Spinach Artichoke Dip: The Cozy Crowd-Pleaser You Need Tonight

Introduction

There are few smells that wrap a house in instant comfort like bubbling cheese, garlic, and roasted artichoke hearts — and that first warm scoop is pure happiness. This Spinach Artichoke Dip has been my go-to for cozy nights, impromptu gatherings, and holiday tables that need a little heart. It’s the recipe that turns strangers into friends and quiet evenings into small celebrations. If you love an easy recipe that feels indulgent and familiar, you will fall for this dip the way I did. For an extra gooey twist, I sometimes lean on an extra cheesy variation that keeps everyone reaching for more.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Artichoke Dip

– Comforting food with big, warm flavors: creamy cheese, tender spinach, and tender artichoke hearts.
– Versatile party food and quick dinner idea: serve as an appetizer or spoon it over baked chicken for a family favorite main.
– Easy recipe that’s surprisingly forgiving — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
– Healthy option swaps available: use Greek yogurt or nutritional yeast for lighter, tangy results.
– Festive meal-ready: it looks and tastes like you spent hours, even when it came together in under 30 minutes.
Plus, if you love comforting recipes that feature spinach, try pairing this dip-inspired flavor with a comforting main like chicken lasagna with spinach to turn snacks into a full-hearted feast.

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Ingredients

– 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry – keeps moisture in check.
– 14 ounces canned artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped – tender and slightly tangy.
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – the silky base of indulgence.
– 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – Greek yogurt offers a lighter, tangy option.
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise – adds richness; substitute extra Greek yogurt for a lighter dip.
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella – melts beautifully for that stretch factor.
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan – adds nutty, salty depth. Nutritional yeast is an option for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor.
– 2 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic and essential for warmth.
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – a gentle warmth that lifts the flavors.
– Salt and black pepper to taste.
– Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon (optional) – brightens and balances the creaminess.

Substitutions:

• Dairy-free: swap cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Lower fat: use low-fat Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheese.
• Fresh spinach: use 6 cups fresh spinach, wilted and squeezed dry, in place of frozen.

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Timing

– Prep time: 10 minutes (squeeze that spinach and chop artichokes).
– Cook time: 20–25 minutes (until bubbling and golden).
– Total time: about 35 minutes.
Ready faster than takeout, and worth every minute when that cheesy top turns golden and your kitchen smells amazing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spinach Artichoke Dip

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish or an ovenproof skillet.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and mayonnaise, stirring until silky.
3. Fold in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper and a little lemon zest for brightness.
4. Stir in the well-drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should feel rich and thick.
5. Transfer the dip to your prepared dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden crust.
6. Bake 20–25 minutes until the edges bubble and the top is lightly browned. For a broiled finish, broil 1–2 minutes to get a deeply golden top — watch closely so it does not burn.
7. Let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crisp vegetables. That first scoop — warm, creamy, and savory — is the moment everyone leans in.

Tips and Variations

– Make it lighter: swap half the cream cheese for ricotta and use Greek yogurt to cut richness without losing creaminess.
– Add protein: fold in shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon for a heartier dip that doubles as a quick dinner.
– Spice it up: add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky edge.
– Herb kiss: fold in chopped fresh basil or dill at the end for a bright herbal lift.
– Party build: serve the dip inside a hollowed-out sourdough loaf for a communal, festive presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Spinach Artichoke Dip steaming in a cast-iron skillet surrounded by a chorus of dipping partners: toasted sourdough slices, warm pita triangles, crunchy crudite, and kettle chips. For a cozy dinner, spoon it over baked potatoes or grilled chicken, or offer it alongside a crisp, citrusy salad and a glass of chilled white wine. If you’re dreaming of a low-key holiday spread, pair this with cheesy roasted potatoes inspired by my favorite twist on au gratin at a spinach artichoke au gratin potatoes recipe to echo the flavors across your table.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

– Make-ahead: Stir everything together and transfer to the dish, then cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature 20 minutes before baking.
– Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.
– Freezing: Freeze the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

– Squeeze the spinach: removing excess water prevents a watery dip and ensures a rich texture.
– Room-temperature cheeses blend better: let cream cheese sit out 15–20 minutes for effortless mixing.
– Use a combination of cheeses: a mix of melty and sharp cheeses creates depth and that irresistible pull.
– Watch the broiler: it takes seconds to go from golden to burned; stay close.
– Balance the salt: canned artichokes can be salty — taste before adding extra salt.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make Spinach Artichoke Dip without cheese?
A: Yes. Use a vegan cream cheese and stir in nutritional yeast and blended cashews for creaminess and savory flavor. The texture will be different but still delicious.

Q: Is this dip healthy?
A: It depends on swaps. Using Greek yogurt, less cheese, and extra spinach makes it a nourishing, protein-rich option while keeping the comfort factor.

Q: Can I use fresh artichokes?
A: You can, but canned or jarred artichoke hearts are a convenient, time-saving choice. If using fresh, cook them until tender and chop finely.

Q: How do I keep the dip from separating when reheating?
A: Reheat gently at a lower temperature and stir occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help bring it back together.

Conclusion

This Spinach Artichoke Dip is more than an appetizer — it’s a warm, nostalgic bridge between everyday moments and small celebrations. The creamy, garlicky center and golden, bubbling top invite conversation and comfort, whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner idea or a festive meal. I hope you tuck this recipe into your rotation, personalize it with your favorite swaps, and pass it along to friends who need an easy, comforting crowd-pleaser. For a classic take and extra inspiration, I love referencing Tastes Better from Scratch’s Spinach Artichoke Dip as a trusted classic to compare notes with.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

A cozy and creamy dip made with spinach and artichokes, perfect for gatherings or a comforting snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry Keeps moisture in check.
• 14 ounces canned artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped Tender and slightly tangy.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened The silky base of indulgence.
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt Greek yogurt offers a lighter, tangy option.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise Adds richness; substitute extra Greek yogurt for a lighter dip.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella Melts beautifully for that stretch factor.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Adds nutty, salty depth; nutritional yeast is an option for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and essential for warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) A gentle warmth that lifts the flavors.
• to taste Salt and black pepper
• to taste Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon (optional) Brightens and balances the creaminess.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish or an ovenproof skillet.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and mayonnaise, stirring until silky.
• Fold in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper and a little lemon zest for brightness.
• Stir in the well-drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should feel rich and thick.

Baking

• Transfer the dip to your prepared dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden crust.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges bubble and the top is lightly browned. For a broiled finish, broil for 1–2 minutes to get a deeply golden top, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crisp vegetables.

Notes

Make-ahead: Stir everything together and transfer to the dish, then cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature 20 minutes before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Freeze the cooled dip for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Keyword Cheesy Dip, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Party Food, Spinach Artichoke Dip

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest