Name: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese, well softened; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 garlic clove, minced (1 tsp); 2/3 cup (76g) finely shredded parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup (56g) finely shredded mozzarella cheese; Pepper, to taste; 1 (14 oz) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped; 6 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain excess liquid

There’s something irresistibly cozy and satisfying about a warm, cheesy dip bubbling fresh out of the oven. This Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is just that—a perfect crowd-pleaser with gooey cheese, tender artichokes, and vibrant spinach all wrapped up in a creamy, tangy mix that’s simply unforgettable.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely passionate about this dip because it hits all the right notes—rich, flavorful, and endlessly shareable. I’ve made it countless times for everything from casual movie nights to holiday gatherings, and it never fails to get devoured.

Effortless Comfort: Super simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, restaurant-quality dip you can make in about 30 minutes.
Perfect Party Starter: It’s creamy and cheesy but packed with veggies, so it feels a little indulgent without being heavy.
Versatile & Adaptable: This recipe invites customization—you can play with different cheeses or add a little heat for your taste.
A Crowd Favorite: Whether it’s a game day or casual get-together, people keep coming back for more, which tells me it’s a winner every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in making this dip creamy, flavorful, and perfectly textured. Choose good quality cheeses and fresh garlic to maximize taste. The balance of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo creates a smooth base that’s dreamy without being overly rich.

Cream cheese: The creamy backbone of the dip, providing rich texture and tanginess—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and lightens up the richness without compromising creaminess.
Mayonnaise: Brings moisture and silkiness to the mix, helping to bind everything beautifully.
Garlic: Just a teaspoon of minced garlic amps up the flavor without overpowering the dip.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it adds depth and melts smoothly into the dip.
Mozzarella cheese: For that luscious meltiness and gooey stretch everyone loves.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked for mild heat and to enhance all the flavors.
Artichoke hearts: Tender, slightly tangy, and perfectly compliments spinach—the key veggie player here.
Frozen spinach: No fresh chopping needed, just thaw, squeeze out excess moisture, and toss in for color and earthiness.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

While I love the classic version, I’ve found that personalizing this dip adds a fun twist. Whether it’s swapping out cheeses or adding a little seasoning kick, make this dip suit your style and your guests will appreciate the thoughtful touch.

Variation: I sometimes sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
Dietary swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream if you want a lighter dip that’s still creamy and tangy.
Seasonal twist: Adding a handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill or basil brightens the flavor, especially in spring or summer.
Extra cheese: Feel free to add a splash of grated cheddar or pepper jack for more cheesiness and a bit of spice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a small (about 1-quart) baking dish with non-stick spray so the dip won’t stick as it bubbles and browns beautifully during baking. I like to use a glass or ceramic dish for even heat distribution.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo, stirring until smooth and well blended. Then stir in the minced garlic, parmesan, mozzarella, and freshly cracked black pepper. This is where all those creamy, cheesy flavors really come together.

Step 3: Fold in the Veggies

Drain the artichoke hearts well and chop into smaller pieces. Do the same with your thawed frozen spinach—make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as you can or your dip will get watery. Gently stir these veggies into the creamy cheese mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake Until Warm and Melty

Spread your mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through, bubbly, and melty on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to brown lightly and you can smell that garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your creamy spinach artichoke dip warm with tortilla chips, crispy crackers, or toasted baguette slices. It’s guaranteed to disappear fast, so maybe have a second batch ready if you’re hosting a party!

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this dip from good to wow-worthy. Trust me, these tips will help you nail the perfect creamy texture and avoid watery disappointments.

Drain Your Veggies Thoroughly: Squeezing as much liquid as possible from the thawed spinach and canned artichokes is crucial to avoid a soggy dip.
Softened Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or briefly microwave in short bursts to soften—it mixes so much easier!
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting properly; shredding your own gives you the smoothest, gooey melt.
Don’t Skip the Garlic: Even a little minced garlic makes a big flavor impact here, so I always stick with it for that garlicky punch.

How to Serve Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

spinach artichoke dip - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few extra shreds of parmesan or fresh chopped parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and a little fresh bite that brightens the richness of the dip perfectly.

Side Dishes

Besides chips and baguette slices, I like serving this with crunchy veggie sticks like celery or bell peppers and even a bowl of warm pita bread for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light white wine to balance the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dip in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl—it’s festive and doubles as an extra dipping vehicle! You can also pack it into small ramekins for individual servings that look super polished and guest-ready.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to bring it back together—sometimes the dip firms up and separates a bit.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dip successfully—just make sure you use a freezer-safe container and leave a little room at the top to accommodate expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it still tastes great for about 2 months.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warm and bubbly again. Microwaving works too if you’re short on time, but the oven helps keep that creamy texture without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, cook it down first in a pan to wilt and release excess moisture, then chop and cool before adding to the dip to keep it from becoming watery.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for the dip?

Let it sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave on low power in 10-second bursts, stirring in between until it's soft and spreadable for easy mixing.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix everything earlier in the day and cover it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting in the oven.

What should I serve with creamy spinach artichoke dip?

Tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy veggie sticks are all excellent. I also love pairing it with something light and refreshing like a crisp salad or even a chilled glass of white wine.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it never fails to bring people together. It’s the kind of dish that invites conversation and comfort, perfect for slowing down with friends or family. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes your go-to dip for every occasion.