This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer. Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or any party, this dip pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, crostini, or pita chips. Made with a rich combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and artichokes, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that can even be prepared ahead of time or in a slow cooker.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ medium sweet onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken stock as a substitute)
1 (16-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in spinach, artichokes, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 4 minutes, allowing excess liquid to reduce.
Add cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until melted and smooth (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Preheat oven to broil on high. Place skillet in the oven, positioning the rack 6 inches from the broiler.
Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Serve immediately with tortilla chips, pita chips, or crostini.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approx. 8 Servings)

Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 22g
Sodium: Moderate (varies by cheese and seasoning choices)

Why You’ll Love This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This indulgent yet easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistible – This dip is rich and gooey, with melted mozzarella, tangy Parmesan, and smooth cream cheese blending perfectly.
Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering, game day, or potluck, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep work make this a hassle-free appetizer.
Versatile and Customizable – Adjust the ingredients to make it lighter, spicier, or even dairy-free.
Make-Ahead and Slow Cooker Friendly – Prepare it in advance or keep it warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.

What Makes This Spinach and Artichoke Dip Special?

Unlike store-bought dips, this homemade version is fresher, more flavorful, and free from unnecessary preservatives. Here’s what makes it stand out:

A Perfect Balance of Flavors – The creaminess of the cheese, the tangy bite of artichokes, and the slight bitterness of spinach make for a well-rounded and deeply satisfying dip.
Rich and Velvety Texture – The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and melted mozzarella creates a smooth, creamy consistency that’s perfect for dipping.
A Slight Kick from Red Pepper Flakes – Just a hint of heat enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the dip.
A Golden, Cheesy Crust – Broiling the dip creates a crispy, golden-brown top layer, adding a delicious contrast to the creamy filling.

Tips for Making the Best Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

To achieve the perfect creamy, cheesy dip, follow these expert tips:

Use Full-Fat Dairy for Maximum Creaminess – While you can substitute with lighter options, using full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese will give the dip its signature richness.
Squeeze the Spinach Dry – If using frozen spinach, be sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery dip.
Chop the Artichokes into Small Pieces – This ensures an even distribution of flavor and texture throughout the dip.
Broil for a Golden-Brown Finish – Broiling at the end gives the dip a crispy, bubbling top layer, making it even more irresistible.

Best Dippers for Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This versatile dip pairs well with a variety of dippers for different textures and flavors:

Tortilla Chips – Classic and sturdy, perfect for scooping up the thick, creamy dip.
Crostini or Baguette Slices – Provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy dip.
Pita Chips – A light, crispy option that holds up well to the dip’s texture.
Crackers – Buttery or whole-grain crackers add a delicate crunch.
Vegetables – Sliced bell peppers, carrots, celery, or cucumbers make a healthier alternative to chips.

How to Make This Dip in a Slow Cooker

This dip can be made in a slow cooker for a hands-off, no-fuss preparation. Here’s how:

Add all ingredients (except mozzarella topping) to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or until the dip is fully melted and combined.
Stir well, top with mozzarella, and cover for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
Switch to the WARM setting to keep the dip hot and creamy for serving.

How to Customize This Dip

This recipe is easily adjustable to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences:

Make It Lighter – Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese.
Make It Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.
Add Extra Flavor – Try mixing in crumbled bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic for more depth.
Use Different Cheeses – Experiment with gruyère, fontina, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
Make It Dairy-Free – Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream, and plant-based mozzarella.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dip stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: While dairy-based dips don’t freeze as well, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a microwave, stovetop, or oven at 350°F until heated through. If it thickens, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Perfect Occasions for Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This dip is versatile and perfect for many occasions:

Game Day and Tailgating – A classic sports-watching snack that pairs perfectly with cold drinks.
Holiday Parties – A festive, indulgent appetizer for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s gatherings.
Potlucks and Gatherings – Easy to transport and serve, making it great for large crowds.
Movie Nights – The ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Unlike other spinach and artichoke dip recipes, this one is:

Extra Creamy and Cheesy – With three types of cheese and full-fat dairy, it’s incredibly rich and smooth.
Perfectly Balanced in Flavor – The tangy artichokes, slightly bitter spinach, and rich dairy create a well-rounded, irresistible taste.
Easy to Make and Serve – Whether baked in the oven, made ahead, or kept warm in a slow cooker, this dip fits any occasion.
Endlessly Customizable – Make it spicier, lighter, or even dairy-free with simple swaps.

Conclusion

This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is everything you want in a party appetizer—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re watching the big game, hosting a holiday party, or simply craving a comforting snack, this dip is a surefire way to impress your guests.

With its rich, melty texture, bold flavors, and endless dipping possibilities, this dip is one of the best crowd-pleasing appetizers you can make.

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