Description
This creamy baked spinach artichoke dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining tender spinach and artichoke hearts with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and melted cheeses, it’s baked until bubbly and golden for a deliciously warm dip. Serve it with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or pita bread for an irresistible starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Dairy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix them thoroughly until smooth and well blended to form the creamy base.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, making sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated for consistent flavor.
- Season: Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences and mix well to ensure balanced seasoning.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to allow for uniform cooking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and lightly golden on top, indicating that it’s cooked through and ready to serve.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the dip from the oven and allow it to cool slightly, which helps the dip thicken for easier serving and enhances flavors.
- Serve: Serve the warm spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or pita bread for dipping and enjoy this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- Be sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess water from the thawed spinach to prevent a watery dip.
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- You can prepare the dip a day ahead and bake it just before serving for convenience.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor and a slight protein boost.
- This dip pairs well with a variety of crackers and vegetable sticks if you prefer something lighter than bread or chips.
