Save to Pinterest I threw this together one Sunday when friends texted they were coming over in an hour. I had frozen spinach, a can of artichokes, and way too much cream cheese left from a bagel brunch. Twenty-five minutes later, the kitchen smelled like a pizzeria and everyone thought I'd been planning it all week. It's been my emergency appetizer ever since.
I've watched this dip disappear at baby showers, game nights, and quiet evenings when I just wanted something warm and comforting with crackers. It never fails to make people lean in for seconds before the first round is even gone.
Ingredients
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that holds everything together. Let it sit at room temperature so it blends without lumps.
- 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream: Adds tang and keeps the dip from feeling too heavy.
- 120 g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise: Brings richness and a silky texture that makes every bite smooth.
- 120 g (1 cup) mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into gooey pockets and gives you those perfect cheese pulls.
- 60 g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated: Sharp and nutty, it creates that golden crust on top.
- 250 g (1 cup) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry: Squeeze it hard in a towel or the dip will turn watery.
- 400 g (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: Tender and slightly tangy, they add texture and a subtle briny bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes all the difference. Don't skip it.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the richness of all that cheese.
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: A little warmth that wakes up the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): I always add them for a gentle kick that sneaks up on you.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a medium baking dish. This keeps the edges from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mix the Creamy Base:
- In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and thick. It should look like a luxurious cheese cloud.
- Fold in the Vegetables:
- Stir in the spinach, artichokes, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until every bit is coated in that creamy mixture.
- Transfer and Spread:
- Scrape the dip into your prepared dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top so it bakes uniformly.
- Bake Until Bubbly:
- Slide it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the edges bubble and the top turns light golden brown.
- Serve Warm:
- Pull it out and let it cool for a minute, then serve with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables. Watch it vanish.
Save to Pinterest The first time I made this for my neighbor, she asked for the recipe before she even finished her first chip. Now she brings it to her book club and texts me every time someone asks where it came from.
Flavor Variations
Sometimes I stir in chopped green onions for a mild sharpness or squeeze in a little lemon juice to brighten the whole thing. Swapping mozzarella for fontina or provolone gives it a deeper, almost smoky flavor that feels a little fancier without any extra effort.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts. It won't be quite as crispy on top, but it still tastes incredible.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this straight from the oven in the baking dish with a basket of sturdy tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or raw veggies like bell pepper strips and celery sticks. It also works beautifully as a filling for stuffed mushrooms or spread on flatbread before baking.
- Use a shallow dish for maximum crispy top surface.
- Double the batch if you're feeding a crowd, it always goes faster than you think.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top halfway through baking for an even thicker crust.
Save to Pinterest This dip has saved me more times than I can count, and it never feels like a shortcut. It just feels like home.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the dip from becoming watery?
Ensure the spinach is thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture before mixing.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture and warmth.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Serve warm with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
- → Are there cheese alternatives to use?
Fontina or provolone cheeses work well as substitutes for mozzarella, offering different flavor profiles.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Modify or omit the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat tolerance.