Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Name: Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped fresh spinach; 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love making creamy spinach and artichoke dip for gatherings. It’s warm, cheesy, and utterly indulgent, bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Every time I prepare this dip, I enjoy experimenting with fresh spices and different types of cheese to see how they enhance the flavor. The combination of spinach and artichokes creates a delightful mix, while the creamy texture makes it perfect for dipping. Whether served with crunchy bread or crisp veggies, this dip never fails to impress my friends and family.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-02-13T17:02:18.953Z

My journey with creamy spinach and artichoke dip began when I tasted a homemade version at a friend’s party. I was blown away by how simple it was to make yet how delicious it turned out. I decided to recreate it, tinkering with the ratios of cream cheese to sour cream until I achieved that perfect creaminess. One tip I learned is to sauté the spinach prior to mixing; it enhances the flavor and keeps the dip from becoming too watery.

Over the years, I’ve added my twist by incorporating garlic and a touch of lemon juice, which brightens up the entire dish. I also prefer using a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for that gooey, cheesy finish. Each time I make this dip, it seems to get better, and it has become a staple at any gathering!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy texture combined with tender spinach and artichokes
Perfect blend of cheeses that creates a deliciously cheesy experience
Ideal for parties, movie nights, or cozy gatherings with friends

The Magic of Cheese Blends

The choice of cheeses in this creamy spinach and artichoke dip is crucial for achieving that signature gooey texture. The blend of mozzarella and parmesan not only offers contrasting flavors—mozzarella brings a mild creaminess while parmesan contributes a sharper bite—but they also melt beautifully together. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked Gouda or feta cheese, which can introduce a delightful tanginess that elevates the overall experience.

When combining the cheeses, make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures a smooth mixture and eliminates any lumps. If you're short on time, you can microwave it for about 15 seconds, but watch carefully to avoid melting it too much.

Perfecting the Spinach and Artichoke Balance

For the best flavor and nutrition, always use fresh spinach if you can. Its vibrant color and fresh taste will completely enhance this dip. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is well-drained and thoroughly squeezed of excess water; this prevents the dip from becoming too watery. The artichoke hearts also bring a unique flavor profile—be sure to chop them finely to distribute their taste evenly throughout the dip.

If you're looking to create a vegan version of this dip, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with a combination of cashew cream and nutritional yeast. This alternative will keep the creamy texture while adding a cheesy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spinach and artichokes.

Serving and Storage Tips

This dip excels as a crowd-pleaser served warm, but you can also make it ahead of time. Prepare the mixture, spread it into a baking dish, and cover it with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before you bake it. When ready to serve, simply remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed. You can also freeze the uncooked dip for up to a month; just be sure to adjust the baking time to account for the frozen state.

When it comes to serving, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks are perfect accompaniments. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving adds a gorgeous presentation. You can also experiment with serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and festive touch at gatherings.

Ingredients

To prepare this creamy spinach and artichoke dip, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy spinach and artichoke dip:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Sauté the Spinach

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped spinach with a little olive oil until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, parmesan, sautéed spinach, chopped artichokes, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving with pita chips, bread, or veggies.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy spinach and artichoke dip!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some herbs like dill or thyme to the mixture before baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when preparing this dip is ending up with a greasy finish. If you notice this, it likely means the cheese has separated during baking. To avoid this, make sure to blend the cheeses thoroughly before baking, and avoid overbaking it. Aim for that golden bubbly top, and remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches that point.

If you find that the dip lacks flavor after baking, it might need a little more seasoning. Don't hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper, or add a pinch of cayenne for some heat. You can also experiment with adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for a different depth of flavor.

Variations to Try

For an extra twist, consider incorporating some cooked, crumbled sausage or spicy chorizo into the mix. This addition will provide a hearty, savory element to your dip, making it even more satisfying. Just be sure to reduce the amount of salt since these meats can be quite salty on their own.

If you're a fan of spicy food, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of chipotle sauce to the mixture. This can give the dip a delightful kick while maintaining the creamy texture that everyone loves. Serve it alongside a cooling side like ranch or yogurt-based dip to balance the heat.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

This creamy dip is easily scalable, which makes it perfect for any occasion. If you're hosting a small gathering, you can comfortably halve the recipe or even make a single serving. On the flip side, if you’re preparing for a large crowd, it can be doubled with little fuss. Just ensure you use a larger baking dish to allow even cooking and bubbly results all around.

When scaling, keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly. Always check for that bubbly, golden crust and adjust the time accordingly, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Also, make sure to adequately mix the ingredients so that they remain well-balanced in flavor and texture, no matter the batch size.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this dip in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and then bake it right before serving.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

→ What should I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots.

→ Can I make it healthier?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese to lower the calories without sacrificing much flavor.