If you’re craving a creamy, dreamy dip that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any spooky night or cozy get-together, you’re going to adore this Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe blends earthy spinach, tender artichokes, and a luscious cashew-based sauce into something that’s both comforting and a little bit decadent. Trust me, once you try it, your family and friends will be asking for it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Creaminess without Dairy: Thanks to cashews and almond yogurt, you get that smooth texture without needing any dairy products.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The combination of spinach, artichokes, and a hint of lemon gives the dip a fresh but savory punch that keeps you coming back for more.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or a casual game night, this dip always fits right in.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prep it in advance and pop it in the oven right before guests arrive — hassle-free entertaining!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about the ingredients in this Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe is how straightforward they are, yet each plays a critical role in building that perfect dip you’ll want to scoop up endlessly. Plus, most of these are pantry staples or easy-to-find in any grocery store.
- Raw cashews: Soaking them softens their texture, making the dip incredibly creamy without any grains or dairy.
- Unsweetened/unflavored almond yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and helps keep the dip smooth and light.
- Nutritional yeast: This is your little secret for cheesy, savory flavor without cheese—it’s a game changer.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic wakes up the flavors and gives a nice aromatic kick.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dip and balances the richness.
- Salt: Enhances every note in the recipe—don’t skip it!
- Spinach (long stem removed): Fresh or frozen works, but I prefer fresh for the best texture.
- Artichoke hearts (chopped): They add a lovely tender bite and a slight tanginess that complements the spinach perfectly.
- Hot sauce (optional): Perfect if you like a little heat and extra depth.
- Tombstone tortilla chips: These are just a fun, thematic snack for dipping, but any chips or dippers work great.
Variations
I like to switch up this Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it your own—after all, that’s half the fun of dips!
- Spicy Kick: Adding extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne transforms the dip into a lively, zesty treat that my spice-loving friends adore.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in some vegan shredded cheese or an extra sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an even cheesier vibe.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh chopped dill, parsley, or chives mixed in before baking add a bright herbal note that elevates the dip beautifully.
- Seasonal Veggies: Toss in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to give the dip a different flavor dimension that’s lovely year-round.
- Make it Gluten-Free: This dip is naturally gluten-free, so just pair it with your favorite gluten-free crackers or veggies for a safe and tasty snack!
How to Make Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly spraying a baking dish with cooking spray—this helps the dip not stick and makes clean-up easier. Then, blend the soaked cashews, almond yogurt, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using) in a high-speed blender. You’ll want to keep blending until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes depending on your blender. I discovered this smooth base really makes a difference in the texture of the final dip, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Mix in Spinach and Artichokes
Transfer that luscious sauce into a large mixing bowl, then fold in your spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Make sure everything is evenly combined so each bite delivers that perfect balance of flavors. I like to give it a gentle but thorough mix to avoid bruising the spinach too much while still ensuring it’s well distributed.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and slide it onto the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden color and bubbles lightly at the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks inviting and the aroma fills your kitchen—your friends won’t be able to wait! If you like a little extra crisp on top, you can broil for a minute or two, but watch it closely to avoid burning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dippers like rolls, tortilla chips, baguette slices, or even veggies. I love to present mine with those fun Tombstone tortilla chips around Halloween for a festive vibe, but honestly, anything crunchy and fresh works great here!
Pro Tips for Making Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Soak Cashews Properly: I found that soaking cashews for at least 2 hours (or overnight) is key to achieving that ultra-creamy texture.
- Use Fresh Spinach: If you want the dip to be fresh and vibrant, fresh spinach is best—frozen can work but may add extra moisture.
- Watch Your Oven: Keep an eye towards the end of baking so the top doesn’t burn; every oven heats differently, so adjust timing accordingly.
- Avoid Overloading the Blender: If your blender is small, blend ingredients in batches to get the smoothest sauce.
How to Serve Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley right before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of smoked paprika or extra nutritional yeast on top to amp up the flavor. These finishing touches might seem small, but they take the dip from great to absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy veggies like celery and carrot sticks, crusty bread like baguette slices, or even crispy cauliflower wings for a fun snack plate. During parties, I’ve served it alongside a selection of salty nuts and olives and it’s always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
For Halloween or themed gatherings, I like to place the dip in a large hollowed-out pumpkin or a carved-out “cauldron” bowl with Tombstone tortilla chips arranged around it to play up the “graveyard” theme. It’s festive, fun, and makes your spread stand out without extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dip thickens as it cools, so before serving again, I gently warm it on low heat and stir in a splash of almond milk or water if needed to loosen it up—it reheats beautifully without losing any flavor.
Freezing
Freezing works well for this dip too! Just freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or on the stove. It might separate slightly, so giving it a good stir or whisk helps bring back the creamy texture.
Reheating
I find reheating in the oven at 350°F works best to warm the dip through evenly without drying it out. Covering the dish loosely with foil retains moisture, and removing the foil near the end lets the top crisp up again. Just be sure to stir halfway through if you want even heating.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe nut-free?
Yes! To make it nut-free, try substituting the cashews with cooked white beans like cannellini or using a creamy coconut yogurt instead of almond yogurt. The texture will be slightly different, but it still works well and tastes delicious.
-
What’s the best way to soak cashews quickly if I’m in a hurry?
If you’re short on time, you can soak cashews in very hot water for 30 minutes. Just be sure to rinse them after soaking. This speeds up the softening process but doesn’t yield quite the same creaminess as longer soaking.
-
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the dip to prevent it from becoming watery.
-
Is this dip vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, 100%! This Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe is made without any dairy, eggs, or gluten-containing ingredients, making it perfect for many dietary needs.
-
How spicy is the dip with the hot sauce?
The optional hot sauce adds just a gentle heat that enhances the flavors but won’t overwhelm most palates. Feel free to adjust the amount or leave it out if you prefer mild dips.
Final Thoughts
This Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a healthier twist on a classic favorite that everyone loves. I still remember the first time I brought it to a party and how quickly it disappeared—it was like magic! If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, full of rich flavor, and fits vegan and gluten-free diets, this dip is absolutely worth making. Give it a try, and I have a feeling it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation too.
PrintGraveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours soaking time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer/Dip
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip is a vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free creamy dip made from soaked cashews, almond yogurt, nutritional yeast, spinach, and artichokes. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for Halloween gatherings or any party, served with tortilla chips, baguettes, or veggies for a spooky and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours
- 1 cup unsweetened/unflavored almond yogurt
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp salt
- 10 oz spinach, long stem removed
- 14 oz artichoke hearts, chopped
- Optional: 1 tsp hot sauce
To Serve
- Tombstone tortilla chips or your choice of rolls, baguette, cauli-wings, crackers, veggies, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for baking the dip.
- Prepare Cashew Sauce: Place the soaked cashews, almond yogurt, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and optional hot sauce into a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Combine with Vegetables: Transfer the creamy cashew sauce to a large mixing bowl. Add the spinach and chopped artichoke hearts and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake on the center rack for 20-25 minutes or until the top turns golden and the dip is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and serve immediately with your choice of Tombstone tortilla chips, rolls, baguette, cauli-wings, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Graveyard Spinach & Artichoke Dip makes an excellent spooky addition to Halloween spreads when paired with tombstone-shaped tortilla chips.
- This dip is vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Soaking cashews for at least 2 hours (or overnight) ensures a smoother and creamier dip texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired level of spiciness or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about ¼ cup)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg