Ultimate Creamy Spinach Artichoke Bake
This creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and definitely deserves a spot at any gathering. Inspired by a beloved but now-closed local restaurant, I meticulously crafted this recipe to capture the rich flavors and comforting texture we all missed. With luscious cream, tangy artichokes, and a blend of gooey cheeses, this dip is perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in. Serve it warm with crispy toasted bread for a delightful appetizer that everyone will rave about!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed and drained well)
Marinated artichokes
6 1/4 ounces (drained and chopped (optional))
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (none)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Garlic cloves
1-3 cloves (minced, to taste)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Half and half or heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
French or sourdough bread
to serve (toasted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained spinach, chopped marinated artichokes, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, half and half (or heavy cream), and sour cream.
3
Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed and creamy.
4
Transfer the mixture into a greased 8-inch or 9-inch pie plate (or your preferred baking dish), spreading it out evenly.
5
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbling.
6
Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly—be careful, it will be very hot!
7
For the perfect dipping accompaniment, slice your French or sourdough bread into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch pieces, and toast them in the oven by placing them directly on the oven rack during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
8.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Creamy Spinach Artichoke Bake?
It is a rich, cheesy appetizer made with spinach, marinated artichokes, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, inspired by a popular restaurant recipe.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of this dip contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
How much protein is in the spinach artichoke dip?
The dip provides 8.3g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the dip need to bake?
Bake the dip for 25 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Should I use frozen or fresh spinach?
This recipe specifically calls for 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and well-drained.
Why is it important to drain the spinach well?
Draining the spinach thoroughly prevents the dip from becoming watery during the baking process.
What type of artichokes are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 1/4 ounces of marinated artichokes, which should be drained and chopped.
Can I substitute heavy cream for half and half?
Yes, you can use either half and half or heavy cream depending on how rich you want the texture to be.
What cheeses are required for the bake?
You will need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 to 3 minced garlic cloves, depending on your personal taste preference.
What is the best bread to serve with this dip?
French or sourdough bread are the recommended options for serving.
How should the bread be prepared?
Slice the bread into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch pieces and toast them in the oven during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
Is a specific baking dish recommended?
A greased 8-inch or 9-inch pie plate or a similar baking dish works best for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease the baking dish before adding the mixture to prevent sticking.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients together and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do I reheat the dip?
Reheat the dip in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warm, or use a microwave for shorter intervals.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but you must serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers instead of sourdough or French bread.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You would need to use plant-based substitutes for the mozzarella, parmesan, sour cream, and cream to make it dairy-free.
Can I add extra ingredients like bacon?
Yes, adding cooked crumbled bacon or chopped jalapeños is a great way to customize the flavor.
What makes this dip so creamy?
The combination of sour cream, half and half, and melted mozzarella cheese creates its signature luscious texture.
Can I use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a tangier, higher-protein substitute for sour cream.
What should I do if the top is not browning?
You can briefly turn on the broiler during the last minute of baking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe including the bread for serving.
Is this dip suitable for parties?
Absolutely, it is described as the ultimate crowd-pleaser and is perfect for game days, parties, or gatherings.
Can this dip be frozen before baking?
While possible, the texture of the dairy may change slightly upon thawing, so it is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
Why should I let the dip sit for a few minutes after baking?
The dip will be extremely hot and needs a few minutes to set and cool slightly for safe consumption.