Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip – A Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Looking for a warm and cheesy dip that always disappears fast at parties? Ina Garten’s Spinach Artichoke Dip is a comforting classic that’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With its creamy texture, cheesy finish, and savory blend of spinach and artichokes, this baked dip is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights in.

Serve it with chips, crackers, or toasted bread—and watch it vanish from the table.

What Is Ina Garten’s Spinach Artichoke Dip?

Ina Garten’s spinach artichoke dip is a hot, creamy appetizer made with sautéed spinach, tender artichoke hearts, cheeses, and a seasoned cream base. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, delivering bold flavor and irresistible texture in every bite. This recipe offers a refined version of the classic dip, made with simple ingredients and a touch of elegance.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Fettuccine Alfredo
• Barefoot Contessa Spinach Pie
• Ina Garten Spinach Puff Pastry
• Ina Garten Macaroni Salad
• Ina Garten Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Rich and creamy texture – A luxurious mix of cheeses and cream
• Perfect for entertaining – Feeds a crowd and feels elevated
• Simple pantry ingredients – Uses frozen spinach and canned artichokes
• Make-ahead friendly – Can be assembled in advance
• Customizable heat and flavor – Easily adjust spice, garlic, or cheese
• Great with many dippers – Pairs with chips, veggies, or crostini
• Always a favorite – A guaranteed hit at any event

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add spinach and artichokes

Add the drained spinach and chopped artichokes to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just to combine and warm through.

Step 4: Mix the creamy base

In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Stir until smooth. Add the spinach-artichoke mixture to the bowl and mix thoroughly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Transfer to a baking dish and bake

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle a little extra mozzarella or Parmesan over the surface. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Serve warm

Let cool slightly, then serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Toasted baguette slices – Crunchy and sturdy for scooping
• Tortilla chips or pita chips – A classic, salty pairing
• Crisp raw vegetables – Carrots, celery, and bell peppers balance the richness
• Crackers or breadsticks – Great for parties and easy to serve
• Soft pretzels or pretzel bites – Adds a fun, chewy contrast
• Roasted garlic or olive bread – Boosts the flavor even more
• Sparkling water or white wine – Helps cut through the creaminess

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Squeeze excess moisture from spinach – Keeps the dip from getting watery
• Soften cream cheese first – Ensures a smooth, creamy texture
• Use full-fat ingredients – For best flavor and richness
• Taste before baking – Adjust seasoning or add more garlic if needed
• Top with extra cheese before baking – For a golden, bubbly finish
• Serve immediately after baking – It’s best hot and melty
• Add spice carefully – A pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Add cooked bacon or pancetta – For smoky, savory depth
• Use pepper jack cheese – Adds a mild spicy kick
• Stir in chopped jalapeños – For a bold, zesty twist
• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt – For a lighter version
• Add sun-dried tomatoes – Brings in a tangy, umami punch
• Serve in a bread bowl – A fun and edible presentation
• Include fresh herbs – Parsley or chives brighten up the dish

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Cool completely before storing – Prevents condensation and sogginess
• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for 3–4 days
• Freeze leftovers if needed – Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months
• Reheat from frozen slowly – Thaw overnight and bake until hot
• Avoid storing with dippers – Keep bread and chips separate
• Label and date containers – For best food safety practices

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Oven method for best texture – Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes
• Microwave individual portions – Use short bursts and stir halfway through
• Add a splash of milk or cream if needed – Helps loosen texture when reheating
• Stir before serving again – Ensures even heating and creaminess
• Top with extra cheese before reheating – Refreshes the look and flavor

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 460mg

A rich, indulgent dip that’s best enjoyed in moderation and shared with others.

FAQs

Can I make spinach artichoke dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble the dip a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if placing it in the oven straight from the fridge.

What type of artichokes should I use for spinach artichoke dip?

Canned or jarred artichoke hearts packed in water are best. Make sure to drain and roughly chop them before mixing. Avoid marinated artichokes as they can alter the dip’s flavor.

Can I freeze leftover spinach artichoke dip?

Yes, spinach artichoke dip freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until bubbly.

How do you keep spinach artichoke dip from being watery?

To prevent watery dip, thoroughly drain and squeeze out the moisture from thawed spinach before adding it. Also, avoid overusing liquid-based ingredients like sour cream or mayo.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Spinach Artichoke Dip is everything you want in an appetizer—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you serve it at your next holiday party, potluck, or family movie night, it’s sure to disappear quickly. With simple prep and big payoff, this warm dip earns its place as a go-to favorite for any occasion.

Print