Barefoot Contessa Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

The Crowd-Pleasing Barefoot Contessa Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Barefoot contessa spinach artichoke dip transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable culinary experiences.

Creamy textures and rich flavors merge seamlessly in this beloved party staple.

Sophisticated yet simple, this classic appetiser promises instant crowd-pleasing magic.

Warm cheese and tender vegetables create an irresistible combination that sparks conversation.

Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of tangy and smooth sensations.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate its versatile nature and incredible depth of taste.

Prepare to become the ultimate host with this crowd-winning recipe:

Relish the Creamy Delight of Spinach Artichoke Dip

Relish the Creamy Delight of Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Savor Creamy Comfort: This dip delivers a luxurious, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, combining rich cream cheese with smooth sour cream for an irresistibly indulgent experience.
  • Quick and Foolproof Preparation: Whip up this crowd-pleaser in just 30 minutes with simple mixing and baking steps that require minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for novice chefs and busy home cooks.
  • Party-Perfect Appetizer: Designed to wow guests at gatherings, this spinach artichoke dip brings a golden, bubbling top and cheesy goodness that transforms any casual get-together into a gourmet celebration.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Pair this delectable dip with an array of dunking companions like crispy crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable sticks, ensuring there's something for every taste preference.

Essential Ingredients for Spinach Artichoke Dip

Main Ingredients:

Dairy Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Rich and creamy base that provides smooth texture and tangy flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and slight tanginess to the dip.
  • Mayonnaise: Helps bind ingredients and creates a silky, rich consistency.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides stretchy, gooey texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, salty flavor and creates golden crust when baked.
Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Provides earthy, slightly nutty flavor and interesting texture.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the entire dip.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste of the ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Crisps: Crunchy vehicle for enjoying the dip.
  • Crackers: Alternative crispy option for serving.
  • Toasted Bread: Warm, crispy base for spreading the dip.

Easy Steps for Spinach Artichoke Dip

Easy Steps for Spinach Artichoke Dip

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Mayonnaise
  • Minced garlic

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Fold In Delicious Ingredients

Gently incorporate into the creamy base:
  • Chopped spinach
  • Diced artichoke hearts
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be bubbling and the top slightly golden.

Step 6: Create Crispy Topping

Switch oven to broil setting. Watch carefully and broil for 3-5 minutes until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve immediately with an array of dipping options like tortilla chips, crusty bread, or vegetable sticks.

Pro Tips for Spinach Artichoke Dip

  • Squeeze Spinach Dry: Remove excess moisture completely to prevent a soggy dip that loses its creamy texture.
  • Grate Fresh Garlic: Finely grating garlic releases more intense flavor and distributes it evenly throughout the dip.
  • Cheese It Up: Experiment with additional mozzarella or parmesan for an extra luxurious and rich consistency.
  • Prep in Advance: Assemble the entire dip a day ahead and store in the refrigerator, saving time before serving.
  • Watch While Broiling: Monitor closely during the final golden-brown stage to achieve perfect color without burning the top.

Smart Storage for Spinach Artichoke Dip

  • Freezer Storage: Seal the dip in a freezer-safe container, removing all air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents. Frozen spinach artichoke dip maintains its creamy texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve its original consistency.
  • Quick Portion Control: Divide the dip into individual serving-sized containers before storing. This smart approach allows you to defrost only what you need, keeping the remaining portions fresh and preventing unnecessary waste. Grab-and-go portions make snacking and entertaining super convenient.
  • Texture Preservation: Always stir the dip gently when reheating to redistribute ingredients and maintain its smooth, creamy texture. Avoid overheating, which can cause separation and make the dip grainy.

Exciting Twists on Spinach Artichoke Dip

  • Mediterranean Magic: Swap traditional ingredients with roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that transports your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean coastline.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap half the mozzarella with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, bold version with a southwestern flair that packs a punch.
  • Seafood Sensation: Blend in lump crab meat or chopped shrimp to transform the classic dip into a luxurious seafood appetizer that adds elegance and rich ocean flavors to the original recipe.
  • Herb Garden Blend: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, and chives to elevate the dip's complexity, creating a fresh, aromatic variation that brings garden-fresh notes to each creamy bite.

Closing Reflections on Spinach Artichoke Dip

Barefoot Contessa’s spinach artichoke dip emerges as ultimate party companion, blending creamy textures with savory complexity.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating magical comfort in each warm bite.

Classic party appetizers rarely reach such sophisticated flavor profiles with such simple preparation.

Cheese melts perfectly, spinach whispers earthy notes, while artichokes add delicate complexity.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe transforms casual gatherings into memorable culinary experiences.

Scroll down, share this delightful recipe with fellow passionate cooks, click like if pure deliciousness calls your name, and drop comments celebrating cheesy perfection.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Barefoot Contessa Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s spinach artichoke dip delivers creamy, cheesy comfort straight from her Hamptons kitchen. Rich parmesan, smooth cream cheese, and tender artichokes blend into an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 280 grams (9.9 ounces) frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and chopped
  • 400 grams (14.1 ounces) tinned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 55 grams (1.9 ounces) grated mozzarella
  • 75 grams (2.6 ounces) grated Parmesan, divided

Dairy and Creamy Components:

  • 225 grams (7.9 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 120 milliliters (4.1 fluid ounces) sour cream
  • 60 milliliters (2 fluid ounces) mayonnaise

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Serving Suggestion:

  • Crisps, crackers, or toasted bread, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F and coating a 1-litre baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a creamy base by whisking cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and minced garlic in a spacious mixing bowl until the texture becomes uniformly smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Fold chopped spinach and diced artichoke hearts into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the base.
  4. Incorporate shredded mozzarella cheese and 50 grams of grated Parmesan, stirring gently to blend all ingredients while maintaining a consistent texture.
  5. Season the mixture with appropriate amounts of salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed for balanced flavor.
  6. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 25 grams of Parmesan cheese across the top of the dip for an additional layer of flavor and visual appeal.
  8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the edges to become bubbly and the surface to look slightly set.
  9. Activate the grill (broiler) setting and carefully brown the top for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning and achieve a golden-brown finish.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for 2-3 minutes to stabilize its temperature, then serve immediately with an assortment of crackers, toasted bread slices, or crispy vegetables.

Notes

  • Prep spinach carefully by removing excess moisture to maintain the dip’s perfect consistency.
  • Freshly grated garlic delivers a more intense, vibrant flavor throughout the entire appetizer.
  • Customize cheese levels by adding extra mozzarella for a decadent, gooey texture.
  • Meal planning becomes a breeze with this make-ahead friendly recipe that stores beautifully in the refrigerator.
  • Golden-brown perfection requires vigilant broiling, watching closely to achieve that irresistible crispy top without burning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star