SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP
Spinach Artichoke Dip is about to become your new favorite appetizer. Serve it with toasted French bread, and it might just become your new favorite dinner option!
This Spinach Artichoke Dip is not only incredibly delicious but also super easy to make.
With just a handful of ingredients like fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, and a variety of creamy cheeses, it comes together in no time.
Whether you're hosting a party, tailgating, having friends over for game night, or simply craving a comforting snack, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You'll Love Spinach Artichoke Dip
Here are some reasons why Spinach Artichoke Dip is the perfect appetizer for any party:
- Easy to make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this dip quick to prepare.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or game night, everyone will be asking for seconds.
- Rich and creamy: A blend of cheeses, sour cream, and mayo creates an irresistibly creamy texture.
- Versatile serving options: Serve with chips, bread, or veggie. This dip pairs well with almost anything!
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it in advance and simply reheat when needed.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Easily customizable to fit different dietary needs.
Equipment Needed for Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients You'll Need for Spinach Artichoke Dip
- 10-Ounce Bag Fresh Spinach
- 1 Small White or Yellow Onion, diced
- 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, room temp
- 16 Ounces Sour Cream
- ⅔ Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Cans Artichoke Hearts, drained and chopped (14 ounces each)
- 6 Ounces Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Pepper
- ½ Cup Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth
- 8 Ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Step by Step Instructions to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large skillet.
Step 3
Saute the onions and the garlic until the onions turn translucent.
Step 4
Add handfuls of fresh spinach to the pan and let it cook down before adding more. Repeat this until all the spinach has been cooked down in the butter mixture.
This entire process should take about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
Step 6
Add the parmesan cheese, pepper, and artichoke. Stir well.
Step 7
Add the broth and stir until it’s fully incorporated into the mixture. It will be slightly soupy, but trust the process.
Step 8
Fold in the spinach mixture and mozzarella.
Step 9
Pour and spread evenly into a 4-quart baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
Step 10
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with crackers, tortilla chips, toasted French bread slices, bagel chips, etc. Serve and Enjoy!
Popular Substitutions & Additions
One of the best things about this Spinach Artichoke Dip is how versatile it can be, making it the perfect party recipe. Whether you’re looking to lighten it up, add some extra flavor, or cater to different dietary needs, there are plenty of easy substitutions and additions to make it your own.
Here are some popular substitutions and additions for this Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe:
- Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream: For a lighter version, swap out sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Frozen Spinach for Fresh Spinach: Thaw and drain frozen spinach as an easy alternative to fresh.
- Marinated Artichokes: Add extra flavor by using marinated artichoke hearts instead of canned.
- Gruyere or Monterey Jack for Mozzarella: Swap mozzarella with these cheeses for a slightly different taste.
- Add Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a savory, smoky touch to the dip.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and vegan cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh herbs like parsley or a dash of cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor.
Serving Ideas for Spinach Artichoke Dip
Here are some great serving ideas for your Spinach Artichoke Dip:
- Toasted French bread slices: Crisp and perfect for scooping up the creamy dip.
- Tortilla chips: A classic option that adds a salty crunch.
- Pita bread or pita chips: Soft or crispy, pita pairs wonderfully with this dip.
- Crackers: Choose a sturdy variety like wheat or multigrain to handle the richness.
- Fresh veggies: Carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices, and bell peppers add a refreshing crunch.
- Pretzels: Soft or hard pretzels bring a fun, salty twist to the dip.
- Stuffed into mushrooms: Use the dip as a filling for baked stuffed mushrooms for an elevated appetizer.
- Baked on pizza: Spread the dip on a pizza crust and top with extra cheese for a unique spin.
FAQs about Spinach Artichoke Dip
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before using.
Can I use a red onion instead of a white or yellow onion?
While white or yellow onions are recommended, a red onion can work if you prefer its slightly sweeter taste.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for sour cream, keeping the creaminess intact.
What type of artichoke hearts should I use?
Use canned artichoke hearts that are drained and chopped. You can use marinated ones for extra flavor, but be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
You can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of cheeses.
Is vegetable broth or chicken broth better for this recipe?
Either works well, but chicken broth adds a slightly richer flavor. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Can I omit the mayonnaise?
Yes, but it will slightly alter the creamy texture. You can replace it with more sour cream or cream cheese if preferred.
How do I keep the dip from becoming too watery?
Be sure to drain the artichokes and remove excess moisture from the spinach before adding them to the mix.
Can I bake the dip instead of cooking it on the stovetop?
Absolutely! After preparing the dip, you can transfer it to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Recommended
For more appetizers and party friendly foods, check out our other appetizers like our Football Frosting Board, Crock Pot Taco Queso, and our French Fry Board.
Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP
Equipment
- 4-Quart Baking Dish
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
- 10- Ounce Bag Fresh Spinach
- 1 Small White or Yellow Onion diced
- 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese room temp
- 16 Ounces Sour Cream
- ⅔ Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Cans Artichoke Hearts drained and chopped (14 ounces each)
- 6 Ounces Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Pepper
- ½ Cup Vegetable or Chicken Broth
- 8 Ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large skillet.
- Saute the onions and the garlic until the onions turn translucent.
- Add handfuls of fresh spinach to the pan and let it cook down before adding more.
- Repeat this until all the spinach has been cooked down in the butter mixture.
- This entire process should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
- Add the parmesan cheese, pepper, and artichoke.
- Stir well.
- Add the broth and stir until it’s fully incorporated into the mixture.
- It will be slightly soupy, but trust the process.
- Fold in the spinach mixture and mozzarella.
- Pour and spread evenly into a 4-quart baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately with crackers, tortilla chips, toasted French bread slices, bagel chips, etc. Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
If you’re not a huge fan of artichokes, cut the artichoke amount in half. No need to adjust any other part of the recipe.
If you prefer things a little saltier, you can add salt when you add the pepper in. Between the cheese and other ingredients, salt was never necessary for us. Be sure to taste the mixture before baking to ensure the saltiness is to your liking.
Broth or stock works for this recipe. I don’t suggest using beef broth, but vegetable and chicken broth have always been perfect options for this recipe.
You can utilize frozen spinach, if you prefer, but be prepared for some flavor to be removed. You’ll simply skip the step of adding the spinach to the saute pan. Be sure to really squeeze the water out of that frozen spinach so it doesn’t make the dip too runny.
Using quality cheeses will make all the difference in the flavor you end up with. It’s worth it, trust me.
