Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling dish of Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip from the oven just as guests arrive. That moment when the cheese is perfectly golden and aromatic herbs mingle with creamy goodness creates an instant atmosphere of comfort and hospitality. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, looking for a hearty appetizer for holiday entertaining, or simply craving something indulgent on a cozy night in, this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe delivers every time.

What makes this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures – tender artichokes, nutrient-rich spinach, and a blend of cheeses that create that Instagram-worthy cheese pull we all love. The best part? It comes together in just minutes, making it an ideal last-minute appetizer that always impresses.

As someone who has tested countless versions of this classic, I can confidently say this recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying. Let me show you how to create the best homemade spinach artichoke dip that will have everyone asking for your secret.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

• ✅ Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for last-minute entertaining or quick party prep
• ✅ Uses simple pantry and refrigerator staples for easy baked spinach artichoke dip for parties
• ✅ Customizable with options for healthy spinach artichoke dip with Greek yogurt
• ✅ Makes the perfect creamy spinach artichoke dip with cheese that creates irresistible cheese pulls
• ✅ Easily adaptable for gluten-free spinach artichoke dip variations
• ✅ Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for stress-free entertaining

Ingredients for Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

For this delicious spinach artichoke dip with cream cheese, you’ll need:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
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• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup grated Romano cheese
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• ½ cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• For a healthier version: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to create a healthy spinach artichoke dip with Greek yogurt
• Dairy alternatives: For those avoiding dairy, cashew cream can replace cream cheese, and nutritional yeast can substitute for Parmesan in flavorful vegan spinach artichoke dip alternatives
• Heat lovers: Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños for a spicy spinach artichoke dip with jalapeños
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh spinach works well too – just sauté about 2 cups until wilted, cool, and squeeze dry

How to Make Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and well blended.
3. Add the Parmesan and Romano cheeses, minced garlic, dried basil, garlic salt, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

1. Make sure your spinach is completely thawed and drained. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out any excess moisture.
2. Drain the artichoke hearts and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Fold the spinach and artichoke hearts into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

1. Transfer the mixture to a 1-quart baking dish or 9-inch pie plate.
2. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly golden.
4. For an extra golden top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 4: Serve

1. Allow the dip to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Serve warm with your choice of dippers (suggestions below).

Pro Tips for Making the Best Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Remove excess moisture: The key to a perfect Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is ensuring all excess water is squeezed from the spinach. This prevents a watery dip.
• Room temperature cream cheese: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing for the smoothest consistency.
• Make ahead: You can prepare this dip up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Slow cooker option: For a slow cooker spinach artichoke dip for gatherings, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Fresh herbs upgrade: Replace dried basil with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil or a mixture of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and basil for brightened flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

This versatile classic spinach artichoke dip appetizer pairs beautifully with numerous dippers:

• Toasted baguette slices or crostini
• Tortilla chips
• Pita chips or pita bread triangles
• Vegetable crudités (bell peppers, carrots, celery, cucumber)
• Pretzel chips
• Crackers (water crackers or buttery crackers work well)

For a creative presentation, serve your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip in a bread bowl! Hollow out a round sourdough loaf, fill with the prepared dip, and bake. Tear the removed bread into chunks for dipping.

Nutritional Information for Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Per serving (approximately 1/12 of recipe):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store leftover Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: While you can freeze this dip, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: The best way to reheat Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Can I make Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dip up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 5-10 more minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.

What makes Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip creamy?

The combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and multiple melting cheeses creates that perfect creamy consistency. Ensuring your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing also contributes to the smoothest texture.

Is Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip healthy?

Traditional Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is more of an indulgent appetizer due to its cheese and mayonnaise content. However, you can create a healthier version by substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, reducing the cheese slightly, and focusing on the nutritional benefits of spinach and artichokes, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! If using fresh spinach, sauté about 2 cups of fresh spinach until completely wilted. Let it cool, then squeeze out all excess moisture before adding to the dip mixture.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip!

This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that strikes the perfect balance between ease of preparation and impressive results. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, contributing to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to something special, this creamy, cheesy appetizer delivers consistent delight with every bite.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own! Try adding different herbs, experiment with cheese combinations, or spice it up with some heat. The versatility of Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip makes it an excellent canvas for your culinary creativity.

Have you made this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below! And if you enjoyed it, please share it with friends and family who appreciate good food made simple.

Now you know how to make the best Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip at home!

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