Fresh Spinach & Artichoke Hot Dip – A Creamy, Cheesy Appetizer That’ll Be the Star of Your Next Gath

If you're looking for a warm, delicious dip that brings together the perfect blend of creamy cheeses, fresh spinach, and savory artichokes, this Fresh Spinach & Artichoke Hot Dip is exactly what you need. Whether you're entertaining guests at a party or whipping up something special for family movie night, this rich and cheesy dip is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Every scoop into this hot dip is filled with tender spinach, tangy artichoke, and loads of melted Parmesan cheese. It's perfect for dipping veggies, crackers, or fresh bread—and once you try it, you’ll be making it for every occasion!

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Fresh Spinach & Artichoke Hot Dip

Spinach and artichoke dip is one of those appetizers that never goes out of style. It’s been a favorite at gatherings, potlucks, and restaurants for decades. Originating from the need for comforting, savory dishes that are easy to prepare and serve, this hot dip has become a go-to option for those looking to combine vegetables with the irresistible flavors of cheese and cream. What sets this particular recipe apart is the use of fresh spinach, which adds a tender texture and vibrant green flavor that complements the tanginess of the artichokes and the creaminess of the cheese. Whether you’re enjoying it with tortilla chips or warm pita bread, this dip is the perfect way to kick off any meal.

Why Fresh Spinach & Artichoke Hot Dip Will Be Your New Favorite Party Dish

This hot dip is incredibly easy to prepare but delivers major flavor. Using fresh spinach instead of frozen gives the dish a brighter taste and better texture. The creamy combination of Parmesan, mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese creates a rich, indulgent dip that pairs beautifully with the artichokes and spinach. The garlic powder adds just the right amount of seasoning, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Plus, the golden, cheesy top layer bakes up perfectly, giving you that irresistible bubbly, crispy texture. It's an appetizer that everyone will rave about!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Sugar: 2g

This dip is rich and filling, perfect for sharing with friends and family at any event.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Fresh Spinach & Artichoke Hot Dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping options. Serve it alongside a platter of crisp, fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber slices for a lighter option. It’s also fantastic with tortilla chips, pita bread, or a warm loaf of crusty French bread. For an elevated presentation, serve the dip in a bread bowl, with the scooped-out bread pieces as dippers. Pair this dip with a cold glass of white wine or an ice-cold beer for a winning combination at any party or game day gathering.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (although it's unlikely!), this dip stores well in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container and store it for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it into the microwave for a minute or two, or rewarm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dip can also be made ahead of time—just prepare the mixture, store it in the fridge, and bake it right before serving. It’s an ideal make-ahead dish for stress-free entertaining!

Fun Fact: The Rise of Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Did you know that spinach and artichoke dip became a mainstream favorite in the 1990s? This creamy concoction was initially popularized by restaurants and quickly made its way into homes across the country. Its creamy, cheesy base and the unique combination of spinach and artichokes made it a must-have on appetizer menus, and it remains a top choice for parties and potlucks to this day. The dish's popularity stems from its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor, making it a favorite for hosts and guests alike.

Cooking Tips

1. Use Fresh Spinach for Best Flavor: While frozen spinach can be used in a pinch, fresh spinach gives this dip a vibrant taste and texture that elevates the entire dish. Make sure to drain it well after steaming to avoid any excess moisture.
2. Add Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier dip, consider adding shredded mozzarella or gouda to the mix. It’ll give the dip an extra gooey, cheesy factor that everyone will love!
3. Customize the Seasonings: If you want to give your dip a little kick, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up.

Optional Variations

1. Add Bacon: For an extra savory twist, fold in some cooked, crumbled bacon before baking. The smoky bacon flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy spinach and artichoke filling.
2. Make It Spicier: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix for a spicy version of this classic dip.
3. Lighten It Up: You can lighten up this dip by using low-fat sour cream and cream cheese without sacrificing flavor. It’s a great way to make the dish a bit more waistline-friendly!

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Fresh Spinach & Artichoke Hot Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz Freshly Steamed Spinach
• 13.5 oz Artichoke Hearts
• ½ Cup Parmesan Grated Cheese
• ½ Cup Mayonnaise
• 1 Cup Sour Cream
• ¼ Cup Softened 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese
• ½ TBSP Garlic Powder
• ½ TBSP Salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking dish by lightly spraying it with nonstick spray.
2. Steam the spinach: In a large saucepan over medium heat, steam the 8 ounces of fresh spinach for about 10 minutes. Drain the excess water.
3. Prepare the artichokes: Drain the 13.5 ounces of artichoke hearts and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
4. Mix the ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Transfer to the baking dish: Spoon the spinach-artichoke mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown and bubbly.
8. Serve and enjoy: Once the dip is baked to perfection, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve it hot with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables, and enjoy the cheesy, savory flavors!

Final Thoughts

Fresh Spinach & Artichoke Hot Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Its creamy, cheesy texture, combined with the bold flavors of spinach and artichokes, makes it a perfect choice for any gathering. Easy to prepare and always a hit, this dip will quickly become a staple at your parties. Serve it with an array of dippers, and watch it disappear as guests dive in for seconds (and thirds!).