If you’re anything like me, you know that a good dip can turn an ordinary gathering into a fiesta. I absolutely love this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe because it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, yet surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a cozy snack, this dip always hits the spot and has become my go-to for easy entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip it up in just about 10 minutes using your microwave—perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and cheeses creates a luscious, irresistible texture every time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great warm or at room temperature, making it super flexible for different occasions.
- Family Favorite: My family literally goes crazy for this dip, and I bet yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing fresh, quality ingredients makes all the difference in this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe. I like to use drained artichoke hearts in brine for that slight tang and tender texture, while cream cheese ensures it turns out smooth and rich. Here are some tips about what I use:
- Artichoke Hearts: Drain them well and roughly chop to keep a nice chunky texture instead of turning into mush.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach: Thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as you can to keep your dip from getting watery.
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Using a good quality cream cheese really ups the creaminess factor.
- Garlic Powder or Fresh Garlic: I usually go for powder to keep things simple, but fresh minced garlic adds a bit more punch.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and a bit of tang, helping the dip hold together.
- Sour Cream or Full-Fat Yogurt: I prefer sour cream for that classic dip tang, but yogurt works in a pinch.
- Grated Cheese: Use flavorful cheeses like Cheddar, Colby, or any tasty melting cheese for that oozy cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory sharpness that balances the creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; don’t be shy with the pepper!
Variations
One of the things I love about this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is how customizable it is. I like to switch things up depending on the season and who’s coming over, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Adding Heat: I’ve tossed in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that my friends absolutely adore.
- Dairy-Free Version: When I’m cooking for my lactose-intolerant cousin, I swap cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives – it still turns out delicious.
- Fresh Spinach Swap: On warm days, I use fresh baby spinach lightly sautéed and drained instead of frozen for a fresher taste and vibrant color.
- Baked with a Golden Topping: Sometimes I sprinkle extra parmesan and breadcrumbs on top, then bake it to get a crusty, golden finish that adds nice texture.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep Artichokes and Spinach Like a Pro
Start by roughly chopping your drained artichoke hearts—don’t stress about making them perfect; a bit of chunkiness adds great texture. Then, squeeze all the excess moisture out of the thawed spinach. I promise it makes a huge difference in keeping the dip creamy instead of soupy. My favorite hack? Using a colander and pressing down with a wooden spoon—I get more liquid out compared to paper towels.
Step 2: Soften Cream Cheese for Easy Mixing
Place the cream cheese in a large heatproof bowl and pop it into the microwave for 2 bursts of 30 seconds each. This softens it enough to mix smoothly without lumps. Stir it well so there aren’t any stubborn chunks—it forms the perfect creamy base that you’ll want to lick the spoon of.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients Gently
Add the chopped artichokes, squeezed spinach, garlic powder (or minced garlic), mayonnaise, sour cream, grated cheese, parmesan, salt, and pepper to the softened cream cheese. Mix just until everything is combined. Pro tip: Don’t overmix here—you want those pretty pieces of spinach and artichoke to remain intact instead of turning into a mushy paste.
Step 4: Warm It Up and Taste
I like to heat the dip gently in the microwave, in 20 to 30-second increments, stirring in between until it’s warmed through to my liking. This step brings out the melty, gooey goodness that everyone loves. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning — sometimes I add a tiny pinch more salt or pepper here depending on my mood!
Pro Tips for Making Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Squeeze Spinach Thoroughly: I’ve learned that squeezing out every drop of moisture prevents a watery dip—this step can’t be skipped!
- Don’t Overmix: Keeping the ingredients gently folded means your artichoke chunks will shine, giving you better flavor contrast.
- Use Quality Cheese: Cheeses with good flavor and meltability transform this dip from just ‘good’ to ‘OMG amazing.’
- Microwave in Intervals: Heating the dip in short bursts and stirring prevents overheating or curdling, keeping it perfectly creamy.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a few extra grated parmesan flakes on top for that final little bit of salty goodness. Sometimes, a touch of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh green pop and a mild oniony note I adore. If I’m feeling fancy, a few chili flakes or a drizzle of olive oil over the warm dip looks stunning and adds flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
My absolute favorite dippers are sturdy crackers and fresh crunchy vegetable sticks like celery, carrot, and cucumber. I also love pairing this dip with tortilla chips or lightly toasted baguette slices. For a fun twist, try serving alongside warm pretzels or even pita bread wedges—everyone loves scooping up that cheesy goodness!
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I like to serve the dip in a hollowed-out round loaf of crusty bread—it doubles as a bowl and an edible side. It looks festive and makes it easy for guests to dig in. Another fun trick is to bake it in individual ramekins topped with extra parmesan for a personal warm dip experience. Trust me, it impresses every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container and pop them into the fridge. This dip keeps really well for 3 to 4 days—you just need to give it a good stir before reheating to bring it back to life. Soggy dippers aside, I find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dip a couple of times, especially when I made a big batch for a party. It freezes well in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently. The texture softens slightly, but the flavors remain delicious and perfect for another casual get-together.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I microwave the dip in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between until it’s heated evenly. This keeps the cream cheese from curdling and preserves the creamy texture. Alternatively, reheating in a low oven wrapped in foil works great if you’re preparing for guests.
FAQs
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Can I make this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often prepare this dip a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and warm it up before serving. The flavors actually deepen when it rests.
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Is it better to use fresh or frozen spinach in this dip?
Both work well, but frozen spinach is more convenient and already chopped. If you use fresh, lightly sauté and drain it to remove excess moisture. I’ve tried both and find frozen easier for this recipe.
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Can I bake this dip instead of microwaving?
Yes! Some folks like a browned top, so baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes works well. I usually skip this step since microwaving heats it quickly without changing the flavor.
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What do you recommend serving with spinach artichoke dip?
Crackers, sliced baguette, tortilla chips, and fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots are my favorite dippers. It’s versatile and works well with almost any crunchy side.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe, I was hooked instantly—it’s been a staple in my home ever since. I love how effortless it is to make, yet it feels so indulgent. Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, it’s guaranteed to be devoured quickly. If you want a simple, crowd-pleasing dip that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, give this one a whirl. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for all your get-togethers!
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Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy and flavorful Spinach Artichoke Dip combining tender artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses for a perfect appetizer. Quick to prepare using the microwave, this warm dip is ideal for serving with crackers, vegetable sticks, or chips, offering a crowd-pleasing savory treat that’s also delicious at room temperature.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 400 g / 14 oz artichoke hearts in brine, drained
- 250 g / 8 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed
Dairy and Condiments
- 250 g / 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream or yoghurt (full fat recommended)
- 1 cup grated cheese (any flavorful variety like Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty Cheese)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Artichokes: Roughly chop the drained artichoke hearts to create bite-sized pieces for the dip.
- Drain Spinach: Squeeze out excess liquid from the thawed chopped spinach using paper towels, a clean dish towel, or by pressing it in a colander with a wooden spoon to avoid watery dip.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Place the cream cheese in a large heatproof bowl and microwave in two 30-second bursts until soft, then mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chopped artichokes, drained spinach, garlic powder, mayonnaise, sour cream (or yoghurt), grated cheese, and parmesan cheese to the cream cheese. Mix gently until just combined to prevent breaking down the artichokes and spinach too much.
- Warm the Dip: Microwave the mixture to your desired warmth to meld flavors together. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the dip warm or at room temperature with your choice of crackers, vegetable sticks, or chips for dipping.
Notes
- This dip is delicious both warm and at room temperature, making it versatile for various occasions.
- Microwaving is a quick method to prepare the dip, but if preferred, you can bake it to brown the top for a different texture, though this doesn’t significantly alter the flavor.
- When mixing ingredients, avoid vigorous stirring to keep artichoke and spinach pieces intact.
- Use full-fat sour cream or yoghurt to achieve the creamiest texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 109 g
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg

