If you’re on the hunt for a gooey, cheesy, crowd-pleasing appetizer, you’ve got to try this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe! I absolutely love how this creamy dip combines tender spinach and artichokes with melty cheeses and just the right hint of garlic. It’s perfect for parties, game nights, or even just when you want a comforting snack that feels fancy. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through everything you need to make it a guaranteed hit in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella melts into pure indulgence you won’t want to stop eating.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your fridge or pantry—making it an easy last-minute crowd pleaser.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want it extra garlicky or with a little zing, you can tweak it to match your family’s taste buds.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual hangouts to holiday parties, this dip disappears fast every time I bring it out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe brings together creamy cheeses, fresh spinach, and artichokes for a classic flavor combo that’s irresistible. Here’s a little on why each ingredient plays its part so perfectly.
- Cream Cheese: The star that gives the dip its rich, velvety base—make sure it’s softened to get that smooth texture without lumps.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and creaminess while balancing the tang of the cheeses.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty flavor and melts well into the dip.
- Romano Cheese: Similar to Parmesan but with a slightly stronger bite, heightening the savory notes.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives it that punch I adore—feel free to adjust if you want more or less warmth.
- Dried Basil: For a subtle herby twist that brightens the dip.
- Garlic Salt: Doubles down on garlicky goodness, but remember to taste first so it doesn’t get too salty.
- Salt and Pepper: To season perfectly—you’ll want to add just enough to bring all the flavors out.
- Artichoke Hearts: Drained and chopped, they add slight tang and wonderful texture when baked.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach: Make sure it’s thawed and super well-drained to avoid watery dip.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts on top creating a bubbly, golden crust that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Variations
I love how versatile this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is! Over the years, I’ve tried adding different twists to suit different moods or dietary needs, and you can too—don’t be afraid to make it your own.
- Extra Cheesy: I sometimes sneak in extra shredded cheddar or a bit more mozzarella on top. It makes the dip even more decadent and oozy.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives it a lively heat I adore on chilly nights.
- Dairy-Free Option: I’ve swapped cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and used nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to make it vegan-friendly. It still pops with flavor!
- Fresh Herbs: Sometimes I toss in fresh chopped parsley or dill at the end for a vibrant fresh note that brightens up the whole dip.
How to Make Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by pulling everything out and making sure your cream cheese is nice and soft—that’s key to blending everything smoothly later. I like to thaw the frozen spinach ahead of time and then squeeze it dry in a clean kitchen towel to avoid watery dip. Chop the artichoke hearts and mince your garlic while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish so your dip doesn’t stick and you get that perfect golden edge.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Base
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise, Parmesan, Romano, garlic, dried basil, garlic salt, and a bit of salt and pepper. I use a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer on low speed here—it’s the moment when everything comes together into a dreamy creamy base. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese hiding—smoothness is your friend!
Step 3: Fold in Spinach and Artichokes
Gently stir in those chopped artichokes and well-drained spinach. The mix will look thick and satisfying. You want even distribution so every bite is bursting with flavor. Be gentle to keep the spinach from turning mushy, but don’t worry about mixing thoroughly—there’s some rustic charm to leaving it a bit chunky.
Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Transfer your mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top—you’ll love the way it melts into a golden, bubbling crust. Pop it into your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly browned top and bubbly edges. The aroma will probably lure everyone to the kitchen, so be ready!
Pro Tips for Making Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Drain Spinach Well: I learned the hard way that watery spinach can turn your dip soupy—wrapping it in a clean towel and squeezing firmly makes all the difference.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese lumps and is harder to blend; softening it ahead saves you frustration and creates smoother dip.
- Adjust Garlic to Taste: Fresh garlic packs a punch, so start with one clove and add more next time if you crave bigger garlic flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the dip after 20 minutes—you want bubbly and golden, not dried out or overly browned on top.
How to Serve Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or even some finely grated Parmesan right out of the oven—it adds freshness and a pop of color. Sometimes a light drizzle of good olive oil makes it extra luxurious. If I’m feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes goes on top for that subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This dip is a star on its own but pairs beautifully with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or crunchy vegetable sticks like celery and carrot sticks. When I serve it for parties, I like adding a bowl of pita chips alongside—everyone loves the different textures!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake this dip right inside a hollowed-out sourdough loaf—that way, your guests can tear off chunks of warm bread and scoop up dip straight from the bread bowl! Another fun idea is to bake individual portions in small ramekins for a fancier presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always seal leftovers tightly in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. This dip keeps wonderfully for 3 to 4 days, and honestly, it tastes just as good reheated, which is a total win if you ask me.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dip a couple of times with decent results—just make sure to freeze it in a freezer-safe container. When thawed, some separation can occur, so give it a good stir before reheating and bake until heated through and bubbly again.
Reheating
To reheat, I love using the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until it’s warmed through and the cheese on top bubbles again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I find the oven keeps the texture just right without getting watery.
FAQs
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Can I make this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture earlier in the day or even the day before. Just keep it covered in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve. This actually lets the flavors meld together nicely.
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What’s the best way to avoid watery dip?
Draining your spinach and artichokes thoroughly is key. For frozen spinach, thaw it completely and then squeeze out as much moisture as you can. The same goes for canned artichokes—pat them dry before chopping.
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
You absolutely can! Just sauté the fresh spinach until wilted, then let it cool and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the dip. It adds a vibrant, fresh spinach flavor.
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Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but be mindful of what you serve it with—avoid bread or chips that contain gluten, and opt for gluten-free crackers or veggies instead.
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How spicy is this dip? Can I make it less garlicky?
This dip is more garlicky than spicy by default. If you want it milder, just reduce the amount of garlic or skip the garlic salt portion. For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s always been a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—whether it’s a casual family movie night or a festive party. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to throw together but looks and tastes like you worked magic in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s one of those cozy dishes that just brings people together over good food and warm conversation. Happy dipping!
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Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, cheesy hot spinach artichoke dip that combines softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, Romano, garlic, and herbs with chopped artichoke hearts and spinach. Baked until bubbly and golden, this crowd-pleasing appetizer is perfect served warm with toasted bread or tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Dip Base
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 0.5 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 0.25 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a small baking dish to prevent the dip from sticking.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, minced garlic, dried basil, garlic salt, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Vegetables: Gently fold in the chopped artichoke hearts and thawed, drained spinach to the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Assemble Dip: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly browned.
Notes
- This spinach artichoke dip is deliciously cheesy, creamy, and easy to make.
- Serve hot with toasted bread slices or tortilla chips for dipping.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix.
- Ensure spinach is well drained to avoid watery dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 134 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 315 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg