Spinach Artichoke Cheese Dip

The first time I brought this spinach artichoke dip to a neighborhood potluck, I barely got a spoonful myself. My friend Sarah actually stood by the baking dish with a stack of crackers, guarding it like it was the last food on Earth. Now every time I walk in the door with that warm, bubbling dish, people's eyes light up before I even set it down.

Last winter, my sister and I spent a snowed-in Sunday afternoon making batch after batch of this dip, tweaking the ratios until we found what we thought was absolute perfection. We ended up eating it for dinner with nothing but a bag of pita chips and some sliced cucumbers, and honestly, it might have been one of my favorite meals that year.

Ingredients

• 1 can artichoke hearts: Rough chopping creates satisfying chunks throughout the dip, and draining them well prevents your final dish from becoming watery
• Frozen spinach: Thawing and squeezing out every last drop of moisture is the most important step here, and I mean really squeeze it until your hands hurt
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds a subtle kick that rounds out the rich dairy, but press it or mince it finely so nobody bites into a raw chunk
• Cream cheese: Let this soften completely at room temperature so it blends seamlessly into the other ingredients without leaving lumps
• Mozzarella and Parmesan: This cheese duo delivers both stretch and that sharp, salty depth that makes restaurant dips so addictive
• Sour cream and mayonnaise: The tangy backbone that cuts through all that richness and keeps every bite balanced
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes: Simple seasonings that elevate everything, with the optional heat adding just enough warmth to keep people coming back for more

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and position your rack in the center so the dip cooks evenly without burning on top before the center is hot

Build your creamy foundation:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until absolutely smooth with no visible lumps remaining

Add the good stuff:

Fold in the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, that thoroughly squeezed spinach, and chopped artichokes until everything is evenly distributed

Season to taste:

Sprinkle in your salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, then give it one final mix

Transfer and bake:

Scrape the mixture into your baking dish and bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and you see those gorgeous bubbles breaking through

The patience payoff:

Let it cool for just 5 minutes before serving, because this stuff holds heat like lava and nobody wants a burned roof of mouth

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At my cousin's engagement party, this dip was the conversation starter that broke the ice between two families who had never met. Something about gathering around a warm, shared dish with wooden spoons and fresh bread makes people relax and open up in a way fancy hors d'oeuvres never seem to achieve.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in Monterey Jack or Gruyère for the mozzarella when I want something a little different. The Gruyère adds this wonderful nutty depth, while Monterey Jack brings this subtle creaminess that my teenage nephew actually prefers.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond the usual crackers and bread, I've discovered that toasted baguette slices, cucumber rounds, or even bell pepper strips make excellent vessels for scooping. Last summer I served it with endive leaves for a lighter option, and people couldn't stop talking about how refreshing it felt.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully, though I've also served it alongside cold beer during football Sundays with equal success. The key is something refreshing that can stand up to all that creamy, cheesy goodness without disappearing.

• Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before baking to brighten all those rich flavors
• Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil sprinkled on top add color and a pop of freshness
• Keep some extra cheese on hand to sprinkle over the top during the last 5 minutes if you want an extra golden, bubbly crust

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There's something universally comforting about warm, cheesy dip that brings people together like almost nothing else. Whether it's game day, a holiday gathering, or just Tuesday night with friends, this recipe never fails to make people feel at home.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach can be used; just be sure to cook and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Sour cream or Greek yogurt are good alternatives that maintain the creamy texture.

→ How do I achieve a golden top when baking?

Bake at 180°C (350°F) until the surface is bubbly and lightly browned, usually around 25 minutes.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate before baking for optimal flavor and convenience.

→ What are some good serving suggestions?

Serve warm with fresh vegetables, crackers, or sliced bread for a delightful snack or starter.