This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Baked in a skillet, it’s ready in just 40 minutes, making it a quick and easy appetizer for parties, holidays, or game day. The dip combines spinach, artichokes, garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella, all topped with Parmesan, and broiled until golden and bubbly. It’s perfect for dipping with pita chips, crostini, or tortilla chips.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium sweet onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 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
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. - Deglaze the Pan:
Stir in the white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. - Cook the Spinach and Artichokes:
Stir in the spinach, artichokes, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until warmed through and any excess liquid has reduced, about 4 minutes. - Make the Creamy Base:
Stir in the cream cheese and sour cream, melting and combining until smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Broil the Dip:
Preheat the oven’s broiler. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the dip and place the skillet in the oven, broiling until golden brown and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. - Serve:
Serve the dip immediately with your choice of dipping chips, pita chips, crostini, or sliced vegetables.
Nutrients
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 550 IU
- Vitamin C: 6mg
- Calcium: 250mg
- Iron: 1mg
Why Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is its balance of rich, creamy textures with the freshness of spinach and the earthy, slightly tangy taste of artichokes. The base of cream cheese and sour cream creates a velvety texture, while the mozzarella adds a stretchy, melty goodness that’s impossible to resist. Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty depth that elevates the flavor profile, while the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes provide the perfect savory kick.
This dip is a great choice for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to more formal events. It’s easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and simple steps. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and broiled just before serving, making it an excellent option for entertaining. Whether served as a starter or a snack, it’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
How to Make Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Making this Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is straightforward, and the process can be broken down into a few simple steps. Here’s how to prepare this delicious, cheesy dip:
- Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. This step infuses the base of the dip with aromatic flavors that will shine through once the dip is baked.
- Deglaze the Pan
Once the onions and garlic are cooked, add ¼ cup of dry white wine to the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step helps to release all the delicious flavors stuck to the pan and adds a slight tang to the dip.
- Cook the Spinach and Artichokes
Add the thawed and drained frozen spinach, chopped artichokes, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through and any excess liquid from the spinach has reduced. This step helps to concentrate the flavors and ensures that the spinach and artichokes are perfectly tender.
- Make the Creamy Base
Stir in 8 ounces of cubed cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This should take about 5 minutes. Once smooth, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Broil the Dip
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the dip, then place the skillet in the oven. Broil the dip for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it while broiling to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Serve
Once the dip is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the dip with pita chips, crostini, tortilla chips, or sliced vegetables.
Why This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is So Irresistible
This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip has everything you could want in a dip: creamy, cheesy, savory, and with a touch of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes. The combination of spinach and artichokes adds a fresh, earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and sour cream. The golden, bubbly mozzarella on top gives the dip an irresistible texture that pulls apart with every bite, making it perfect for dipping.
The best part about this dip is how easy it is to make. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and broil it right before serving for a fresh, hot dip. It’s ideal for parties, holidays, or even a casual movie night.
Nutritional Information for Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Each serving of Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip contains approximately 280 calories. The dip offers 9 grams of protein, thanks to the cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella. It also contains 24 grams of fat, including 12 grams of saturated fat, which comes from the cream cheese and mozzarella.
The dip has 7 grams of carbohydrates, with 2 grams of fiber, making it a low-carb option for those on a keto or low-carb diet. It also has 4 grams of sugar, which is mainly from the vegetables and dairy. The dip is rich in vitamin A (550 IU), contributing to skin health and immune function, and provides a small amount of calcium (250 mg) for bone health.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is delicious on its own but can also be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal or party spread:
- With Chips or Crackers: Serve the dip with pita chips, tortilla chips, or your favorite crackers for a crunchy contrast.
- With Crostini: Toasted baguette slices or crostini make an excellent base for dipping.
- With Vegetables: For a healthier option, serve the dip with sliced vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
- As a Party Platter: This dip can be served alongside other appetizers like mini meatballs, sliders, or stuffed mushrooms for a complete party spread.
Conclusion
Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a rich, creamy, and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With its smooth texture, cheesy flavor, and savory kick from the garlic and red pepper flakes, this dip is sure to be a crowd favorite. It’s easy to make, and the best part is that you can prepare it in advance and broil it just before serving, making it a hassle-free yet impressive addition to your party spread. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a casual get-together, or just craving a tasty snack, this dip is the perfect choice!