Warm, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy — Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Crackers is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer! This classic dip combines tender spinach, tangy artichoke hearts, and a trio of melted cheeses in a rich, garlicky cream base. Served hot and bubbly straight from the oven, it pairs perfectly with crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh veggies.

Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a movie night, or simply craving comfort food, this dip delivers all the indulgence you could ask for. Every bite is creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor — it’s impossible to stop at just one scoop!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings restaurant-quality comfort food right into your kitchen. The combination of creamy cheese, tangy artichokes, and earthy spinach creates a harmony of flavors that’s both rich and refreshing. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare — just mix, bake, and serve!

Another reason I adore it is its versatility. You can serve it with crackers, chips, toasted bread, or fresh veggies — it fits any occasion, from elegant dinners to casual get-togethers.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s:

A party favorite — everyone loves a hot, cheesy dip!
Quick and easy — no fancy cooking skills required.
Rich and flavorful — every scoop bursts with creamy, garlicky goodness.
Make-ahead friendly — perfect for prepping before guests arrive.
Adaptable — can be baked, slow-cooked, or even served cold (if preferred).

If you love warm dips or cheesy appetizers, this one is non-negotiable — it’s the gold standard of party dips!

Recipe Time & Yield

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American
Course: Appetizer / Party Dip

Ingredients

For the Dip:

1 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
1 cup canned artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

For Serving:

Crackers, tortilla chips, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices
Fresh veggies like celery, carrots, or bell pepper strips (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a bowl until smooth.
Stir in garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, spinach, and artichokes.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Spread mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve warm with crackers or toasted bread.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach and Artichokes

Thaw the frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Drain the canned artichokes well and chop them into small pieces.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
Beat with a spoon or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Mix in minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, spinach, and chopped artichokes.
Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish (8×8-inch or similar).
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
Serve warm with your favorite crackers, chips, or bread for dipping.

How to Serve

Serve directly from the baking dish or transfer to a pretty serving bowl.
Pair with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Garnish with extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for presentation.
Perfect for game nights, holiday parties, or cozy evenings in.

Additional Recipe Tips

Squeeze the spinach dry — any extra moisture can make the dip watery.
For extra cheesiness, add a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Use marinated artichokes for extra flavor (drain them well before adding).
Want a golden crust? Broil the dip for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Make it ahead: assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Variations

Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Bacon Spinach Dip: Mix in ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese, vegan mayo, and dairy-free mozzarella.
Healthy Version: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and reduce the cheese slightly.
Cold Version: Skip baking and chill the dip instead — it’s still delicious cold!

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Freezing:
- You can freeze the unbaked dip for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual.
- Avoid freezing the baked dip — the texture can become grainy when reheated.

Special Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or whisk
8×8-inch baking dish or small casserole dish
Spatula or spoon for mixing

Oven-safe serving dish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Use about 3 cups of fresh spinach, sauté it until wilted, and squeeze out excess water before mixing it in.

Q2: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the mixture, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q3: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly.

Q4: What can I use instead of artichokes?
You can substitute with roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.

Q5: Why is my dip watery?
Excess moisture from spinach or artichokes is usually the culprit — be sure to drain and squeeze them well before adding.

Conclusion

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Crackers is the epitome of warm, comforting indulgence. With its creamy texture, gooey melted cheese, and the perfect mix of spinach and artichoke flavor, it’s the ultimate appetizer that disappears within minutes at any gathering.

Whether served with crunchy crackers, crispy pita chips, or fresh veggies, this dip delivers pure satisfaction in every bite. Easy to make, customizable, and impossible to resist — this timeless classic deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.