Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Crackers

Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a creamy, savory, indulgent appetizer that has been loved for decades at parties, potlucks, gatherings, and game nights. Rich cream cheese meets tender spinach, tangy artichokes, melted mozzarella, and a touch of garlic to create a bubbling, golden dip that is impossible to resist. Served with crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies, this dip brings warmth, comfort, and restaurant-style flavor straight to your table.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Once it goes into the oven and comes out warm, gooey, and perfectly golden, everyone will be reaching for seconds.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it hits the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying. Each bite has the richness of cream cheese, the freshness of spinach, and the subtle tang from artichokes. It feels like something fancy but is incredibly easy to make at home—no complicated cooking techniques required.

It’s comforting, warm, and feels like a hug in appetizer form!

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

• ✔ Restaurant-quality flavor at home
• ✔ Crowd-pleaser for parties and holiday gatherings
• ✔ Easy, quick, and requires just one bowl and one baking dish
• ✔ Can be customized to be spicy, extra cheesy, or even healthier
• ✔ Pairs well with a wide variety of dippers

Once you try it, this dip will become one of your go-to appetizers!

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Preparation Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	20–25 minutes
Total Time	30–35 minutes
Servings	6–8 servings
Calories per Serving	Approximately 240 calories
Course	Appetizer / Snack / Party Food
Cuisine	American

Ingredients

Dip Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, finely chopped
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp salt (optional, adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)

To Serve

• Crackers (buttery, salted, or multigrain)
• Crispy baguette slices
• Tortilla chips
• Vegetable sticks (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Add spinach, chopped artichokes, garlic, pepper, parmesan, and half of the mozzarella. Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Serve warm with crackers or your choice of dippers.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep Ingredients:
   Thaw and squeeze spinach dry to remove moisture. Chop artichokes finely.
2. Mix Base:
   In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Add Flavor:
   Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, cheeses, spinach, and artichokes.
4. Assemble:
   Spread mixture in a baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake:
   Bake until the top is melted, golden, and slightly bubbling.
6. Serve:
   Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

How to Serve

• Serve directly in the baking dish or transfer to a warmed serving bowl.
• Best enjoyed with:
  • Crackers
  • Crostini or garlic bread
  • Tortilla chips
  • Pretzels
  • Carrot or celery sticks

Recipe Tips

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
• Ensure spinach is dry to avoid a watery dip.
• Bake until bubbly for the best flavor and texture.
• Prepare ahead by assembling the dip and refrigerating—bake just before serving.

Variations

Type	Variation
Spicy Version	Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
Extra Cheesy	Add cheddar, provolone, or extra mozzarella.
Healthy Version	Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light cream cheese.
Bacon Style	Add chopped, cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
Vegan Option	Use vegan cream cheese, vegan mayo, and dairy-free cheese.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dip for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before baking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish (small casserole or ramekin)
• Spatula
• Oven

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: Can I use fresh spinach?
Absolutely—just cook it down and drain excess moisture.

Q3: What can I use instead of artichokes?
Mushrooms, roasted peppers, or asparagus make great substitutes.

Conclusion

Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Crackers is a timeless, comforting, and flavorful appetizer that brings joy to every table. Rich, creamy, and beautifully cheesy, it pairs perfectly with crunchy crackers and warm bread, making it ideal for any occasion—from casual nights in to festive celebrations. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic.