What’s a New Year’s celebration without an irresistible dip to keep everyone gathering around the snack table? Spinach artichoke dip has been a crowd-pleaser for decades, and for good reason. It’s creamy, cheesy and packed with flavor. I still remember the first time I tried it at a friend’s New Year’s Eve party—it was love at first bite. The best part? This dip is shockingly easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time toasting to midnight. Here’s how to make the best spinach artichoke dip to ring in the new year.
Why spinach artichoke dip is always a hit
There’s a reason this dip is a party favorite—it’s an unbeatable combination of rich, creamy texture and fresh, savory flavor. Spinach artichoke dip typically combines sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts with a blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream, creating the perfect velvety base. Grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese add tanginess and a gooey, cheesy finish. The artichokes provide a subtle tang that complements the cheeses, while the spinach adds an earthy, fresh note that balances the richness.
Traditionally, the dip is baked until bubbly and golden on top, but it can also be served cold for a refreshing variation. Whichever way you serve it, spinach artichoke dip is a versatile dish that guarantees to disappear as soon as it hits the table.
How to make it perfectly creamy and flavorful
To achieve the ultimate creaminess, use full-fat cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. It’s New Year’s after all, so you can afford some indulgence. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing—it’ll blend more easily, giving you a smoother base to work with. Finally, season your mixture with garlic, salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the spinach’s taste.
Tips for spinach artichoke dip success
Skip the store-bought version. Making your own dip is easy as any dip should be. Here’s how to elevate it.
Choose your spinach
I won’t judge if you choose frozen or fresh spinach. The former saves you time, just be sure to thaw it well. Fresh spinach adds vibrant flavor and color—just sauté it briefly before adding it to the mixture. For both, make sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry (this goes for your artichokes, too!).
Grate your cheese
Pre-grated cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Grating your own cheese ensures a smoother dip. And more importantly, that added umami is worth it.
Bake to perfection
If you’re serving the dip warm, bake it at 375°F until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Then get ready for the perfect cheese pull.
Make-ahead spinach artichoke dip recipe
Follow this easy recipe from Tastes Better from Scratch. To make ahead, follow up through step four (or just until baking) and store in the refrigerator.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, loosely measured
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ cup spinach, frozen, thawed and liquid squeezed out
Directions:
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- To a mixing bowl add sour cream, mayo, cream cheese, drained spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic and ¾ cup of parmesan cheese. Combine until smooth.
- Place in a greased baking dish (most pan sizes around 8×8 in or a little smaller will work. You could even use a glass pie dish). Then, sprinkle remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve warm with crackers or bread.
Serving suggestions for maximum enjoyment
This dip pairs well with just about anything. While tortilla chips and baguette slices are classics, there are so many ways to elevate your spinach artichoke dip presentation. Consider serving it in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for an edible and eye-catching centerpiece. For a healthier twist, pair it with fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell pepper slices. Or go bold and serve it with pretzels or pita chips for an extra-crispy bite.
