If you’re on the hunt for a warm, comforting snack that absolutely steals the show at any gathering, you’re going to want to stick around. I’m excited to share my trusty Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe with you — it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cozy night in, this dip has got your back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super creamy and cheesy: The perfect balance of cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates an irresistible texture you’ll want to dive into.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these at home already, making it easy to whip up last-minute.
- Versatile and shareable: This dip shines at parties, game days, or as a special treat for yourself.
- Hands-off baking: Once mixed, just throw it in the oven and let it work its magic while you relax.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When I first tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how these basic ingredients come together so beautifully — creamy, tangy artichokes and spinach paired with savory cheese just can’t be beaten. Here’s what you’ll want to grab before we get started.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature; it blends more smoothly that way, so your dip is silky and not lumpy.
- Mayonnaise: Adds tang and extra creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives a nice sharpness—grate it fresh if you can for the best flavor.
- Romano cheese: This brings a salty, nutty taste that complements Parmesan well.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key — it really wakes up the entire dip with its vibrant aroma.
- Dried basil: A subtle herb note that adds freshness.
- Garlic salt: Helps season the dip, but adjust to taste so it doesn’t get too salty.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors just right.
- Artichoke hearts: Canned works best — just drain thoroughly and chop so every bite has that tender, tangy goodness.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
- Mozzarella cheese: Sprinkled on top for that golden melty finish everyone loves.
Variations
I love how flexible this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few tweaks to match different tastes or dietary needs — and you should absolutely feel free to customize it your way!
- Make it spicy: I once added a pinch of red pepper flakes, and it gave a subtle kick that my spice-loving friends went nuts for.
- Go lighter: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to cut calories while keeping creaminess; it works surprisingly well.
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based cheeses; just note that the texture might be a little different, but still delicious.
- Add crunch: Mixing in some finely chopped water chestnuts or topping with toasted breadcrumbs adds a fun contrast.
How to Make Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Base
Start by gathering your softened cream cheese, mayo, Parmesan, Romano, garlic, basil, garlic salt, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. I like to use a hand mixer here because it gets the mixture perfectly smooth, but a sturdy spoon or spatula works if you want to keep things simple. Mix everything thoroughly until it’s creamy and evenly combined — this base is what makes the dip so luscious.
Step 2: Fold in the Veggies
Once your base is ready, gently stir in the drained and chopped artichoke hearts and the thawed, well-drained spinach. Be sure to squeeze out excess liquid from the spinach — this step is crucial to avoid a watery dip. I usually press the spinach in a fine-mesh sieve or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out by hand. This keeps your dip thick and creamy.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased small baking dish, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Pop it into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 25 minutes — you want it bubbly and lightly browned on top. Keep an eye on it as it bakes; pulling it out right when it’s golden will make sure the dip is perfectly gooey and not dry.
Pro Tips for Making Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Drain the spinach thoroughly: I learned the hard way that soggy spinach makes the dip runny—wringing it dry keeps the texture perfect.
- Room temperature cream cheese: Soft cream cheese blends much easier, giving you a silky dip without lumps.
- Use fresh garlic: It really wakes up the flavor, don’t reach for powder here for the same punch.
- Watch the cheese topping: Remove from the oven as soon as the mozzarella turns golden to avoid drying out the dip.
How to Serve Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra freshly chopped parsley or some cracked black pepper on top right before serving — it adds a pretty pop of color and a touch of brightness that balances the richness. Sometimes I even grate just a pinch of extra Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish that my family adores.
Side Dishes
This dip is fantastic paired with simple toasted baguette slices, crunchy pita chips, or tortilla chips — my go-to is always a mix of toasted bread and veggie sticks for a little freshness. It also pairs really well with a light green salad if you want to round out your snack or party spread without feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake the dip inside a hollowed-out bread boule — it turns into a cozy edible bowl that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat. Another fun idea is to divide the dip into mini ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party. It always impresses guests and makes it extra easy to snack on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers (which is rare because it disappears fast!), I pop the dip into an airtight container and refrigerate it. It stays great for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before storing to redistribute any oils or moisture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dip once or twice, and it holds up pretty well if you want to make it ahead in bulk. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When thawed, the texture is a tad softer, but reheating it in the oven gently brings it back to its creamy glory.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I cover the container loosely with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through if possible. This helps maintain that nice bubbly, cheesy texture without drying it out. Microwave works too for convenience, but the oven is my favorite for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh spinach, you’ll want to wilt it quickly in a pan or microwave and then squeeze out all the excess moisture before adding it to the dip. This step is important to prevent the dip from turning watery.
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How long can I keep leftover Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip?
Leftover dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. For best quality, enjoy it within that window to keep flavors fresh and texture creamy.
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Is it possible to make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just transfer it to your baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake as usual.
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What’s the best dipping option for this recipe?
I love serving it with crispy toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or sturdy tortilla chips. Veggie sticks like carrots and celery also add a nice crunch and fresh contrast to the rich dip.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe has become my secret weapon whenever I want to wow guests without a ton of fuss. It’s reliably rich, creamy, and packed with just the right mix of flavors that make people come back for more. Next time you’re craving something warm and cheesy, or you want a dish that sparks smiles and happy chatter, give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll be as hooked as I am!
PrintHot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy hot spinach artichoke dip made with a blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella cheeses, combined with garlic, basil, artichoke hearts, and spinach. Perfectly baked to bubbly golden perfection, this dip is a crowd-pleaser ideal for serving with toasted bread or tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Romano cheese
- 0.25 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic salt
- salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 0.5 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a small baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
- Mix cheese and seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, minced garlic, dried basil, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well mixed.
- Add vegetables: Gently fold in the drained and chopped artichoke hearts and thawed, drained spinach, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the ingredients too much.
- Transfer and top: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top as a finishing layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the cheese topping is lightly browned and golden.
- Serve hot: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with toasted bread slices or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- This dip is creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, making it a perfect party appetizer or snack.
- For best results, ensure spinach is fully thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out to avoid a watery dip.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- To add a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 134 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 315 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
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