Few appetizers bring people together like a warm, gooey spinach and artichoke dip. This creamy, cheesy delight is the perfect start to any meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for game days, potlucks, or cozy evenings in. Its irresistible combination of tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and melted cheese makes it a classic that never fails to impress.
This recipe is inspired by my love of hosting friends and family for casual get-togethers. There’s something magical about placing this dip in the center of the table and watching it disappear in minutes. If you’re looking for more recipes that make entertaining easy, be sure to follow me for more!
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8 as an appetizer)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and garlic, thawed spinach, chopped artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan. Add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into a 1-quart baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Make It Lighter: Swap full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise for their lighter versions.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier dip.
- Spicy Twist: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Perfect Pairings
Serve spinach and artichoke dip with:
- Crunchy pita chips or toasted bread rounds.
- Crisp veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
- A sparkling white wine or a light lager for the perfect pairing.
Call to Action
Did this spinach and artichoke dip disappear as fast at your party as it does at mine? Let me know in the comments how your guests enjoyed it! Don’t forget to follow me for more easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipes.
The Best Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Parties
Ingredients
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella, Parmesan, sour cream, mayonnaise, spinach, artichokes, garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables.
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