If you’re searching for the ultimate party pleaser, look no further than Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip. This classic crowd-pleasing appetizer is irresistibly creamy, packed with bold flavors, and ridiculously simple to whirl together. With its perfect blend of gooey cheese, savory spinach, and tender artichokes, it’s the kind of dish everyone flocks to at a gathering—whether you’re at a casual potluck or a festive holiday celebration. The best part? It only takes minutes to prep, but the reward is a bubbling, golden dip that tastes like it took hours of loving care. Prepare for rave reviews the moment you set out your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip comes together with just a handful of kitchen staples, but each one plays a key role in its luscious, layered flavor. There’s a balance of creamy, cheesy, tangy, and savory notes in every scoop, all thanks to these essentials:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The backbone of richness and creaminess, it creates that signature smooth base.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds an irresistible tang and helps balance all the cheesy flavors.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Gives an extra touch of creaminess and depth you can’t get from dairy alone.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully and brings stretchy, cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Infuses salty, nutty notes, and helps the top crisp up as it bakes.
- Artichoke Hearts (1 can, 14 oz, drained and chopped): Their juicy bite adds delicious substance and a hint of brininess.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach (1 cup, thawed and well-drained): Delivers color, earthiness, and nutritional heft without overpowering the dip.
- Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Essential for mouthwatering aroma and flavor.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the savoriness with a subtle kick.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (pinch, optional): Adds a touch of heat if you want your dip to pop.
How to Make Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 375°F. Starting with a hot oven ensures your dip will bake evenly and achieve that glorious golden top. This is also the time to grab your favorite baking dish (an 8×8-inch is perfect) and grease it lightly so nothing sticks later.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer to blend until the mixture becomes incredibly smooth and uniform—this is the foundation for your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip’s creamy texture.
Step 3: Add Cheeses and Veggies
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan for that gooey, cheesy pull. Fold in the chopped artichoke hearts and well-drained spinach, making sure both are evenly distributed. Add in the garlic, black pepper, and (if you love a little heat) the red pepper flakes. It will look chunky and slightly messy, but rest assured, that’s exactly what’s going to make this dip so craveable!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite will get its fair share of cheese and savory goodness. Slide the dish onto the middle rack of your oven and let it bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling, the top is beautifully golden, and the aroma is pure magic.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Remove your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip from the oven and let it cool just slightly—it will be molten hot! Serve warm so everyone can truly enjoy the creamy, melty texture. This is the moment to bask in the compliments!
How to Serve Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra flakes of Parmesan on top adds vibrant color and extra flavor. If you want just a hint more heat or a festive touch, lightly dust with a bit of paprika or red pepper flakes as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Side Dishes
This dip begs for crunchy companions. Sliced toasted baguette, sturdy tortilla chips, or pita chips are all classic options. For a lighter touch, try crisp fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery ribs, bell pepper strips, or cucumber rounds for scooping up every last bite of that delicious Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special presentation, spoon the dip into individual ramekins before baking—perfect for parties! You can also hollow out a round loaf of bread and bake the dip right inside for a dramatic, edible serving bowl. Even a cast-iron skillet gives a charming, rustic look that keeps your dip warm longer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to three days, making it easy to snack on or repurpose into sandwiches, omelets, or even pizza toppings.
Freezing
While freezing can slightly change the texture, this dip can definitely be made ahead and frozen! Prepare and assemble the dip (but don’t bake it), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual to preserve its classic creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dip gently in a 350°F oven until bubbling and heated through—about 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick snack, stirring halfway through for even heating. Add a sprinkle of mozzarella or a splash of milk if you want to freshen it up before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just use the same amount of fresh spinach—chop it finely, sauté until wilted, and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This ensures your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip stays lusciously creamy rather than watery.
What are the best dippers for Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip?
Pita chips, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, and fresh veggies are all fantastic choices. Anything sturdy enough to hold up to the weight of this hearty dip will work deliciously well.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Certainly! You can easily assemble the dip the night before. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip even more convenient for entertaining, since you’ll have less last-minute prep.
Is there a way to lighten up the dip?
Yes! Feel free to swap in light cream cheese or Greek yogurt for the sour cream to cut down on calories. Just keep in mind that these tweaks may make the texture a little less rich, but still totally satisfying.
Can I add other ingredients to customize the flavor?
Go for it! Chopped cooked bacon, jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes make delicious add-ins. Experimenting with different cheese blends can also take your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip to new flavor heights.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip truly brings people together—it’s warm, comforting, and packed with all those crave-worthy flavors that never go out of style. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to an indulgent snack, give this recipe a try and watch it disappear in record time. Enjoy every last scoop!
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Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip. Perfect for parties or gatherings, this cheesy dip pairs beautifully with bread, chips, or veggies.
Ingredients
Creamy Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Mix-ins:
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, artichokes, spinach, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with bread, chips, or vegetables.
Notes
- You can prepare this dip in advance and bake when needed.
- Enhance flavor with lemon juice or hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
