Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe

Ina Garten’s Cozy Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe Everyone Loves

Warm spinach and artichoke dip from Ina Garten brings comfort to every gathering with its creamy, cheesy embrace.

Rich ingredients meld together in a delightful symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Cheese lovers rejoice as this classic appetizer promises to steal the show at any party or casual get-together.

The tangy artichokes and tender spinach create a luxurious blend that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible crowd-pleaser that disappears faster than you can say “seconds.” The golden, bubbling top hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath, tempting everyone to dive in with crisp crackers or toasted bread.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those moments when something extraordinary is needed.

Grab your skillet and get ready to become the hero of appetizer hour.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 8

What Goes Into Ina Garten’s Warm Spinach & Artichoke Dip

For Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides rich, velvety texture and tangy flavor foundation for the dip.
  • Sour Cream: Adds creamy smoothness and subtle tang to balance the richness.
  • Mayonnaise: Contributes extra creaminess and helps bind ingredients together.
For Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Onions: Creates deep, caramelized sweetness with complex layered flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Introduces robust, aromatic punch that elevates overall taste.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Brings delicate, earthy Mediterranean-inspired texture and subtle nutty undertones.
  • Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutrient-dense leafy freshness.
For Finishing Ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty umami complexity and golden crispy topping.
  • Butter: Helps create silky caramelization for onions with rich golden color.
  • Olive Oil: Supports even cooking and adds subtle fruity undertone.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Provides gentle warmth and slight spicy kick.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all flavor dimensions.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces mild, warm spiciness and aromatic depth.

Tools to Whip Up Warm Spinach & Artichoke Dip the Ina Way

  • Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy base quickly and efficiently.
  • 12-inch Sauté Pan: Large skillet needed for caramelizing onions perfectly.
  • Oval Baking Dish (11 × 8 × 1½-inch): Ideal for baking and serving the dip.
  • Cutting Board: For slicing onions and chopping artichoke hearts.
  • Sharp Knife: Precise tool for cutting ingredients into proper sizes.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps in stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Appetizer

How to Make Ina Garten's Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Appetizer

Warm Spinach & Artichoke Dip Delight

  • Caramelized Onion Foundation

Slice onions into delicate half-rounds and transform them into golden, sweet treasures. Over medium heat, gently coax the onions into a rich, brown landscape using butter and oil. Sprinkle in cayenne, salt, and pepper, allowing the flavors to dance and develop for about 30 minutes. Introduce minced garlic for a final aromatic touch.

  • Creamy Cheese Blend

Whip cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise into a silky, luxurious base. Tenderly drain artichoke hearts and spinach, then fold them into the creamy mixture. Stir in the caramelized onions and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.

  • Baking Magic

Transfer the luscious mixture into a welcoming baking dish. Crown the top with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Slide into a preheated oven and let the magic unfold, watching as the edges transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

  • Serving Sensation

Emerge from the oven with a dip that promises pure comfort. Serve alongside crispy toasted baguette slices, inviting friends and family to dive into this irresistible culinary creation.

Flavor Tweaks for Warm Spinach & Artichoke Dip à la Ina

  • Swap out Parmesan for a mix of mozzarella, gruyère, or fontina to create a unique flavor profile and add extra melty richness.
  • Prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Simply pop in the oven when ready to serve, adding 5-10 extra minutes to baking time.
  • Complement the dip with crispy pita chips, fresh vegetable crudités, or homemade garlic crostini for varied texture and taste experiences.
  • Experiment with different heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños for an extra kick that transforms the classic recipe.
  • Fold in cooked and chopped crispy bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or lump crab meat to turn this appetizer into a more substantial dish.

Best Ways to Serve Ina’s Spinach & Artichoke Dip Warm

  • Dive into Party Perfection: Elevate this warm spinach and artichoke dip with these irresistible serving suggestions!
  • Crunch Factor Companions: Serve alongside crispy toasted pita chips, sea salt crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for added texture and crunch.
  • Bread Basket Bliss: Pair with grilled sourdough slices, garlic crostini, or rustic country bread rounds for a delightful dipping experience that highlights the creamy base.
  • Cocktail Hour Champion: Transform this dip into a stunning appetizer by presenting it in a decorative ceramic dish, surrounded by an assortment of colorful garnishes like chopped chives or red pepper flakes to create visual appeal.
  • Temperature Tip: Keep the dip warm during gatherings by using a small warming tray or chafing dish to maintain its luxurious, gooey consistency and ensure guests enjoy every delectable bite.

Spinach Dip Storage Tips from Ina Garten

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Transfer dip to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm the dip in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to restore its original creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent separation.
  • Serve Fresh and Hot: Best enjoyed immediately after baking when the cheese is melted and edges are golden brown. Prepare just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
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Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s warm spinach & artichoke dip delights palates with creamy, cheesy goodness. Garlicky undertones and crisp bread make this classic appetizer irresistible for gatherings you’ll want to share.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (10 oz / 285g) package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted
  • 1 (9 oz / 255g) package frozen artichoke hearts, defrosted
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1.25 cups (120g) freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 large yellow onions
  • 4 tbsps (60g) unsalted butter
  • 0.5 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 0.5 cup (120ml) good mayonnaise (such as Hellmann’s)
  • 0.25 cup (60ml) good olive oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 baguette, sliced diagonally 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) thick, toasted, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an optimal baking environment for the upcoming dip.
  2. Onion Transformation: Slice onions into half-rounds. In a 12-inch sauté pan, combine butter and oil over medium heat. Add onions, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low. Continue caramelizing for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the final minute, introduce minced garlic and cook briefly.
  3. Creamy Base: Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, blend cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and uniform.
  4. Vegetable Integration: Drain and chop artichoke hearts. Prepare spinach by removing excess moisture. Gently fold both into the creamy mixture.
  5. Flavor Fusion: Combine caramelized onion mixture with the cream cheese base. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until ingredients are perfectly melded.
  6. Baking Preparation: Transfer the mixture to an 11 × 8 × 1½-inch oval baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
  7. Final Touch: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and the surface becomes bubbly. Serve hot with toasted baguette slices for an irresistible appetizer.

Notes

  • Caramelize Onions Slowly: Low and slow cooking develops deep, sweet flavor, transforming ordinary onions into a rich, golden delicacy that elevates the entire dip’s taste profile.
  • Drain Ingredients Thoroughly: Excess moisture from artichokes and spinach can make the dip watery, so pat and squeeze ingredients completely dry before mixing to maintain a perfect, creamy consistency.
  • Room Temperature Matters: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending and easier ingredient integration.
  • Garnish and Serve Hot: Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the dip’s maximum flavor and ideal molten texture, with crispy golden edges and a warm, inviting appeal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 564mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 36mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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