Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

The Best Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe for Game Day

Culinary magic happens when a creamy baked spinach artichoke dip arrives at the table, promising pure comfort and indulgence.

Cheese melts into emerald green vegetables, creating a luxurious appetizer that whispers gourmet secrets.

Smooth textures blend seamlessly with crisp herbs, inviting everyone to scoop up delectable spoonfuls.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, bringing brightness and richness to each bite.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crispy bread or fresh vegetables become perfect vehicles for this irresistible blend of flavors.

Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip That’s Creamy And Crowd-Pleasing

  • Quick and Easy Appetizer: Whip up this crowd-pleasing dip in just 30 minutes with minimal prep work and simple ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delivers rich, creamy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for gatherings and game days.
  • Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with spinach, artichokes, and Greek yogurt, offering a healthier twist on traditional heavy dips while still tasting delicious.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Easily serve as an appetizer, party snack, or game day treat with chips, fresh vegetables, or toasted bread for dipping.

Spinach Dip Baked to Creamy

Main Protein and Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese: Soft base that provides rich, creamy texture.
  • Greek Yogurt: Adds tangy flavor and helps create smooth consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese for depth of flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, stretchy surface.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Spinach: Fresh green with earthy nutrients.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Tender vegetable with mild, buttery flavor.
  • Shallot: Delicate onion-like ingredient for subtle aromatic base.
  • Garlic: Powerful seasoning that enhances overall taste.
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds smooth richness.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright acidic touch to balance creamy ingredients.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle heat and subtle spiciness.
  • Fresh Parsley: Light, fresh garnish with green color.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced flavor (implied from instructions).

How to Bake Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat a skillet and drizzle with olive oil.

Toss in:
  • Diced shallots
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Wilt The Greens

Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it transforms into a tender, wilted delight.

Take off the heat.

Step 4: Mix The Creamy Goodness

In a large bowl, combine the spinach mixture with:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Greek yogurt
  • Lemon juice
  • Chopped artichoke hearts
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella

Stir until everything blends into a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the dip to a 10-inch skillet, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown top that screams “eat me!”

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve piping hot.

Grab some chips and veggies for dipping and enjoy!

Spinach Dip Baking Tips For Creamy Results

  • Briefly sauté shallots and garlic to release aromatic oils, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dip.
  • Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Drain artichoke hearts thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dip watery.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your preferred heat intensity, from mild to spicy.
  • Replace dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like cashew cream and plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.

Spinach Artichoke Dip That Comes Back Smooth

  • Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and delicious.
  • Warm the dip in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, restoring its creamy texture and melty cheese top.
  • Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and prevent overheating.
  • Add a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella before reheating to revive the golden, bubbly surface and enhance the flavor.

Creamy Matches For Spinach Artichoke Dip

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the dip's rich, creamy texture and complement its tangy artichoke flavor.
  • Match with Chilled Beer Selection: Choose a light wheat beer or pale ale that provides refreshing contrast to the dense, cheesy dip and cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Serve alongside Rustic Bread Varieties: Offer toasted sourdough, crusty baguette slices, or herbed focaccia to provide crunchy, sturdy vehicles for scooping the warm, melted dip.
  • Complement with Fresh Vegetable Platter: Arrange colorful raw vegetables like bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, and cherry tomatoes to add crisp texture and nutritional balance to the indulgent appetizer.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Spins

  • Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream, swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Choose dairy-free mozzarella alternative for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly Dip: Substitute artichoke hearts with cauliflower florets, use full-fat cream cheese, and increase mozzarella quantity. Serve with cucumber slices or pork rinds for low-carb dipping.
  • Gluten-Free Green Goddess Dip: Keep original recipe ingredients, add fresh chopped herbs like chives and dill. Use gluten-free chips or vegetable sticks for serving to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add crumbled feta cheese, increase red pepper flakes, incorporate chopped kalamata olives. Garnish with za'atar seasoning for extra flavor complexity and middle eastern flair.

FAQs

  • Why use Greek yogurt in this dip?

Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture while keeping the dip lighter and more protein-rich compared to using only cream cheese.

  • Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture in advance and refrigerate. Just add the final cheese topping right before baking to keep it fresh and prevent soggy cheese.

  • How do I prevent the dip from being watery?

Ensure you thoroughly drain the artichoke hearts and squeeze excess moisture from the spinach after cooking to maintain a thick, creamy consistency.

  • Is this dip spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a milder version that suits all taste preferences.

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Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade creamy baked spinach artichoke dip delivers Mediterranean comfort with rich, tangy cheese and tender vegetables. Perfectly golden-crusted and served warm, this crowd-pleasing appetizer brings irresistible flavor you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 14 ounces (397 grams) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) whole milk mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Secondary Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large shallot, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Seasoning and Garnish:

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for garnish
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Serving Suggestions:

  • Carrot sticks
  • Celery sticks
  • White corn tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet over medium-high temperature and infuse olive oil with finely chopped shallots and aromatic garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Incorporate fresh spinach into the skillet, allowing leaves to wilt and release moisture, then remove from heat source.
  3. Create a luxurious base by blending softened cream cheese with tangy Greek yogurt, ensuring a smooth, velvety consistency.
  4. Fold the wilted spinach mixture into the creamy base, introducing chopped artichoke hearts for rustic texture and depth of flavor.
  5. Enhance the mixture with zesty lemon juice, fiery red pepper flakes, aged Parmesan, and a generous portion of mozzarella cheese, stirring until ingredients are harmoniously integrated.
  6. Transfer the decadent mixture into a cast-iron skillet, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
  7. Sprinkle additional mozzarella across the surface, creating a golden, melted cheese topping.
  8. Slide the skillet into a preheated oven set at 350°F, allowing the dip to transform into a bubbling, golden-brown delicacy over 20-25 minutes.
  9. Once emerged from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
  10. Serve immediately alongside crisp vegetable crudités and crunchy chips for an irresistible appetizer experience.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by roasting garlic before adding to the mixture for a deeper, more caramelized taste.
  • Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Reduce fat content by using low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella without compromising the rich, indulgent feel of the dip.
  • Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like finely chopped kale or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 208
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 389 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 41 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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