SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP
- WineCheeseScallops
- 10 hours ago
- 5 min read
There’s something about a bubbling dish of Spinach Artichoke Dip that instantly makes people gather around the table. It’s warm, creamy, cheesy, and just indulgent enough to feel special — but easy enough to whip up anytime the craving hits. Whether you’re hosting friends for game day, setting out appetizers for a holiday gathering, or just craving something cozy on a weeknight, this dip never disappoints.
This version keeps things simple while delivering that rich, restaurant-style flavor we all love. Creamy cream cheese, tangy sour cream, savory parmesan, tender spinach, and briny artichokes bake together into a golden, scoopable masterpiece. Serve it with crackers, toasted bread, or even fresh veggies — and watch it disappear faster than you expected.
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Artichoke Hearts
Artichoke hearts are the unsung heroes of this dip. Harvested from the center of the artichoke flower bud, the heart is the most tender and flavorful part. Canned artichoke hearts are incredibly convenient and have a mild, slightly tangy flavor that balances beautifully with creamy cheeses.
Beyond flavor, artichokes are rich in antioxidants and fiber, making them one of the more nutrient-dense vegetables you can add to a comfort-food dish. Their subtle earthiness adds depth without overpowering the other ingredients, giving this dip its signature savory character.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is what gives this dip its luxurious texture. When softened properly, it blends smoothly with the sour cream and mayonnaise to create that thick, velvety base. It melts beautifully in the oven, creating a creamy consistency that holds together perfectly for scooping.
Because cream cheese has a mild flavor, it allows the garlic, parmesan, spinach, and artichokes to shine while still delivering richness. It’s the backbone of the dip and the reason every bite feels indulgent and satisfying.
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The Origin & Inspiration
Spinach Artichoke Dip became wildly popular in American restaurants during the 1980s and 1990s, especially in casual dining chains. It quickly earned its place as one of the most ordered appetizers — and for good reason. It’s approachable, shareable, and packed with flavor.
This version is inspired by those classic restaurant-style dips but simplified for easy at-home baking. No complicated steps. No hard-to-find ingredients. Just straightforward comfort food that tastes like you ordered it out — but made in your own kitchen.
It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple. The one friends request. The one you memorize without even realizing it. The one that shows up at every gathering because it always works.
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Tips, Serving Suggestions & Storage Advice
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
Thoroughly squeeze excess liquid from the thawed spinach to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
Chop the artichoke hearts into small, even pieces for better scoopability.
Freshly grated parmesan melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
For extra cheesiness, add ½ cup shredded mozzarella to the mixture.
If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Bake in a slightly smaller dish for a thicker dip or a larger dish for more surface browning.
Serve with toasted baguette slices brushed lightly with olive oil.
This dip can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
Uses simple pantry and refrigerator staples.
Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect balance of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors.
Easily customizable with extra cheeses or spice.
Crowd-pleasing for gatherings of any size.
Can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Bakes into a perfectly golden, bubbly top.
Works for holidays, game days, and casual nights alike.
No complicated techniques required.
Delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
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Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, minced garlic, and ¾ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish (or a slightly smaller dish for a thicker dip).
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For a more golden-brown top, turn on the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.
MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes. Sauté about 1 cup of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dip, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze spinach artichoke dip?
It’s not recommended, as dairy-heavy dips can separate when thawed.
What can I serve with this besides crackers?
Toasted baguette slices, pita chips, tortilla chips, sliced bell peppers, carrots, celery, or even pretzel bites.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella or a splash of heavy cream to the mixture before baking.
For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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