If you love a warm, creamy appetizer that instantly brings people together, you are going to adore this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe. It’s a rich blend of tender spinach and tangy artichokes swirled into a cheesy, buttery base that gets beautifully golden and bubbling in the oven. Whether you’re planning a game day gathering or a cozy night in, this dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with chips, bread, or fresh veggies. Trust me, once you try this version, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your entertaining arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is part of what makes this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe so irresistible. Each element adds a special note to the flavor and texture, creating a balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness that you just can’t resist.
- 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed): Fresh spinach would be great too, but thawed frozen spinach is convenient and locks in great flavor.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): This is the creamy base that keeps every bite smooth and luscious.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty sharpness that uplifts the dish beautifully.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts (drained & chopped): These tender morsels give the dip its iconic tang and texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Perfect for sautéing the onions, adding richness and depth.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped small): Offers a slight sweetness and soft bite to complement the other flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic gives the dip a lovely aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts on top to create that irresistible cheesy crust we all love.
How to Make Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and position your oven rack to the top third. This helps the cheese melt evenly and develop that gorgeous golden finish.
Step 2: Ready the Spinach
Thaw the frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial so the dip doesn’t turn watery and stays creamy. Loosely pack the spinach into a measuring cup for accuracy.
Step 3: Soften the Cream Cheese
Place the cream cheese in a medium bowl and microwave for about 30 seconds until soft. This makes mixing effortless and ensures the dip’s creamy base is silky smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Main Ingredients
Add the parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, thawed spinach, and chopped artichoke hearts to the softened cream cheese. Stir gently to combine before moving on to the next steps.
Step 5: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the onion. Cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, which adds a subtle caramelized sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma. Transfer this mixture to the bowl with the spinach and artichokes, and stir it all together.
Step 6: Bake and Brown
Pour the mixture into a 1-quart baking dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for around 25 minutes or until the dip is bubbling hot inside. For the perfect finishing touch, broil briefly to achieve a golden brown, slightly crispy cheese layer—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Step 7: Ready to Enjoy
Serve your hot spinach artichoke dip immediately with your favorite dippers — tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy veggie sticks all work beautifully.
How to Serve Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and a fresh flavor that brightens the rich dip. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice can introduce a subtle zing that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture.
Side Dishes
This dip shines best alongside simple sides like crisp tortilla chips, warm pita bread, or an assortment of fresh vegetables like bell peppers and cucumber. For a heartier option, try serving it with crusty bread or even as a topping on baked potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider serving the dip inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl—both beautiful and functional! Another fun idea is to portion it into mini ramekins for individual servings, which makes sharing effortless and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld more after a day, making it even tastier the next time around.
Freezing
You can freeze the dip for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze it before baking by placing the mixture in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking and broiling as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly, usually around 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave smaller portions, but the oven will help retain that freshly baked texture and appearance.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly first to wilt and remove excess moisture before adding it to the dip. This will prevent any watery texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dip?
This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it uses cheeses and veggies only. Just double-check your parmesan if you want to avoid animal rennet.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just serve it with gluten-free chips, crackers, or veggie sticks to keep the whole snack safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You could try ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different but just as creamy texture. However, cream cheese gives the best tang and body for this recipe.
How spicy can I make it?
Add in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture before baking for a nice kick that balances the richness beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have everything to make this irresistible Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe, I hope you dive in and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite. It’s a fantastic appetizer that feels special yet comes together so easily. Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or dipping solo while binge-watching your favorite show. Happy cooking and happier eating!
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Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy and cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or cozy nights. It combines tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and a blend of cream cheese, parmesan, and mozzarella baked to golden perfection. Serve it warm with chips, bread, or fresh veggies for an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block, softened)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Sautéing
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped small)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven for optimal baking.
- Prepare Spinach: Thaw the frozen spinach completely, then drain and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Loosely pack it into a measuring cup to have an accurate 1 cup.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Place the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl and microwave for about 30 seconds until softened for easier mixing.
- Combine Base Ingredients: To the softened cream cheese, add the parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, thawed spinach, and chopped artichoke hearts. Stir well to combine.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, cook for an additional minute, then transfer this mixture into the bowl with dip ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Bake the Dip: Pour the combined mixture into a 1-quart baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbly. For a golden-brown cheese topping, broil for a few minutes at the end—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips, baguette crisps, fresh vegetables, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze the thawed spinach well to avoid a watery dip.
- Broiling at the end is optional but gives a nice golden crust on the cheese.
- Use fresh parmesan for best flavor, but pre-grated can work.
- This dip is best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
