Save to Pinterest There's something about a warm spinach artichoke dip that makes a gathering feel instantly more generous. I discovered this recipe by accident one winter when I was hunting through my freezer and found a forgotten bag of spinach alongside a tin of artichokes I'd bought weeks earlier. Instead of making my usual salad, I decided to combine them into something creamy and shareable, and what came out of the oven was so good my guests asked for the recipe before they'd finished eating.
I made this for a small dinner party on a rainy Friday, and my friend Sarah arrived looking tired from her week. Within minutes of taking the first bite, something shifted in the room—the warmth of the dip, the way it paired perfectly with crackers, the simple ease of passing it around without anyone having to fuss. By the end of the night, we were scraping the bottom of the dish and laughing about how something so humble had become the highlight.
Ingredients
- Frozen spinach (300 g): Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out every drop of water—excess moisture is the enemy of a creamy dip that holds its texture.
- Canned or jarred artichoke hearts (400 g): Drain them well and chop them into rough, uneven pieces so they stay visible and interesting throughout the dip.
- Cream cheese (225 g): Softening it first at room temperature makes folding everything together smooth and effortless.
- Sour cream (120 ml) and mayonnaise (60 ml): Together these create the creamy foundation, with sour cream adding tang and mayo adding richness.
- Parmesan (100 g) and mozzarella (100 g): The two-cheese combination gives you umami depth and a slight gratin finish on top—use freshly grated if you can.
- Garlic (2 cloves), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes: The garlic should be minced fine so it distributes evenly, and red pepper flakes add a whisper of heat that makes people wonder what the secret is.
Instructions
- Set the stage:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a medium baking dish—this takes just a minute but prevents any sticking later.
- Build the base:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, stirring until smooth and creamy. You want no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- Bring everything together:
- Fold in the spinach, artichokes, both cheeses, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed and you don't see any streaks of plain spinach or isolated artichoke chunks.
- Transfer and spread:
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer using the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, watching for the moment when the dip is bubbling around the edges and the top has turned light golden. This is when all the flavors have melded and the texture is at its best.
- Finish and serve:
- Let it rest for just a minute or two, then serve it hot alongside tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
Save to Pinterest I'll never forget watching my neighbor, who considers himself a serious home cook, taste this dip and immediately look confused about why it was so good. He'd expected something ordinary but found himself coming back for more, and later told me he'd made it three times that month for different occasions. That's when I realized this dip isn't just food—it's permission to feel like you've done something special without the stress.
Making It Your Own
The base of this dip is so forgiving that you can play with it without losing what makes it work. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything if you find it feels too rich, and a handful of chopped fresh dill or basil adds an herbal note that feels unexpected. Some people stir in crispy bacon or sun-dried tomatoes, and I've even seen versions with a touch of garlic powder in addition to the fresh garlic for extra depth.
Making It Ahead
This dip actually improves when you assemble it the morning of and let it sit in the refrigerator—the flavors have time to marry together more completely. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and bake it directly from cold when you're ready, adding just a few extra minutes to the baking time until it's bubbling and warmed through. It's one of those rare dishes that's actually easier to make ahead than at the last minute.
Light and Fresh Variations
If you ever want a lighter version, swap the cream cheese for a smooth Greek yogurt and use a bit less mayonnaise—you'll lose a tiny bit of richness but gain a subtle tanginess that some people actually prefer. I've also made versions using half the cheese and adding finely chopped roasted red peppers or a small handful of pine nuts for texture, and each one feels like a discovery rather than a compromise. These changes keep the spirit of the dip alive while letting you adjust it to suit your mood or the season.
- Greek yogurt works beautifully as a cream cheese substitute if you want fewer calories but the same creamy texture.
- Fresh herbs like dill, basil, or parsley can be stirred in just before serving for brightness without changing the core flavor.
- A pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika adds subtle complexity if you're feeling adventurous.
Save to Pinterest This dip has quietly become one of those recipes I reach for whenever I need something that feels both effortless and impressive, because it delivers every single time. The fact that people always ask for the recipe is just the bonus.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used but should be cooked and drained thoroughly to remove excess moisture before combining.
- → What cheese combinations work best in this dish?
Parmesan and mozzarella provide a great balance of sharpness and meltiness, creating a creamy, flavorful texture.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add a mild to moderate heat level.
- → Is there a way to lighten the creamy texture?
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cream cheese to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette for a satisfying bite.