If you’re searching for a creamy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering, look no further than this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe. It perfectly balances the freshness of spinach, the tender bite of artichokes, and a subtle kick from jalapeños, all wrapped up in a luscious, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a festive celebration, this dip never fails to become the star of the party with its rich texture and bold flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe uses simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its irresistible taste and creamy texture. From creamy cheeses to fresh veggies and a touch of spice, every component is essential to get that perfect dip consistency and flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base that melts beautifully and adds a slight tang.
- 16 oz light sour cream: Adds richness and softens the tang, keeping the dip light and creamy.
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter: Enhances the dip’s richness and helps everything blend smoothly.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, savory depth and helps thicken the dip.
- 14 oz quartered artichoke hearts (drained and coarsely chopped): Adds a unique, tender texture and subtle sweetness.
- 4 oz can diced jalapeños (drained): Brings a gentle heat and slight crunch to brighten the flavors.
- 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and drained): Adds freshness, balance, and vibrant green color.
- 2-3 garlic cloves (pressed): Infuses the dip with a fragrant, savory punch.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Create the creamy cheese base
Start by melting together the cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese in a medium pot over medium heat. Stir constantly to ensure everything melts evenly and forms one cohesive, bubbly mixture. This step is where the magic starts — building the luscious, velvety foundation that holds the dip together.
Step 2: Add the hearty veggies and garlic
Once your cheese base is bubbling nicely, it’s time to fold in those coarsely chopped artichoke hearts, drained diced jalapeños, and well-drained spinach. Using your hands to squeeze out the excess water from the spinach before adding it prevents the dip from becoming watery. Finish by stirring in the freshly pressed garlic cloves, which will infuse the entire dip with aromatic warmth.
Step 3: Serve it hot and fresh
For the best experience, serve your Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe right away while it’s still warm and gooey. This ensures every bite is irresistibly cheesy and every flavor shines through beautifully.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal brightness that complements the richness of the dip perfectly. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a subtle smoky note that enhances the overall profile.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers. Classic choices include sturdy tortilla chips or crispy crackers, but don’t overlook toasted baguette slices or warm pita wedges which soak up the dip beautifully. For a lighter option, try sliced fresh veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or celery sticks for a nice crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe in a rustic cast iron skillet or a pretty ceramic bowl to keep it warm and inviting. You can also hollow out a round loaf of crusty bread and fill it with the dip, turning it into an edible, impressive centerpiece. For parties, consider individual mini ramekins so everyone can enjoy their own personalized portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any dip left (which is rare!), transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying as a quick snack or reheated appetizer.
Freezing
While freezing this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is possible, be aware that the texture of the spinach and cheeses may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1-2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the dip overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until it is heated through and creamy again. Adding a splash of milk or sour cream can help restore creaminess if the dip feels too thick.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just be sure to sauté fresh spinach until wilted and squeeze out every bit of excess moisture before adding it to the dip. This keeps the texture rich and the dip from being watery.
Is this dip spicy because of the jalapeños?
It offers a mild kick, but not overwhelming heat. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or use mild diced green chilies instead.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian as is, but make sure to use vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese if that’s a concern for your diet.
What’s the best way to squeeze out the water from the spinach?
Use your hands to tightly press and squeeze the thawed spinach over the sink or in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as possible. The drier the spinach, the better the dip’s texture.
Can I bake the dip instead of cooking it on the stove?
While this recipe is designed for stovetop preparation, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes if you want a hot, bubbling crust on top. Just watch to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is truly a go-to for cozy gatherings and effortless entertaining. It’s rich, flavorful, and simple enough to whip up on a whim, yet impresses every single time. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast — it might just become your new favorite party staple!
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Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy and flavorful Spinach Artichoke Dip is a classic appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Combining melted cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and Parmesan with hearty artichoke hearts, spicy jalapeños, thawed spinach, and fresh garlic, this dip is rich, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness. It’s quick to prepare on the stovetop and served hot, making it a crowd-pleaser when paired with chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (reduced fat is ok)
- 16 oz light sour cream
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 14 oz quartered artichoke hearts (drained and coarsely chopped)
- 4 oz can diced jalapeños (drained)
- 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- 2–3 garlic cloves (pressed)
Instructions
- Melt the base mixture: In a medium pot over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently to melt the cheeses and blend everything together evenly. Cook until the mixture starts to bubble and is smooth without lumps.
- Add vegetables and garlic: Stir in the coarsely chopped artichoke hearts, drained jalapeños, and thoroughly drained spinach (squeeze out any excess water). Finally, mix in the pressed garlic cloves. Continue to heat gently to warm all ingredients through and combine flavors.
- Serve hot: Remove from heat and transfer the dip to a serving dish. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze excess water from the spinach to prevent a watery dip.
- Reduced fat cream cheese and light sour cream can be used to lower calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- You can adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spiciness to your preference.
- For a smoother texture, press garlic finely or mince it before adding.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
