Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Dip is a classic and indulgent appetizer that combines the creaminess of cheese with the savory flavors of spinach and artichokes. This easy-to-make dip is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering, a party, or game day. Its rich and cheesy texture, along with the slight heat from crushed red pepper and hot sauce, creates a crowd-pleasing dip that will have everyone coming back for more. Serve it with crispy bread, chips, or fresh veggies for a delicious snack or appetizer.

This recipe combines frozen spinach, canned artichoke hearts, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a creamy base made with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. The result is a comforting, cheesy dip that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. It’s quick to whip up and can be made ahead of time for added convenience, allowing the flavors to meld even further. Whether you’re making it for a potluck or as a treat for yourself, this Spinach Artichoke Dip is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy

The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise makes this dip incredibly creamy and velvety, while the mozzarella adds a perfect cheesy stretch.

2. Savory with a Kick

The crushed red pepper and hot sauce bring a hint of heat that balances the rich creaminess of the dip, creating a delightful flavor profile.

3. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is quick and easy to make. Just mix everything together and let the oven do the work!

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or need a tasty appetizer for a potluck, this dip is sure to please. It’s great for sharing!

5. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. You can add extra garlic, cheese, or even some extra veggies for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• Frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
• Quartered artichoke hearts (canned)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper
• Butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Hot sauce

Variations

• Add Bacon: For a savory twist, mix in some crispy, crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Increase the hot sauce and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
• Add More Cheese: You can use additional cheeses like provolone, gouda, or cheddar for a more complex flavor.
• Use Fresh Spinach: If you prefer fresh spinach, you can substitute it for frozen spinach. Just make sure to sauté it and remove the excess water.
• Gluten-Free Option: Pair this dip with gluten-free crackers, bread, or veggies if you need a gluten-free snack.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach

Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess water to prevent the dip from being too watery.

Step 3: Combine the Vegetables and Cheese

In a bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, and crushed red pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Ingredients

Add the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to the garlic butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the hot sauce.

Step 6: Combine the Mixtures

Pour the creamy sauce over the spinach and artichoke mixture, stirring until everything is fully coated.

Step 7: Bake

Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping items, such as toasted bread, crackers, or vegetables.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Squeeze Out Excess Water: Be sure to squeeze as much water as possible from the spinach before mixing it in to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will provide the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dip, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to the mixture to reach your desired consistency.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the dip ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for 30 minutes.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re expecting a large crowd, double the ingredients and bake it in a larger casserole dish.

How to Serve

Spinach Artichoke Dip is perfect for dipping! Serve it with:

• Toasted baguette slices
• Tortilla chips
• Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers
• Crackers
• Crostini or pita chips

It’s a versatile dip that pairs well with almost anything, so you can get creative with your serving options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or bake it again at 375°F until heated through.

Freezing

This dip can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble the dip, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as instructed.

Reheating

To reheat the dip, cover it with foil and bake it at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly again. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it in a pan to wilt it and remove excess water before adding it to the dip.

2. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This can help the flavors meld together even more.

3. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even gouda for different flavor profiles.

4. Can I make this dip vegetarian?

Yes, this dip is already vegetarian, so it’s great for vegetarian guests.

5. Can I add meat to this dip?

For a meatier version, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or chicken to the dip.

6. Can I freeze Spinach Artichoke Dip?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dip (before baking) for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

7. Can I make this dip spicier?

To add more heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce or crushed red pepper in the recipe.

8. Can I substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.

9. What should I serve with Spinach Artichoke Dip?

This dip pairs wonderfully with chips, bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers.

10. How long does Spinach Artichoke Dip last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Spinach Artichoke Dip is the ultimate comfort food for gatherings and events. Its creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the savory flavors of spinach and artichokes makes it a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. With its easy prep, simple ingredients, and rich flavor, this dip is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it for a cozy night in, this dip is sure to be a hit!

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