Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy, indulgent dip that combines the richness of melted cheese, the earthiness of spinach, and the subtle tang of artichokes. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dip is perfect for serving at parties, game day, or as a comforting appetizer for any occasion. With its cheesy, creamy texture and irresistible flavors, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and one of your new go-to recipes for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip is a decadent and flavorful dip that’s perfect for sharing. The mix of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a smooth, cheesy base, while the spinach and artichokes add a deliciously savory depth. The dish is baked until golden and bubbling, making it even more tempting. Whether served with crispy bread, chips, or fresh vegetables, this dip is the ultimate comfort food and will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or 4 cups fresh spinach, wilted and drained)

• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (8×8-inch or similar size) with cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the spinach and artichokes: If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture. You can do this by pressing the spinach in a fine mesh strainer or wrapping it in a clean towel. If using fresh spinach, wilt it in a pan and drain it thoroughly. Chop the artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces.

3. Mix the dip: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

4. Add the spinach and artichokes: Gently fold in the spinach and chopped artichokes into the cheesy mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.

5. Bake the dip: Transfer the dip mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbling around the edges.

6. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

7. Enjoy: Serve your Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25-30 minutes

• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip: Add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dip for some extra heat.

• Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip: Swap the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise for dairy-free alternatives, and use vegan cheese for the mozzarella and Parmesan.

• Greek-style Spinach Artichoke Dip: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a handful of Kalamata olives to give the dip a Mediterranean flair.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dip back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 30-45 seconds until warm.

• Freezing: This dip can be frozen before baking for up to 1 month. To bake from frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. If baking directly from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Wilt about 4 cups of fresh spinach in a pan and make sure to drain it thoroughly 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 before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. This is a great way to save time if you’re preparing for a party.

3. Can I use other cheeses?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, Gouda, or provolone to add your own spin on the flavor.

4. How do I prevent the dip from being too runny?

Make sure to drain the spinach and artichokes thoroughly to remove excess moisture. If the dip still seems runny, you can add a bit more cheese or a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to help thicken it.

5. Can I use jarred artichoke hearts instead of canned?

Yes, jarred artichoke hearts work great in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and chop them before adding them to the dip.

6. How can I make this dip spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the dip for some added spice.

7. Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this dip in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the dip is hot and bubbly.

8. Can I make this dip gluten-free?

Yes! The dip is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients used, such as mayonnaise and sour cream, are confirmed to be gluten-free. Just be mindful of the crackers or chips you serve with it.

9. Can I make this dip vegan?

Yes, you can make this dip vegan by swapping the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives and using vegan cheese in place of mozzarella and Parmesan.

10. How can I add more flavor to the dip?

Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of nutmeg, or some fresh herbs like basil or thyme for additional depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party, gathering, or simply as a comforting snack, this dip is guaranteed to please everyone with its rich, savory flavors. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients and serve it with your preferred dippers. Give this recipe a try for your next event, and watch it disappear in no time!