Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

The first Super Bowl party I hosted, someone asked if I was making spinach artichoke dip, and I realized it had somehow become the measuring stick for a decent gathering. I threw this together nervously, watching it bubble through the oven door while my friends mingled in the next room. When I finally brought it out, steam rising in little ribbons, someone actually clapped, and I knew this recipe was staying in my rotation forever.

My sister in law swears she could eat half the dish by herself with a fork, no chips needed. Last New Years Eve, I doubled the recipe just to be safe, and we still scraped the bottom of the baking dish at midnight, people literally hovering over the last spoonfuls.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Let it sit on the counter for a full hour, because trying to mash cold cream cheese into anything is a workout nobody signed up for
• Sour cream and mayonnaise: This duo creates that velvety restaurant style texture that keeps people coming back for just one more chip
• Mozzarella and Parmesan: The mozzarella pulls beautifully while Parmesan adds that salty, nutty depth that makes the dip taste complete
• Spinach: Thaw it completely, then squeeze out every drop of water with your hands or paper towels, because excess water will make your dip sad and separated
• Artichoke hearts: Canned work perfectly here, just give them a rough chop so you get those tender bites throughout
• Garlic: Fresh minced is worth it here, since it mellows and sweetens as everything bakes together

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and give your baking dish a quick coating of cooking spray or butter.

Make the creamy base:

In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until everything is completely smooth and no lumps remain.

Bring everything together:

Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, artichokes, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Spread and bake:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer, then bake for 25 minutes until the top is bubbling and has those gorgeous golden patches.

The hardest part:

Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving, which gives it time to set slightly so it stays on the chip instead of sliding off onto the table.

Save

My friend Sarah requests this for every single movie night, claiming the dip is half the reason she shows up. Watching people crowd around the baking dish, dipping and double dipping without a care in the world, reminds me why I started cooking for people in the first place.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in Greek yogurt for half the sour cream when I am feeling virtuous, though nobody else notices the difference. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving cuts through all that richness beautifully, brightening every single bite.

Serving Strategy

Tortilla chips are classic, but honestly pita chips, crusty bread, or even raw vegetables work just as well. I have learned to put out a second serving vessel because the first one will be demolished before people even realize what happened.

Party Perfect Planning

You can assemble everything up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator, then just pop it in the oven when guests arrive. If you are feeding a crowd, double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13 pan instead.

• Set out your chips in a wide bowl rather than a tall one for easier dipping
• Keep the dip warm in a 150°F oven if people are grazing over several hours
• Have a small spoon handy for the inevitable person who wants to skip the chip entirely

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about watching a room full of people bond over a bubbling dish of cheese and vegetables. This dip has turned quiet gatherings into loud, happy messes more times than I can count.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What is the best way to prepare the spinach?

Use frozen chopped spinach that’s fully thawed and well drained to avoid excess moisture, ensuring a creamy dip texture.

→ Can I substitute any cheeses in this dish?

While mozzarella and Parmesan add melt and flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Gruyere for different tastes.

→ How do I prevent the dip from becoming watery when baking?

Drain vegetables thoroughly and mix cheeses well to keep the dip thick. Baking at proper temperature helps surface set nicely.

→ What are good alternatives to tortilla chips for serving?

Pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery all pair wonderfully with this creamy dip.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Prepare the dip mixture in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.