If you’re looking for a cozy and crowd-pleasing Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe, this one has your back. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comes together with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re planning your Christmas Eve appetizers or looking for something easy for your next Christmas potluck, this dip is a guaranteed hit. I’ve been making this one for years, usually while the kids sneak a few chips before the guests arrive it’s that good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s warm, creamy, and perfectly cheesy the kind of dip appetizer that disappears fast.
- It’s one of the best Christmas appetizers easy to make and bake ahead.
- Pairs beautifully with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies.
- Perfect for holiday appetizers easy enough to pull together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient plays a role in building that irresistible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen spinach: Thawed and squeezed dry to remove extra water.
- Artichoke hearts: Canned or jarred, chopped for easy mixing and even bites.
- Cream cheese: The base that makes it luxuriously creamy.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and lightens the texture.
- Mayonnaise: A touch of richness that rounds out the flavor.
- Garlic: Because every good dip needs a little garlicky depth.
- Parmesan cheese: For that salty, nutty bite.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that perfect cheese pull.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a small baking dish or cast iron skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Mix in the garlic, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Fold in the chopped spinach and artichokes until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the mixture into your prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with toasted bread, crackers, or veggies.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Swap half the mozzarella for sharp white cheddar for extra flavor.
- Turn this into one of your make ahead Christmas appetizers by preparing it up to a day in advance, then baking just before guests arrive.
- For an extra festive touch, serve alongside cheddar cheese straws or crisp crostini.
Serving & Storage
This dip is best served hot and bubbly right out of the oven. It pairs beautifully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or colorful veggie sticks—perfect for a Christmas appetizers party spread. I also like to spoon a bit into small ramekins for individual servings during gatherings.
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small baking dish or cast iron skillet and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the garlic, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Fold in the chopped spinach and artichokes until evenly combined.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble the dip and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 1 day.
- Bake just before serving.
- You can also freeze the unbaked dip for up to 1 month.
To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and gooey again. You can also freeze the unbaked dip for up to a month just thaw overnight before baking.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing it into the dip. It works beautifully for holiday appetizers easy that feel fresh and light.
Can I prepare this ahead of time for a Christmas potluck?
Absolutely. Assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake and go. It’s one of those make ahead Christmas appetizers that makes life easier during the holidays.
What’s the best way to serve this for a Christmas Eve appetizers table?
I love placing the dip in a warm cast iron skillet surrounded by crackers and toasted bread. It adds a rustic touch and fits right in with the best Christmas appetizers theme. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top makes it extra pretty.
Can I double this recipe for a Christmas appetizers party?
Yes, it doubles perfectly. Use a 9×13 baking dish and extend baking time by about 10 minutes. Perfect when feeding a big crowd at a Christmas appetizers party or family get-together.
What other Christmas recipes appetizers go well with this dip?
This dip appetizer pairs wonderfully with festive bites like my Antipasto Christmas Wreath or Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Together, they make a delicious spread of Christmas recipes appetizers that look as good as they taste.
Final Thoughts from Ama
Every year, I make this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe at least twice during the holidays. It’s warm, comforting, and just messy enough to feel like real life. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas potluck or a cozy night in, this recipe fits right in with the season. Simple food, big heart—that’s what it’s all about. Serve it warm, share it generously, and let the holidays begin.