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- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained - 1 cup artichoke hearts, finely chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Frozen Spinach: You can use fresh spinach. Just cook, cool, and chop it first. - Artichoke Hearts: Canned or frozen works well. Ensure they are well-drained for best results. - Cream Cheese: If you're out, try ricotta or cottage cheese. - Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be a tangy substitute. - Mayonnaise: You can replace it with more sour cream or Greek yogurt. - Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar or a cheese blend would work great too. - Parmesan Cheese: Grana Padano is a good alternative. - Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder will do. - Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Omit for a milder dip, or add more for extra heat. Each serving of this cheesy dip packs flavor and fun. You get protein from the cheese and some fiber from the spinach and artichokes. It’s a rich snack, so enjoy it in moderation! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the dip cook evenly. 2. Grab an 8x8-inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This makes serving easier. 3. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or spatula. Blend until creamy and smooth. 4. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. 5. Gently fold in the spinach and chopped artichokes. Then, add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. - Oven: Spoon the mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling and a golden top. - Stovetop: Cook on low heat in a skillet. Stir often until heated through and creamy, about 10-15 minutes. - Slow Cooker: Place the mixture in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally for even heating. - The dip should bubble around the edges. - The top will turn a nice golden brown. - When you stir, the dip should be thick and gooey. These cues will help you know when your cheesy spinach artichoke dip is ready to serve! To make the dip creamy and smooth, start with room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese is hard to mix. Blend the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise well. This creates a rich base. Adding the spinach and artichokes last keeps the dip thick. Avoid over-mixing after adding these ingredients. You want a chunky texture. If you like it thinner, add a little more sour cream or mayonnaise. You can prepare this dip a day before your party. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. This keeps it warm and bubbly. Serve your Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip warm for the best taste. Use crispy tortilla chips for a great crunch. Slices of baguette also work well. For a healthier option, try colorful veggie sticks like carrots and bell peppers. Top the dip with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for a beautiful look. This makes your dip not only tasty but also pretty for your guests. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: If you have access to fresh spinach, feel free to use it instead of frozen. Just blanch it for a minute, chop it, and drain before adding to the dip for a fresher taste. Mix Cheeses: For a more complex flavor, try mixing different cheeses such as Gouda or cheddar with the mozzarella. This will create a richer and more flavorful dip. Prep Ahead: This dip can be prepared a day in advance. Just mix all ingredients together, store in the fridge, and bake it right before serving for a hassle-free appetizer. Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the mix for an extra spicy kick. {{image_4}} You can boost the flavor of your Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip by adding protein. Chicken is a popular choice. Simply use cooked, shredded chicken. Aim for about one cup to mix in. Crab meat also works well. Use lump crab for a sweet taste. Just like chicken, add about one cup. Both options make the dip heartier, perfect for a filling snack. Making this dip gluten-free is easy. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any added items, like chips, are gluten-free too. For a vegan version, swap cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise for plant-based options. Use vegan cream cheese and cashew cream as substitutes. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can spice up your dip by adding different ingredients. Consider using smoked paprika for a deep flavor. Add just a teaspoon for a nice touch. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley. For cheese, try mixing in gouda or cheddar. Each cheese gives a unique twist. Don't be afraid to experiment; it’s all about what you like! You can store leftover Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. Place the lid on tightly and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. If you notice any change in smell or color, it’s best to toss it out. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Transfer the dip to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top because it will expand when frozen. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dip into an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it’s warm and bubbly. You can also use a microwave, but it might not stay as creamy. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Start with about 4 cups of fresh leaves. Cook fresh spinach in a pan with a little water until it wilts. Drain it well and chop it finely. Using fresh spinach adds a bright flavor. It can make the dip taste even better. Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip pairs well with many snacks. Here are some great options: - Crispy tortilla chips - Slices of baguette - Colorful veggie sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers - Pita chips - Crackers These choices add fun and variety to your party table. This dip has some healthy aspects, but it is also rich. Spinach and artichokes offer vitamins and fiber. However, it contains cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, which add calories and fat. Enjoy this dip in moderation. Pair it with fresh veggies for a healthier snack option. In this blog post, we explored making Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip. We covered key ingredients and useful substitutes. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, cooking methods, and visual cues for doneness. We shared tips to perfect the dip's texture and provide serving ideas. Various ways to add protein or adjust for dietary needs were also discussed. Lastly, we went over storage methods and answered common questions. Enjoy making this dip and impress your friends!

Creamy Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

A rich and creamy dip made with spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for dipping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup frozen spinach, thoroughly thawed and drained
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, brought to room temperature
  • 1 2 sour cream
  • 1 2 mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 2 crushed red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it.
  • In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
  • Introduce the minced garlic, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, along with salt and pepper into the creamy mixture. Stir well.
  • Gently fold in the well-drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Then add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully incorporated.
  • Spoon the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or veggie sticks. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.
Keyword appetizer, artichoke, cheese, dip, spinach