Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This hot spinach artichoke dip is a creamy and comforting appetizer for any occasion. It's easy to make ahead of time, and it's ready in just 20 minutes!
For more warm and delicious party dips, try our jalapeƱo hot cheese dip and our cheesy roasted garlic artichoke olive dip.
Whether you're entertaining or cozying up on the couch for movie night, you'll want to sink right into this rich and creamy dip. It's the best spinach artichoke dip with all the classic flavors that everyone loves. Just mix all the ingredients together and pop it in the oven until it's brown and bubbly!
Ingredients needed
With a few simple ingredients, you can make this hot spinach artichoke dip at home, too! Here's everything you need:
- Cream cheese: We use regular cream cheese for that full flavor experience, but you can use light if you prefer.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a punch of bold cheesy flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Mayo makes this dip smooth and creamy.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder takes the flavor up a delicious notch.
- Chili flakes: Dried chili flakes add a bit of heat and help enhance the other flavors. You can adjust the amount to your taste, or omit them completely.
- Artichoke hearts: Canned artichoke hearts are convenient, available year-round, and are mild in flavor. Just make sure they're packed in water, not oil.
- Frozen spinach: We use frozen spinach but you can also use fresh spinach if you cook it first and squeeze out the excess water.
- Toasted baguette slices or hearty crackers: Or anything else you can think of, for serving.
How to make hot artichoke spinach dip
This hot spinach and artichoke dip is perfect for last-minute entertaining because it comes together quickly and easily. Here's how we make it in a couple of simple steps:
- Mix it up: While your oven preheats, grab your mixer and combine the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and chili flakes. You can also add sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add: Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and spinach.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish or cast-iron skillet and bake until bubbly.
- Serve: Serve with something you can dip such as toasted baguette slices or your favorite crackers. Yum!
Serve it in a bread bowl
Bread bowls are a fun and delicious way to serve up this hot spinach artichoke dip. Plus, it's the ultimate in zero-waste eating!
To make a bread bowl, simply hollow out a round loaf of bread by slicing a Ā½ ā thick slice from the top. Scoop out the bread from the center, leaving a Ā¾ā shell. Fill it with spinach artichoke dip before baking, and then serve it with the broken bread pieces on the side for dipping.
How to substitute fresh spinach for frozen
Frozen spinach that you purchase at the grocery store is usually just spinach that has been chopped, blanched, and frozen. A standard 10 ounce package of frozen spinach is the equivalent of about 1 pound bunch of fresh spinach.
Here's how to prepare fresh spinach for dips:
- Trim away any long or tough stems.
- Cook the spinach in a large non-stick pan, stirring occasionally until the spinach is fully wilted.
- Allow it to cool, then place it on a cutting board and chop it.
- Use your hands to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Fluff it up (separate it) and now it's ready to use in your recipe!
Variations to try
Put a spin on this classic hot spinach artichoke dip recipe with one of these delicious ideas:
- Add bacon:Ā bacon adds delicious umami flavor and depth to any dish. Plus, who doesn't love bacon? Simply add cooked bacon at the same time as the artichokes and spinach.
- Make it vegan:Ā okay maybe bacon isn't your thing but the good news is this dip is easy to make vegan. Simply swap the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese for plant-based alternatives!
- Turn up the heat: if you love a little heat, try adding some sliced jalapeƱos for a spicy twist.
What to serve with hot spinach artichoke dip
If you're wondering what to serve with hot spinach artichoke dip, the answer is pretty much anything you can dip! Our go-to is toasted slices of baguette or crackers but tortilla chips, pita chips, crostini, and bread sticks are all delicious options. Fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrot sticks, or red pepper slices work, too!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dip up to three days ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just wait to bake it until right before you serve it so it's warm and creamy.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
After it's baked, it will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Can I freeze it?
We don't recommend freezing it because dairy tends to separate and become watery when it thaws.
Can I use sour cream or yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, but it will change the taste and texture. We use mayonnaise because it results in the creamiest dip. Sour cream and yogurt will make the dip more tangy.
How can I lighten up this dip?
To lighten it up, the best option is to use light mayonnaise as that will result in the same delicious flavor and creamy texture. You can also use half mayonnaise and half light sour cream, just know that it will add a tangy taste and make the dip less rich feeling.
Can I make it in a crockpot?
Yes! After mixing the ingredients together, add the dip to your slow cooker and cook it on high for 1 hour or low for 2-3 hours. Once the cheese has melted, give it a good stir and then transfer it to a serving dish.
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- Ā½ cup grated parmesan cheese (packed)
- Ā½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch chili flakes (optional)
- 14 ounce can of artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
- 6 ounces frozen spinach (thawed, drained, and chopped)
- Toasted baguette slices and assorted crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and if using, the chili flakes. Using electric beaters, mix until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. You can also use your stand mixer for this step.8 ounces cream cheese, Ā½ cup grated parmesan cheese, Ā½ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 pinch chili flakes
- Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and spinach.14 ounce can of artichoke hearts, 6 ounces frozen spinach
- Transfer the dip to a small baking dish, smooth the top, and then bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until it is hot and bubbling.
- Serve the dip with toasted baguette slices and crackers on the side.Toasted baguette slices and assorted crackers
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our appetizer recipes!