Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
The bubbling, cheesy party classic—loaded with spinach, tender artichokes, and two melty cheeses. Stir, bake, broil for a golden top, and watch it disappear.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts, well drained
- 1 cup chopped spinach (packed; thawed & squeezed dry if frozen)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp fine salt, plus black pepper to taste
- Optional boosts: 1 tsp lemon zest • 2 Tbsp chopped scallions • pinch smoked paprika
Drain well: Excess moisture is the enemy of creamy dip. Squeeze thawed spinach very dry and pat artichokes with paper towels.
Step-by-Step
- Heat oven to 375°F / 190°C. Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish or small skillet.
- Mix. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in sour cream, mayo, mozzarella, Parmesan, artichokes, spinach, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper (plus any optional boosts).
- Bake. Spread into the dish and bake 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbling.
- Brown. Broil 1–2 minutes for a golden top. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with: Crostini, pita chips, baguette slices, sturdy crackers, or crisp veggies.
Variations & Pro Tips
- Lighter: Swap half (or all) of the sour cream for Greek yogurt. Use Neufchâtel (1/3-less-fat) cream cheese.
- Extra-cheesy: Add ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or fontina for extra pull.
- Jalapeño Popper: Stir in 1–2 minced jalapeños and ¼ cup cooked bacon; top with buttered panko before baking.
- Seafood: Fold in ½ cup lump crab or small shrimp.
- Skillet Bread Bowl: Hollow a small round loaf, fill with dip, wrap in foil, and bake 30 minutes; unwrap and broil to toast.
- Slow Cooker: Combine in a 2–3 qt slow cooker on LOW for 1½–2 hours, stirring once.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance; cover and refrigerate. Add 5–8 minutes to the bake time.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers airtight up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F until warm and melty. Freeze up to 2 months (thaw overnight and stir).
YieldAbout 3 cups (10–12 appetizer servings)
Active Time~10 minutes
Cook Time20–25 minutes + brief broil
CategoryDips & Sauces / Appetizers