If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that a good dip has the power to make you the hero of any gathering. And this hot spinach artichoke dip? It’s the kind that has folks hovering around the snack table, “just one more bite”-ing it until the dish is scraped clean. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with melty parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and tender artichokes, all swirled together into a cheesy, golden-baked perfection.
This recipe takes me straight back to potlucks and game nights, where someone always showed up with a baked spinach artichoke dip in a well-loved dish and a bag of tortilla chips. You didn’t ask if there would be dip—you just knew. And once that first scoop hit your plate? Game over.
So whether you’re gearing up for football season, a Super Bowl showdown, or just a cozy night in, this dip is your ticket to MVP status. Just don’t be surprised when people start asking you to bring it to every gathering from now on.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella creates a rich, smooth texture that’s impossible to resist.
- Simple & Quick: Only a handful of ingredients, one large mixing bowl, and a few minutes of prep before it bakes to perfection.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From game day gatherings to holiday parties, this warm dip belongs on every snack table.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Bake it in the oven, let it simmer in a slow cooker, or use an Instant Pot for a quick, hands-free version.
The Story & Culture Behind Spinach Artichoke Dip
From Restaurant Menus to Backyard Gatherings
No one knows exactly who whipped up the first batch of spinach artichoke dip, but by the time the ‘80s and ‘90s rolled around, it was everywhere. Chain restaurants like Applebee’s and TGI Fridays made it a must-order appetizer, serving up hot, melty bowls of the good stuff alongside baskets of chips and toasted bread. But let’s be real—long before it showed up on laminated menus, rich, cheesy dips were already a Southern staple. If you grew up around a table full of queso, pimento cheese, or warm, bubbly casseroles, then you know exactly what I mean.
The Texas Twist
Around here, we don’t do bland, and we sure don’t skimp on the cheese. A Texas-style spinach artichoke dip is extra creamy, loaded with flavor, and baked until golden and bubbling. Some folks like to roast the garlic first for a deeper flavor, toss in a heavy pinch of crushed red pepper for heat, or even sneak in a little cayenne to wake up the taste buds. But at its core, this dip is all about cheese, artichokes, and spinach coming together in one irresistibly scoopable dish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish – A 1-quart dish is the perfect size.
- Large mixing bowl – For combining all the cheesy goodness.
- Slow cooker (optional) – Great for keeping the dip warm during a party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cream cheese – Softened for easy mixing.
- Sour cream – Adds tangy richness.
- Mayonnaise – Gives a little extra creaminess.
- Garlic – Because no good dip is complete without it.
- Parmesan cheese – Brings in that salty, nutty bite.
- Mozzarella cheese – For maximum gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Kosher salt & black pepper – Just enough to bring out the flavors.
- Artichoke hearts – Canned, drained, and chopped for the best texture.
- Fresh spinach or frozen spinach – Thawed and squeezed dry to prevent a watery dip.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven & Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray.
Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, 1 cup of parmesan, and mozzarella.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the Good Stuff
- Add chopped artichokes and spinach, folding them in gently.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top.
Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
- Transfer the mixture to your oven-safe dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbling.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm with pita chips, tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies.
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Chef Secrets & Pro Tips
- Use block cheese & grate it yourself – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your dip grainy.
- Drain and squeeze your spinach well – Excess moisture will make the dip watery instead of creamy.
- Want more flavor? A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes gives this dip an extra kick.
- For a restaurant-style finish, broil the dip for 2-3 minutes at the end to get a golden, slightly crispy top.
Serving Suggestions
This warm dip is perfect with:
- Crunchy tortilla chips or pita chips
- Toasted baguette slices
- Carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips for a lighter option
- Pretzels or crackers
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix everything and store it in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté fresh spinach in a little olive oil until wilted, then drain and chop.
Can I freeze spinach artichoke dip?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Slow Cooker Option: Keep warm for hours by using the low setting on a slow cooker—just stir occasionally.
This hot spinach artichoke dip recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping it up for a Super Bowl party, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy get-together with friends, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
So grab your best baking dish, get your chips or baguette ready, and dive into this cheesy spinach artichoke dip—just don’t be surprised when you catch people scraping the bottom of the dish!
Let me know how yours turns out—drop a comment below, or tag me on social media with your dip masterpiece! #GameDayDips
More Appetizers to Keep the Party Going
No party spread is complete without a solid lineup of crowd-pleasing appetizers to keep folks snacking long after they swore they were “just having a bite.” Whether you're hosting a game day get-together, a holiday gathering, or just a laid-back evening with friends, these appetizers bring big flavor and plenty of reasons to gather ‘round the snack table. From cheesy, melty dips to crispy bites with just the right amount of heat, here are a few favorites to serve alongside your hot spinach artichoke dip.
Spicy Sausage Queso – A rich, creamy cheese dip loaded with spicy sausage, Rotel tomatoes, and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for scooping with tortilla chips—or eating straight off the spoon.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms – Tender mushroom caps overflowing with a savory mix of sausage, cream cheese, and herbs, baked until golden and irresistibly bite-sized.
Balsamic Kettle Chips with Blue Cheese and Truffle Oil – Crunchy kettle chips drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze, creamy blue cheese crumbles, and a hint of truffle oil for an upscale twist on a snack classic.
Classic Lipton French Onion Dip – The ultimate no-fuss dip made with a packet of Lipton French Onion Soup Mix and creamy sour cream. Simple, nostalgic, and always a hit with wavy potato chips.
Deep Fried Scorpion Tails – Jalapeño poppers stuffed with spicy shrimp, battered, and deep-fried to crispy perfection. A fiery, crunchy bite that’s impossible to resist.
Marinated Cheese – A Southern entertaining favorite, featuring slices of sharp cheddar and cream cheese layers bathed in a zesty marinade of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices for a bold, tangy appetizer.
Before You Get Started! If you whip up this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review and rating to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps keep the kitchen running and allows me to keep sharing free recipes with y’all!
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce can) artichoke hearts liquid drained
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach thawed, squeezed to drain excess liquid
- 1 (8-ounce package) cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove fresh garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese divided
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese grated by hand
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Oven and Dish:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish (approximately 1 quart) with non-stick cooking spray.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, 1 cup of the parmesan, mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.1 (8-ounce package) cream cheese, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 clove fresh garlic, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Add Spinach and Artichokes:
- Fold chopped artichokes and spinach into the cheese mixture, mixing evenly.1 (14-ounce can) artichoke hearts, 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach
- Sprinkle top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Bake Dip:
- Transfer the dip mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and hot throughout.
Serve:
- Serve warm alongside tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
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