This hot spinach artichoke dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying during a cozy night in.
Honestly, how can you resist that warm, gooey goodness? I love serving it with crunchy chips or fresh veggies. It’s always a hit with friends and family! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Chopped Spinach: You can use fresh spinach instead. Just sauté it in a pan until wilted, then chop it. If you’re short on spinach, kale can also work well as a substitute!
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes are convenient, but you can use fresh or frozen ones too. If you can’t find artichokes, consider using roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is key for creaminess! If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese or even Greek yogurt, but the texture will differ slightly.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: For a healthier alternative, use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and mayonnaise. It still gives that creamy texture while cutting down calories.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic options, but try using Gouda or cheddar for a twist. A mix of cheeses adds more depth to the flavor!
How Do I Make Sure My Dip is Creamy and Delicious?
Achieving the perfect creamy texture in your spinach artichoke dip is all about combining the ingredients correctly. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps it blend well with the other ingredients.
- Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo thoroughly until smooth. Clumps can lead to an uneven texture.
- Folding in spinach and artichokes gently ensures they’re well-dispersed without breaking them down too much.
- Don’t skip the baking step! This is what brings all those delicious flavors together and creates that melty texture.
Letting the dip cool slightly before serving helps it hold its shape, making it perfect for dipping!
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
- 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 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- For serving: toasted baguette slices or crackers
Time Needed
This creamy hot spinach artichoke dip requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking time. So, you’ll need around 35 minutes in total to prepare this delicious dish!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be ready when you’re done mixing up your dip!
2. Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix them together using a spatula or spoon until everything is nice and smooth. This step is important for a creamy dip!
3. Add Flavor
Once your base is creamy, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, the optional crushed red pepper flakes. This will give your dip punchy flavors!
4. Mix in the Spinach and Artichokes
Gently fold in the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the mixture. Be sure to combine everything evenly but keep the artichoke hearts intact for texture.
5. Cheese it Up!
Add 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all the grated Parmesan to the mix and stir well to combine. Cheese makes everything better, right?
6. Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, take your mixture and transfer it to an oven-safe baking dish or a cast iron skillet. Spread it out evenly to ensure it bakes nicely.
7. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the dip. This will give you that lovely gooey cheese layer once baked!
8. Bake the Dip
Place your dish in the oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be hot, bubbly, and the top should be golden brown. Yummy!
9. Cool and Serve
Once done, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your tongue on that gooey goodness!
10. Dig In!
Serve your hot spinach artichoke dip warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Now you’re ready to wow your guests (or yourself) with this delightful appetizer! Enjoy!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If you prefer fresh spinach, just sauté about 1 cup of chopped spinach in a little olive oil until wilted, then chop it before adding it to the dip. It’s a great way to use fresh ingredients!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise! It will still provide creaminess while adding a nice tang to the dip. Just replace it in equal amounts.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip and transfer it to the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
