If you’re after a creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible appetizer, this Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip is going to steal the show at your next gathering. Imagine smooth cream cheese blending beautifully with tangy sour cream and mayo, combined with the classic earthy flavors of spinach and artichokes, all melted together with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. It cooks right on the stovetop in just minutes, making it perfect for when you want a comforting snack without fussing over the oven. Trust me, this dip is the kind of warm, savory treat that brings people together instantly.

Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create incredible layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the richness of the cheeses to the freshness of the garlic and the hearty greens.

Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing garlic and infuses a subtle fruity aroma.
Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that awakens the flavors and balances the richness.
Cream cheese: The creamy backbone of the dip that ensures a luscious, velvety texture.
Sour cream: Introduces a slight tanginess to brighten the overall taste.
Mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and helps achieve that perfectly smooth consistency.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, stringy delight everyone loves.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty depth to balance the milder cheeses.
Frozen spinach, thawed and drained: Brings a vibrant green color and wholesome earthiness.
Canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: Adds tender, slightly tangy bites with a lovely texture.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and spiceiness to the mix.

How to Make Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by thawing the frozen spinach completely and squeezing out every bit of moisture you can. This step is critical because excess water will make your dip runny, and you want every spoonful to be thick, creamy, and satisfying.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it just until it’s fragrant – about 30 seconds. Garlic releases its magic here, infusing the oil with warmth that will flavor the entire dip. Be careful not to burn it, as that can introduce bitterness.

Step 3: Melt the Cream Cheese and Mix the Dairy

Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to the skillet. Stir often until the cream cheese has fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step creates the luscious base, so take your time to get this perfectly blended before moving on.

Step 4: Combine Spinach and Artichokes

Fold in the drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts, making sure everything’s evenly mixed. These two ingredients bring wonderful textures and flavors — the spinach adds lushness and color, while the artichokes lend subtle tang and body.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses

Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently over low heat until the cheeses melt completely and the dip is hot throughout. This step is what transforms the dip into a bubbling, irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Finish with salt and black pepper, adjusting amounts to your flavor preference. Seasoning is key here — it balances the richness and lifts the dish to the next level.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once everything is melted and seasoned, your Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip is ready to be devoured. Serve it piping hot in a rustic bread bowl or alongside your favorite crackers, chips, or veggies.

How to Serve Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Garnishes

Adding a simple bit of garnishing can elevate your dip’s presentation and flavor. Try sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of green and freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan or a light drizzle of olive oil can also add a nice finishing touch that makes it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dip shines alongside crunchy dippers like pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or sturdy veggie sticks such as carrot or celery. For a heartier spread, offer it with warm soft pretzels or crispy potato wedges for that ultimate indulgence. Whatever you pair it with, the creamy texture and bold flavors will be a match made in heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip up a notch by serving it inside a hollowed-out sourdough loaf or mini bread bowls for a festive vibe. You can also pipe it into individual ramekins for elegant single servings at a party. Another fun idea is turning it into a warm sandwich spread or topping grilled chicken for a quick weeknight meal upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dip will thicken as it cools, but that’s easy to fix when reheating by gently stirring and adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.

Freezing

While this dip tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just know that the texture might change slightly upon thawing, as cream cheese-based dips sometimes separate a bit. To minimize this, freeze in small portions.

Reheating

Warm your leftover Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the creamy consistency intact. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore that fresh-out-of-the-pan smoothness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh spinach works wonderfully. Just make sure to cook it down until wilted, then squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the dip to prevent it from getting watery.

Is there a way to make this dip dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheeses with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Brands offering plant-based cream cheese and vegan shredded cheeses make this pretty doable without losing much flavor.

Can I make this dip spicy?

For sure. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or some diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic for a little kick that complements the creamy richness perfectly.

What’s the best way to keep this dip warm at a party?

A small slow cooker or an electric warming tray works beautifully to keep your Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip gooey and warm without drying it out. Just give it a good stir now and then.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You can! Just double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or sauté pan to ensure even cooking and melting. Follow the same process, just allowing a bit more time for cheeses to melt thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

This Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a favorite because it’s easy, fast, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just craving a delicious snack, it’s a creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed delight that’s impossible to resist. I hope you give it a try soon and that it brings as much joy to your table and guests as it has to mine!

Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy and delicious stovetop spinach-artichoke dip that combines tender spinach, flavorful artichoke hearts, and a blend of cheeses for the perfect warm appetizer, ideal for parties or casual gatherings.

Instructions

Prepare Spinach: Thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid a watery dip.
Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
Melt Dairy Base: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to the skillet. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the drained spinach and chopped artichokes until they are evenly combined with the dairy base.
Incorporate Cheese: Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the mixture is heated through.
Season: Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Serve warm in a bread bowl or with your favorite dippers such as crackers, chips, or vegetables.

Notes

Make sure to squeeze out all moisture from the spinach to prevent a watery dip.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
This dip pairs well with bread, crackers, pita, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Can be kept warm in a slow cooker for parties.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 1/2 cup)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: spinach artichoke dip, creamy appetizer, stovetop dip, party appetizer, cheesy dip