warm dips

Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip — Warm Creamy Party Appetizer is my go to move when people are coming over and I want something that feels a little fancy without making me stressed. You know that moment when everyone’s hovering near the kitchen, hungry, and you need a warm snack on the table fast? This is the dip I make for that exact situation. It’s creamy, salty, a little tangy, and it disappears way quicker than it should. I’ve brought it to game nights, birthdays, and random Fridays, and it always gets the same reaction: “Wait, you made this?”

What Ingredients Go into Spinach Artichoke Dip?

I like recipes that don’t make me buy a bunch of one use ingredients, and this one is mostly pantry and fridge basics. If you’ve ever made any kind of creamy dip, you probably have half of this already.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cream cheese for that thick, rich base
• Sour cream to keep it creamy and slightly tangy
• Mayonnaise for extra smoothness (optional, but I love it)
• Garlic, either fresh minced or garlic powder when I’m feeling lazy
• Spinach, frozen chopped is easiest, but fresh works too
• Artichoke hearts, canned or jarred, drained well and chopped
• Mozzarella for melt and those classic cheese pulls
• Parmesan for salty, nutty flavor
• Salt and pepper to wake everything up
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon

Quick note on spinach: if you use frozen, squeeze it out like you mean it. I put it in a clean kitchen towel and wring it until it’s basically dry. That one step keeps the dip from turning watery.

If you’re in a dip mood lately, you might also like my other creamy party favorites like this creamy herb and garlic chip dip or this fun, hearty creamy cowboy caviar dip. Both are super snackable.

How to Make Spinach and Artichoke Dip {video_youtube}

This is one of those recipes where you mix, bake, and suddenly your kitchen smells like a party. I usually bake it, but I’ll also mention a quick stovetop option if you’re short on time.

Simple baked method

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a small baking dish. An 8×8 works great.

Step 2: In a big bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo until smooth. If your cream cheese is cold, it’ll fight you. Let it sit out for 20 to 30 minutes first.

Step 3: Add garlic, salt, pepper, drained chopped artichokes, and well squeezed spinach. Mix it up until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Stir in most of your mozzarella and parmesan, saving a small handful of mozzarella for the top.

Step 5: Spread into the baking dish, sprinkle the reserved mozzarella on top, and bake about 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly. If you want a browner top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, but watch it closely.

Quick stovetop shortcut

When I’m in a rush, I warm everything in a saucepan on low, stirring constantly until it’s melty and hot. Then I top it with extra cheese and let it sit covered for a minute so the cheese melts. It’s not quite as bubbly as baked, but it’s still really good.

Want a slightly different take later? I’ve also made a mashup snack using this cheesy spinach artichoke mushroom stuffed baguette, and wow, it’s dangerous in the best way.

Best Homemade Spinach Artichoke Dip Tips

I’ve made this enough times to know where it can go wrong, and honestly it’s usually just a small detail. Here are the tips that keep mine reliably creamy and scoopable.

Little things that make a big difference

Squeeze the spinach dry. I know I said it already, but it’s the number one issue people run into. Extra water equals a thin dip.

Chop the artichokes. Whole chunks are fine, but chopping gives you a better bite in every scoop.

Use room temp cream cheese. It blends smoothly so you don’t get random lumps.

Season like you mean it. The dairy can mute flavor, so taste the mix before baking and adjust salt and pepper.

Don’t overbake. You want hot and bubbly, not dried out around the edges.

“I made this for a family get together and it was gone in ten minutes. My sister asked for the recipe before she even finished her first chip.”

If you’re curious, I’ve also got a full version on my site that dives into the classic vibe of this dip here: spinach artichoke dip. Sometimes it’s nice to compare small tweaks and find your perfect level of cheesy.

What to Serve With Spinach Artichoke Dip

This is where you can really make it feel like a party spread without doing much extra work. I usually aim for at least one crunchy option and one softer option.

My favorite dippers:

• Tortilla chips or sturdy kettle chips
• Sliced baguette or toasted crostini
• Crackers, especially the thicker kind
• Warm pita wedges
• Fresh veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots

If I’m serving it for a game day situation, I’ll put it next to something bold and cheesy like bacon ranch cheddar dip. If it’s more of a holiday table, I like pairing warm dips with a sweet option later like deliciously creamy caramel apple cheesecake dip so there’s something for everyone.

How to Store Spinach Artichoke Dip

Good news, this dip reheats really well, which means leftovers are basically a gift to your future self.

Storing and reheating without ruining the texture

In the fridge: Let it cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

To reheat: Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or warm it in the oven at 350 F until heated through. If it seems thicker the next day, stir in a spoonful of sour cream to loosen it up.

Can you freeze it? You can, but dairy based dips can get a little grainy after freezing. I’d rather make it fresh, but if you do freeze it, thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly while stirring.

One more real life tip: if you’re bringing it to a party, bake it at home, then rewarm it for 10 minutes when you arrive if there’s an oven. If not, a small slow cooker on warm keeps it creamy and perfect for scooping.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes. Sauté it quickly, let it cool, then squeeze it dry and chop it. Frozen is faster, but fresh works great.

What’s the best cheese combo?
Mozzarella plus parmesan is the classic. If you want more bite, swap in a little Monterey Jack or a small handful of sharp cheddar.

How do I keep it from getting oily?
Don’t crank the heat too high and don’t overbake. Also, use full fat dairy if you can. Low fat versions tend to separate more.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Totally. Mix everything, spread it into the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready, and add a few extra minutes since it’s starting cold.

Is this dip spicy?
Not unless you make it spicy. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick without overwhelming the creamy flavor.

Okay, go make this for your next get together

If you need a warm appetizer that makes people gather around the snack table, Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip — Warm Creamy Party Appetizer is the one I’d bet on every time. It’s easy to prep, it bakes while you do other things, and it tastes like you put in way more effort than you did. If you want a fun twist for parties, check out these Spinach-Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups – Just a Taste, or if you like comparing classics, this Best Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe – Cooking Classy is a great reference. Now grab your favorite chips, bake it until bubbly, and let everyone hover in the kitchen for a good reason.