Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip is a warm, cheesy, and creamy delight filled with tender spinach and flavorful artichokes. It’s the kind of dip that brings people together, with its rich, melty cheese and a hint of garlic that makes every bite so comforting. The crispy, golden top adds the perfect touch of texture that makes it hard to stop reaching for more.
I love making this dip whenever friends come over because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The great thing about it is how simple it is to put together, yet it tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. I usually sneak in extra spinach because I like the way it mixes with the cheesy goodness, and sometimes I even add a little hot sauce for a mild kick—just enough to keep things interesting.
My favorite way to enjoy this dip is with crispy pita chips or fresh veggies on the side. It’s perfect as a starter or even as a snack during game nights or casual get-togethers. Seriously, if you haven’t tried this baked spinach artichoke dip yet, you’re missing out on one of those timeless recipes that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach works best because it’s easy and consistent. Just be sure to squeeze out as much water as you can to keep the dip from becoming watery. Fresh spinach can work if sautéed and drained well.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned or jarred artichoke hearts are perfect here. I like chopping them for better texture. If not available, frozen artichokes can be used, just thaw and drain well.
Cream Cheese, Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These three creamy ingredients create the rich base. For a lighter dip, use low-fat versions, but keep in mind it won’t be as creamy. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for added tang and fewer calories.
Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella adds meltiness and stretch, while Parmesan gives a sharp, nutty flavor. You can swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different twist. Freshly grated Parmesan always tastes better!
Garlic & Seasonings: Fresh minced garlic adds great flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder is a decent substitute. The red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice little heat if you like a bit of spice.
How Do You Make Sure the Dip Isn’t Watery?
Water can make the dip runny, but a few simple steps fix that:
- Thaw spinach completely and squeeze out all excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is key!
- Drain artichoke hearts well and chop to help them mix better.
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth so the dip stays creamy.
- Bake uncovered so extra moisture cooks off and cheese on top gets bubbly and golden.
These tips help your dip stay thick, creamy, and perfect for dipping every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I like a large one to combine all the ingredients comfortably.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the perfect balance of flavors and ingredients.
- 8×8 or similar baking dish – a medium-sized dish works well to hold the dip and bake evenly.
- Rubber spatula – makes mixing and scraping the bowl easy and mess-free.
- Oven – you’ll need a standard oven preheated to 375°F for baking the dip.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese swaps: Use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack instead of mozzarella for different flavors and spiciness.
- Protein boost: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken or crab meat for a filling variation.
- Veggie extras: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to give it more texture and taste.
- Spice it up: Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like some heat.
Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Tortilla chips, pita chips, or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy appetizer to whip up for your next gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your dip mixture is prepared.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Seasonings and Veggies:
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Then fold in the thawed and well-drained spinach along with the chopped artichoke hearts, making sure everything is well mixed.
4. Add the Cheese:
Mix in half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the dip mixture.
5. Prepare and Bake:
Transfer the mixture into a greased or cast-iron baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for that delicious cheesy crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the dip out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or crackers. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If using fresh spinach, sauté it until wilted, then squeeze out all the moisture before adding it to the dip. This helps prevent the dip from becoming watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Dip?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip mixture and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What Can I Use for Dippers?
Tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies like carrot sticks and celery all pair wonderfully with this cheesy spinach artichoke dip.