke dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, it’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.
Trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one scoop! I love serving it with crunchy chips or warm bread. It’s a fun way to get your veggies in—who knew spinach could taste this good? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach is convenient, but you can also use fresh spinach. Just sauté a few cups of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and drain it. I’ve found fresh enhances the flavor even more!
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichoke hearts are easy to find, but jarred ones often have more flavor. If you’re adventurous, try marinated artichokes for an extra kick!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives a creamy base, but you can swap it for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just know that it will be less creamy, but still delicious!
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for melting, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Cheddar for a different flavor. Parmesan adds a nice salty touch, so I’d keep that in!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. I prefer the fresh taste, as it really pops in the dip!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Dip?
Getting that smooth and creamy texture is all about combining the ingredients well and ensuring everything is drained properly. Here are some tips:
- Make sure the spinach is completely thawed and drained to avoid a watery dip.
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo until very smooth. You might want to use a hand mixer for an even fluffier texture!
- Don’t rush baking! Let it bubble and brown for the best cheesy texture.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a rich, creamy dip that everyone will love!
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this cheesy delight in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dip is ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Spinach:
Take your thawed spinach and squeeze out as much water as you can using a clean kitchen towel or some paper towels. We want to avoid a watery dip!
3. Mix the Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Good Stuff:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the drained spinach, chopped artichokes, minced garlic, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and colorful!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Spread this vibrant mixture into a cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe dish. Make sure it’s distributed evenly! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top for that gooey finish.
6. Bake Your Dip:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with a lovely golden color.
7. Cool and Serve:
Take the dip out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help prevent burns while you enjoy your snack!
8. Enjoy:
Serve this delightful dip warm with toasted bread slices, crackers, or even some crunchy vegetable sticks for dipping. Everyone is sure to love it!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, savory Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip that’s perfect for parties or gatherings!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, simply use about 3 cups of wilted fresh spinach. Sauté it in a bit of olive oil until wilted, then chop and drain before adding it to the dip.
How Do I Store Leftover Dip?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently in the microwave or warm it up in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance! Just assemble it in your baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through properly.
What Can I Serve with This Dip?
This dip pairs perfectly with a variety of dippers! Serve it with toasted slices of baguette, tortilla chips, pita chips, or crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a fun and tasty experience!
