Name: Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip with Crackers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - For the best melt and nutty flavor; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Freshly shredded mozzarella will give you that glorious (stretchy cheese pull we all love.); 1 cup cream cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream - Adds a subtle tang and contributes to the dip's rich (creamy consistency. Full-fat sour cream works best.); 1/4 cup mayonnaise - This is the secret to an ultra-creamy dip that doesn't get oily when baked.; 1 can; 1 package; 2 cloves garlic (minced - Freshly minced garlic provides a much better flavor than garlic powder.); Salt and pepper to taste - Add these at the end (as the cheeses already provide a good amount of saltiness.); Crackers or sliced baguette for serving - Choose your favorite dippers to accompany this delicious dip.

Do Share Recipe

The Ultimate Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip with Crackers

I recently whipped up this cheesy spinach artichoke dip for a small get-together, and it vanished in minutes! There’s something so satisfying about the warm, gooey cheese combined with savory spinach and tangy artichokes.

It’s a truly comforting classic that brings everyone together around the serving bowl. If you enjoyed this, you might also want to explore our guide for a unique Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet Recipe for your next main course. This dip is simply a must-try.

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip with Crackers recipe

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable dip. Using high-quality components makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor and texture.

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For the best melt and nutty flavor, grate a block of Parmesan yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Freshly shredded mozzarella will give you that glorious, stretchy cheese pull we all love.
1 cup cream cheese, softened – Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to mix into a smooth, creamy base.
1/2 cup sour cream – Adds a subtle tang and contributes to the dip’s rich, creamy consistency. Full-fat sour cream works best.
1/4 cup mayonnaise – This is the secret to an ultra-creamy dip that doesn’t get oily when baked.
1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped – Use canned artichoke hearts packed in water or brine, not marinated ones, to control the flavor profile. Make sure to drain them well.
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained – It is crucial to squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach to prevent a watery dip.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic provides a much better flavor than garlic powder.
Salt and pepper to taste – Add these at the end, as the cheeses already provide a good amount of saltiness.
Crackers or sliced baguette for serving – Choose your favorite dippers to accompany this delicious dip.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, perfect for a small party or family gathering.

Cooking Time

This recipe is quick to assemble, making it perfect for last-minute guests or a simple party appetizer.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this dip. Here are the basic tools you’ll use:

Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients smoothly.
Oven-Safe Baking Dish: A 1.5-quart or 8×8-inch dish is the perfect size for this recipe.
Spatula: For mixing the ingredients and spreading the dip evenly in the baking dish.
Cheese Grater: To freshly grate your cheeses for the best flavor and melting quality.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Making this dip is incredibly simple. Just mix, bake, and serve! The oven does most of the work, melting everything into a harmonious, gooey delight that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Base

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. Mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no large lumps of cream cheese left.

Step 2: Add the Stars of the Show

Now it’s time to fold in your main ingredients. Add the well-drained chopped artichoke hearts, the thoroughly squeezed thawed spinach, and the minced garlic to the cheese mixture. Stir gently until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dip. This ensures every scoop is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Season and Bake to Perfection

Give the mixture a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Go easy on the salt at first, as the cheeses are already salty. Transfer the dip into an oven-safe baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving, as it will be extremely hot. This short cooling period also allows the dip to set slightly, making it the perfect consistency for dipping. Serve it warm with your favorite crackers, bread, or veggies.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this dip many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from good to absolutely amazing.

Squeeze That Spinach: I can’t stress this enough! After thawing the frozen spinach, place it in a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out every last drop of water. This is the single most important step to avoid a watery dip.
Add a Little Heat: If you like a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce mixed in can elevate the flavors beautifully without being overpowering.
Broil for a Golden Top: For an extra bubbly and golden-brown top, I like to switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning!
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the dip up to a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding about 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own. It’s a versatile base for many other great dinner recipes.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cheeses, sour cream, and mayonnaise with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. There are fantastic plant-based cream cheeses, sour creams, and vegan mozzarella/Parmesan shreds available that work well.
Add Some Protein: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, or cooked sausage for a heartier, more substantial dip.
Switch Up the Cheeses: Try using a blend of cheeses like Gruyère for nuttiness, smoked Gouda for a smoky flavor, or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Include More Veggies: Finely chopped water chestnuts can add a nice crunch, while sautéed onions or shallots can provide a deeper, sweeter flavor base.

How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Presentation can make this simple dip feel extra special. Serve it warm directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel.

Serve alongside a platter of sturdy crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or pita bread.
For a healthier option, offer an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices.
For a show-stopping presentation, hollow out a round loaf of pumpernickel or sourdough bread and serve the dip inside the bread bowl.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. It makes a great appetizer before a dessert like our Mango and Coconut Overnight Oats Recipe.

Calories Count

While this is an indulgent treat, it’s helpful to have an idea of the nutritional information.

Serving Size: 1 serving (recipe makes approx. 8)
Calories: Around 250 kcal per serving
Fat: High, due to cheese and mayonnaise
Carbohydrates: Low (depending on what you serve it with)
Protein: Moderate

How to Store

Store any leftovers properly to enjoy them later.

Refrigerating: Let the dip cool completely, then cover it tightly or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked dip. Allow it to cool, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or thawed dip in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this cheesy spinach artichoke dip is a guaranteed winner.

Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a foolproof recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
Perfect for Parties: It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time, saving you stress on the day of your event.
Amazingly Versatile: Serve it as a dip, a spread for sandwiches, or even a topping for baked potatoes or chicken.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of creamy cheeses, savory spinach, and tangy artichokes creates an irresistible flavor profile.

More Recipe Details

This dip is a classic for a reason—it’s consistently delicious and remarkably easy to prepare. Don’t be afraid to adjust the garlic to your liking; if you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove.

The key is to balance the creamy, cheesy elements with the tang of the artichokes and the earthiness of the spinach.

When everything comes together, you get a warm, comforting appetizer that feels indulgent and special, yet is surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly and always gets rave reviews.

Ben Carraoli