Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

If you’re on a quest for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, look no further than this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with hearty veggies and bold flavor, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for just one more bite. Whether you’re hosting game day, a holiday gathering, or an impromptu get-together, this dip is guaranteed to disappear in minutes—and you might just find yourself making it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe pulls its weight, combining easy-to-find staples into a melting pot of flavor and texture. Let’s break down what you need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing!

• Cream cheese: The creamy base that makes every scoop decadently rich and smooth—soften it for easy mixing!
• Sour cream: Adds a welcome tang and extra creaminess, balancing out those savory, salty notes.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated and used both inside and on top, it gives that unmistakable sharp, nutty finish.
• Mozzarella cheese: This shredded cheese melts to ooey-gooey perfection and offers that irresistible cheese pull.
• Minced garlic: Freshly minced for maximum punch, it’s the secret to making the dip aromatic and bold.
• Salt: Essential for amplifying the flavors—start with a little and adjust to taste.
• Black pepper: A pinch of black pepper brings just the right amount of warmth and spice to the dip.
• Sauteed spinach: Previously frozen spinach thawed and drained packs in nutrition and gorgeous green color. Don’t forget to squeeze it dry!
• Artichoke hearts: Chopped artichoke hearts add body and a mild, earthy bite that pairs beautifully with the cheeses.
• Water chestnuts: These diced delights bring a surprising crunch and freshness amid all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients

Set out all your ingredients ahead of time, making sure the cream cheese is softened and your spinach is thawed and squeezed super dry. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees to get everything ready for baking. The magic of a Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is in the details—preparation makes all the difference!

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, all the shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Grab a sturdy spatula and stir until everything forms a lusciously smooth (and totally tempting) base. Don’t be shy—taste and adjust your salt and pepper if needed.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Now it’s time to stir in your well-drained spinach, finely chopped artichoke hearts, and the diced water chestnuts. This is where the Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe gets its signature texture—creamy meets chunky, with just enough crunch. Mix until everything is combined and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Coat a 7 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray for easy cleanup. Scoop the mixture into the dish, then spread it out evenly so every bite gets an equal share of goodness. Sprinkle the remaining quarter cup of Parmesan cheese over the top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling at the edges. For an extra layer of color and crunch, you can broil the dish on high for 2 to 3 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t go from golden to burnt!

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pull the dip from the oven and serve it hot—this is one dish best enjoyed fresh and gooey. Pair with your favorite chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, and watch it vanish!

How to Serve Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Garnishes

Top your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe with a shower of chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan, or even a drizzle of olive oil for a little gourmet flair. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add subtle heat and a pretty pop of color.

Side Dishes

This dip is versatile—scoop it up with crunchy tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, crudités (think carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers), or pita chips. If you want to keep things light, use endive leaves or cucumber rounds for some fresh, crisp contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf for rustic charm (and an edible bowl!). For parties, bake mini individual servings in ramekins or a muffin tin—perfect for no-double-dipping situations. Or, go all out and serve with a platter of rainbow veggies for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The Hot Spinach Artichoke Artichoke Dip Recipe will keep its creamy, dreamy texture for 3 to 5 days. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have mingled overnight!

Freezing

You can freeze this dip (either before or after baking) for up to 3 months. Just know that the texture might change a little once thawed—give it a good stir and maybe add a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating to freshen it up.

Reheating

Bring the dip back to life by reheating in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or just until bubbly. If you’re short on time, the microwave works in a pinch (just stir well and heat in 30-second bursts!).

FAQs

Can I make the Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix everything together and store it in your baking dish in the fridge—just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as usual. This saves you time and makes it perfect for entertaining.

What if I don’t like water chestnuts?

No worries at all! While water chestnuts add a delightful crunch, you can leave them out, or swap them for chopped walnuts or even diced bell peppers for a similar textural pop.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works wonderfully in this recipe. Sauté about a pound of fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible, chop, and use as directed.

How can I make the Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe dairy-free?

There are fantastic dairy-free alternatives for every cheesy element here. Substitute your favorite dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese. The results are every bit as comforting!

Is this dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve with gluten-free dippers if you need the whole spread to be gluten-free—tortilla chips, gluten-free crackers, or veggies are all perfect choices.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is a must-have for parties or anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly delicious. One bite, and I promise you’ll be hooked—so don’t wait for a special occasion, whip up a batch and let the comfort food-loving festivities begin!

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