Dive into the warm, creamy embrace of Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. This beloved dip combines tender artichoke hearts, nutritious spinach, and a rich, cheesy blend, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a flavor-packed dish that’s not only irresistible but also easy to whip up, making it an ideal choice for last-minute entertaining or as a luxurious treat to enjoy with your favorite crunchy accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for the perfect potluck dish, or simply craving a comforting snack, this hot spinach artichoke dip promises to deliver satisfaction in every scoop.
The first time I made Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip was for a casual game night with friends. Seeking something simple yet indulgent, I stumbled upon this recipe and decided to give it a try. As the dip baked, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, anticipation grew. The moment it hit the table, it became the star of the night. Friends gathered around, eager for a taste, and with each bite, the room filled with compliments and requests for the recipe.
This dip quickly became my go-to dish for gatherings, earning a reputation as a must-have at every event. It’s more than just an appetizer; it’s a catalyst for laughter, conversation, and shared enjoyment, a reminder of the joy that good food can bring to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Decadently Creamy: A luxurious blend of cheeses and creamy ingredients creates an irresistible texture.
- Flavorful: The combination of artichokes, spinach, and seasonings offers a depth of flavor that’s both rich and satisfying.
- Versatile: Perfect with a variety of dippers, from tortilla chips and bread to fresh veggies.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this dip a stress-free addition to any menu.
Ingredients Notes For Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Artichoke Hearts: Canned or frozen and thawed, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilted and chopped, or frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry.
- Cream Cheese: The base of the dip, providing a creamy texture.
- Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: Add richness and tanginess to the dip.
- Cheeses: A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for meltiness and flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for a punch of flavor.
- Seasonings: Adjust to taste with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Recipe Steps
- Prep Ingredients: Preheat your oven. Wilt fresh spinach if using, and chop artichokes.
- Mix Dip Base: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and seasonings until smooth.
- Add Veggies and Cheese: Fold in the spinach, artichokes, and half of the cheeses.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving warm with your choice of dippers.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
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INGREDIENTS
- Frozen spinach: 10 oz (about 280g), thawed and squeezed dry
- Canned artichoke hearts: 14 oz (about 400g), drained and chopped
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225g), softened
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, divided
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes: a pinch (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the Dip Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed dry spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish (a 9-inch pie dish or a similar sized baking dish works well). Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add More Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, vegetable sticks, or crackers for dipping.