Description
This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining spinach, artichoke hearts, water chestnuts, and a blend of cheeses, it bakes to a golden bubbly perfection that’s delicious when served warm with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Veggies and Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¾ – 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 10 ounces sautéed spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained
- 14 ounces canned artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
- 8 ounces canned water chestnuts, drained and finely diced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to get ready for baking the dip.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula to mix everything until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Drain Spinach: Thaw the previously frozen sautéed spinach completely and squeeze out all excess moisture using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel to avoid a watery dip.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, and diced water chestnuts to the cheese mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 7 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the dip mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese on top to give it a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For a deeper golden and slightly crispy top, place the baked dip under a broiler set to high for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the hot spinach artichoke dip immediately with your choice of chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to fully drain the spinach and water chestnuts to prevent excess liquid in the dip.
- You can substitute fresh spinach sautéed with garlic for the frozen sautéed spinach if preferred.
- Adjust salt according to your taste, especially if using salted or Parmesan cheese with higher sodium.
- If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- This dip can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.
