Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy, Cheesy & Perfect for Any Gathering

There’s nothing quite like the moment when you pull a bubbling Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip from the oven, watching as the golden cheese crust forms over that creamy, herb-infused layer below. Whether you’re hosting an impromptu gathering with friends or looking for the perfect appetizer for game day, this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip delivers every time. The irresistible combination of tender artichoke hearts, nutrient-rich spinach, and the perfect blend of cheeses creates a dip that’s both indulgent and impossible to stop eating.

What makes this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip truly special is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. I’ve been making this recipe for years, perfecting the balance of creamy texture and savory flavor. The best part? It comes together in just minutes, yet tastes like something you’d order at your favorite restaurant. Whether served with crusty bread, crisp vegetables, or crackers, this dip is guaranteed to become your new go-to appetizer for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

• ✅ Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for last-minute entertaining or quick party prep
• ✅ The best Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip for parties with its make-ahead convenience
• ✅ Easily customize this creamy Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip with your favorite cheese blend
• ✅ Naturally gluten-free Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip that everyone can enjoy
• ✅ Savory Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip that works perfectly as an appetizer or party snack
• ✅ Can be adapted into a slow cooker Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip for convenient entertaining

Ingredients for Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

To make this delicious Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip, you’ll need these simple ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 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 & Substitutions

• Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel or light cream cheese
• Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt works as a healthier alternative
• Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gruyère or white cheddar make excellent alternatives
• Spinach: Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen – simply sauté 2 cups fresh spinach until wilted, then chop
• For vegan options: Use plant-based cream cheese, vegan mayonnaise, and dairy-free cheese alternatives

How to Make Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip – Step by Step

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish.

Step 2: Thoroughly drain the thawed spinach by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeezing out all excess moisture. This is crucial for preventing a watery dip.

Step 3: Drain and chop the artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces.

Mixing the Dip

Step 4: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and well blended.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan and Romano cheeses, minced garlic, dried basil, garlic salt, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Fold in the chopped artichoke hearts and drained spinach until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Baking

Step 7: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the cheese on top is golden brown.

Step 10: Allow the Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to avoid burning your guests!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing for the creamiest texture.
• Moisture Control: The secret to the best Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is making sure your spinach is properly drained. Any excess moisture will make your dip watery.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This dip can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Spice It Up: For a spicy Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip variation, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes.
• Fresher Flavor: Using fresh spinach? Quickly sauté it with a touch of olive oil and garlic before adding to the mix for enhanced flavor.
• Broiler Finish: For an extra golden top, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking (watch carefully to prevent burning!).

Best Ways to Serve Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

This versatile Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers:

• Toasted baguette slices or crusty bread
• Tortilla chips (try blue corn for a colorful contrast)
• Assorted fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, celery, and cucumber
• Pita chips or triangles
• Breadsticks or pretzel twists
• Crackers (water crackers or seeded crackers work particularly well)

For an impressive spread, arrange your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip in the center of a large platter and surround it with a colorful array of dippers. This not only looks beautiful but allows guests to choose their preferred accompaniment.

Nutritional Information for Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Per serving (recipe makes approximately 12 servings):

• Calories: 125 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip will stay fresh when stored properly:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This dip freezes surprisingly well! Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated dip in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Microwave in 30-second intervals if you’re in a hurry.
• Repurposing: Leftover Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip makes an excellent filling for stuffed chicken breasts or can be thinned with a bit of cream to create a pasta sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Can you use fresh spinach instead of frozen for Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip?

Yes! You can definitely use fresh spinach in your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip. Simply sauté about 2 cups of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain well and chop before adding to the dip mixture. This actually adds a fresher flavor profile to the dip.

What’s the best cheese to use in Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip?

The perfect Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip typically contains a blend of cheeses for optimal flavor and texture. A combination of cream cheese for creaminess, Parmesan and Romano for saltiness and depth, and mozzarella for that stretchy, melty quality creates the ideal balance. However, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, white cheddar, or even a touch of blue cheese for variation.

Can I make this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! For slow cooker Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip, combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for parties as it keeps the dip warm throughout your event.

How do I prevent my Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip from becoming watery?

The key to preventing watery Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is properly draining both the spinach and artichoke hearts. For spinach, thaw completely and squeeze dry using a clean kitchen towel. For artichoke hearts, drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels before chopping. These simple steps will ensure a perfectly creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is truly the ultimate crowd-pleaser – creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility; it’s equally at home at an elegant cocktail party or a casual game day gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a restaurant-quality appetizer that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

Whether you’re following the classic recipe or putting your own spin on it with some of the variations suggested, this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is bound to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire. The next time you need an impressive yet easy appetizer, remember this foolproof recipe – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

Have you tried making this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip? What’s your favorite way to serve it? Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below!

Print