Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

The first time I brought this dip to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally stood guard over the baking dish until it came out of the oven. She told me later that warm spinach and artichoke dip is basically her love language, and I honestly cannot blame her. Something magical happens when those bubbling cheeses hit the table. Suddenly everyone is leaning in, chips poised, waiting for that first dip.

I learned the hard way that squeezing every last drop of water from the spinach is nonnegotiable. The first time I made this, I was in a rush and skipped that step. We ended up with watery dip that refused to get bubbly and golden. Now I take my time with it, really pressing the spinach between paper towels until my hands ache. That extra effort makes all the difference between good dip and great dip.

Ingredients

• 1 can artichoke hearts: Chopping them into smaller pieces ensures every bite gets that tender artichoke flavor
• Frozen spinach: Thawed and squeezed absolutely dry, this adds earthy depth without making the dip watery
• Cream cheese: Let it soften completely so it blends smoothly into the other dairy
• Sour cream: Adds a tang that cuts through all that rich cheese
• Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient that makes everything taste creamier
• Mozzarella: Provides that incredible melted cheese pull everyone loves
• Parmesan: Salty and nutty, it balances the mild mozzarella perfectly
• Garlic: Freshly minced gives you the best aromatic punch
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together
• Red pepper flakes: Totally optional but nice if you want just a hint of warmth

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 190°C 375°F and grease a medium baking dish with a little butter or oil

Make the creamy base:

Beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until completely smooth

Add the cheeses:

Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until combined

Fold in the vegetables:

Gently mix in the chopped artichokes and spinach until everything is evenly distributed

Transfer and bake:

Spread the mixture in your prepared dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top

Serve it up:

Bring it to the table warm with whatever dippers you like best

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Last Christmas Eve, my sister accidentally doubled the garlic in this recipe. We were all panicking until we tasted it. It turned out to be the best batch we had ever made, so now that is how we always make it. Sometimes happy accidents in the kitchen become the new family tradition.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble this dip up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight. Just add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if it is going into the oven cold.

Cheese Swaps

While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, do not be afraid to experiment. Monterey Jack melts beautifully, smoked gouda adds incredible depth, or even some gruyere takes this in a fancier direction. Just keep the total cheese amount roughly the same.

Serving Suggestions

Thinly sliced baguette gets wonderfully crispy in the oven, but tortilla chips are always reliable. Sometimes I put out a variety, including cucumber rounds and bell pepper strips for anyone wanting something lighter.

• Warm your serving vessel in the oven while the dip bakes
• Keep the dip warm in a slow cooker on low for parties
• Have extra cheese ready to sprinkle on if the top starts to brown too quickly

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Watch how quickly this disappears at your next gathering. There is something universally comforting about warm, cheesy dip that brings people together.

Recipe FAQ

→ What kind of cheese is best for this dip?

Combining cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich and creamy texture with a sharp, savory flavor.

→ Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works well; just cook and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

→ How long should I bake the dip?

Bake it at 190°C (375°F) for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

→ What can I serve this dip with?

Tortilla chips, baguette slices, and fresh vegetable sticks all make excellent accompaniments.

→ Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can make the mixture in advance and bake shortly before serving to keep it fresh.