Super Bowl Spinach Artichoke Dip
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I love making this Super Bowl Spinach Artichoke Dip because it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. When I combine the creamy cheese with the savory flavors of artichokes and spinach, it creates a delightful dip that everyone can’t resist. Perfect for game day, it’s easy to whip up and can be served with chips or toasted bread. I enjoy the way the flavors meld together in the oven, resulting in a warm, cheesy dish that brings my friends and family together over the big game.
When I first made this spinach artichoke dip, I was surprised at how easy it was to create something so delicious. The key is to use fresh spinach and quality cheeses, which adds a rich depth of flavor. I made this for a game night and it was gone within minutes, leaving everyone asking for the recipe!
I learned that baking the dip until it’s bubbly creates a delightful golden crust on top. This adds a nice texture contrast, making it not only tasty but visually appealing. Serve it with pita chips for the ultimate experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, rich flavor that's simply irresistible
- Perfectly cheesy with a delightful crunch
- Easy to prepare and perfect for any gathering
Choosing the Right Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh spinach instead of frozen, if possible. Start by sautéing fresh spinach in a little olive oil with a pinch of salt until wilted. This step helps intensify the spinach's flavor and removes excess moisture, preventing the dip from becoming too watery. Chopping the artichoke hearts roughly adds texture to the dip, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy components.
When selecting cheese, opt for high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan. The mozzarella should be shredded and fresh, as it melts beautifully, while grated Parmesan will add a nutty, savory depth. If you're feeling adventurous, consider mixing in a bit of grated aged Gouda or smoked cheese for a unique twist that complements the artichoke and spinach.
The Baking Process
Baking the dip is a crucial step that transforms the mixture into a warm, bubbling delight. Aim for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C); look for the edges to bubble and attain a golden hue. This visual cue signals that the cheese is properly melted and the flavors have melded beautifully. Allowing the dip to rest for a few minutes after baking is essential; it will thicken slightly and be easier to scoop.
If you notice that your dip is not browning as desired, consider broiling it for a few minutes at the end. Keep a close eye during this process to prevent burning. A light sprinkle of extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top before broiling can create an appealing crust that adds an extra layer of texture to your dip.
Ingredients
For the Dip
- 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips, or toasted bread.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture into a baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the Dip
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with pita chips or crusty bread.
Enjoy your delicious dip at your Super Bowl party!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the mix!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Spinach Artichoke Dip can easily be made ahead of time. Prepare the mixture and transfer it to the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, give it a bit of time at room temperature before baking, which helps it heat evenly. You may need to extend the baking time slightly if starting from cold.
If you have leftover dip, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in small increments, stirring in between, but this can alter the texture slightly, making it a bit less creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this dip with a variety of dippers can enhance the experience. Besides traditional tortilla chips, consider toasted baguette slices, or even fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers for a crunchy contrast. For a more gourmet approach, serve it in individual ramekins topped with additional cheese and herbs, making for an elegant presentation at gatherings.
You can also customize the dip’s flavor by adding extras such as chopped jalapeños for heat, sun-dried tomatoes for a tart sweetness, or even crumbled bacon for a savory kick. Each variation invites a new taste experience while still maintaining the comforting essence of the original dish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake it just before serving.
→ What can I serve with this dip?
It's great with tortilla chips, pita chips, fresh veggies, or even sliced baguette.
→ Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
→ Is this dip vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat.
Super Bowl Spinach Artichoke Dip
I love making this Super Bowl Spinach Artichoke Dip because it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. When I combine the creamy cheese with the savory flavors of artichokes and spinach, it creates a delightful dip that everyone can’t resist. Perfect for game day, it’s easy to whip up and can be served with chips or toasted bread. I enjoy the way the flavors meld together in the oven, resulting in a warm, cheesy dish that brings my friends and family together over the big game.
Created by: Stella Cameron
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Dip
- 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spread the mixture into a baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with pita chips or crusty bread.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the mix!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g