This warm and cheesy spinach artichoke dip is perfect for sharing! Made easy in a crockpot, it’s full of creamy goodness and tasty bits of artichoke.
I love how simple it is—just toss everything in and let it cook! Serve it with chips or bread, and watch it disappear at parties. You might even want to keep it all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Frozen spinach is perfect here as it’s already chopped. If fresh spinach is on hand, use about 6 cups and sauté it down. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid a watery dip!
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichoke hearts are convenient and flavorful. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try marinated artichokes for an extra zing!
Cream Cheese: This gives a rich and creamy base. For a lighter option, consider Neufchâtel cheese; it has less fat but a similar taste.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These add a nice creaminess. You could substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy twist and a healthier spin.
Cheese: I prefer using mozzarella for its meltiness. If you want bolder flavors, try substituting with pepper jack cheese or a bit of cheddar.
How Do You Make Sure Your Dip is Creamy and Not Watery?
One common challenge with spinach artichoke dip is achieving that creamy texture while avoiding excess water. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to thoroughly thaw and drain the frozen spinach. Squeeze it dry using a towel.
- Be careful with canned artichokes; drain them and chop them well.
- Mix your cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise together until smooth to ensure an even base before adding other ingredients.
- Stir halfway during cooking to evenly distribute heat and flavors.
Following these tips will help you achieve a deliciously creamy dip that everyone will love! Enjoy! 🥳
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 2 to 3 hours of cooking time in the crockpot. It’s super easy, and you can set it and forget it while it cooks to cheesy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spinach:
First, you need to thaw the spinach completely. Once it’s thawed, squeeze out as much extra liquid as you can using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is important to keep the dip from being watery!
2. Chop the Artichokes:
Next, take the drained artichoke hearts and chop them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them mix well into the dip and makes every bite delicious!
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creamy base is what makes your dip so delightful!
4. Add the Flavor:
Now, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well to combine the flavors.
5. Fold in the Spinach and Artichokes:
Gently fold in the chopped spinach and artichokes until everything is well combined. Make sure the spinach and artichokes are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Now it’s time to pour your dip mixture into the crockpot. Spread it out evenly so it cooks well. Cover the crockpot with the lid.
7. Cook:
Cook the dip on low for 2 to 3 hours. Don’t forget to stir it once halfway through cooking to help everything blend nicely and heat evenly!
8. Add Extra Cheese (Optional):
If you want a gooey cheese crust on top, sprinkle some additional mozzarella cheese on top of the dip in the last 15 minutes of cooking time. It’ll melt into a delicious layer!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s hot and bubbly, it’s time to eat! Serve your warm spinach artichoke dip with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy vegetable sticks. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
This dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If you prefer fresh spinach, use about 6 cups and sauté it until wilted before adding it to the mixture. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
How Can I Make This Dip Healthier?
You can lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. For a lower-fat cheese option, consider using part-skim mozzarella and reducing the amount of cheese slightly.
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the dip mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the crockpot when you’re ready to cook—add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess as needed.