Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe by Ina Garten

Spinach artichoke dip emerges as a culinary rockstar, commanding attention with its luscious, creamy allure.

Leafy greens and tender artichokes waltz together in a symphony of bold, irresistible flavors.

Each spoonful promises a luxurious journey through rich, velvety textures that melt effortlessly on your palate.

Packed with robust ingredients, this appetizer transforms ordinary snacking into an extraordinary experience.

The magic lies in its perfect balance of tangy and smooth elements that make mouths water instantly.

Silky, decadent, and absolutely addictive, this dip guarantees to be the star of any gathering.

Pick up a chip and surrender to its delicious charm, resistance is futile!

Serving Dip Like the Barefoot Contessa

• Dip into Delicious Pairings: An array of crunchy, fresh accompaniments transform this creamy artichoke spinach dip into a party-perfect appetizer.
• Scoop with Crispy Carriers: Grab sturdy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp pita chips to perfectly transport this rich, cheesy dip from dish to mouth.
• Veggie Dipping Delight: Fresh, crunchy vegetable sticks like carrot batons, cucumber rounds, and bell pepper strips provide a healthy, colorful complement to the warm, cheesy dip.
• Cocktail Hour Companion: Serve alongside chilled white wine or a light beer to enhance the dip's rich, tangy flavors and create an irresistible appetizer spread.

Reheating and Storing Ina Garten’s Artichoke Dip

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Transfer any leftover dip to an airtight container, sealing tightly to maintain flavor and texture. Refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Zone: Store the spinach artichoke dip in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality, ensuring safe and delicious leftovers.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm refrigerated dip gently in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating, which can separate ingredients and create an uneven texture.
• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the dip tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, keeping the dip's rich flavors intact. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring a perfect appetizer for spontaneous gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Ina Garten’s Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Cream Cheese: Select a full-fat, smooth variety for rich, velvety texture.
• Mayonnaise: Choose a high-quality, tangy brand for depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated, authentic Italian cheese for intense nutty notes.
• Romano Cheese: Look for aged cheese with sharp, salty characteristics.
• Garlic: Pick fresh, firm cloves with no sprouting for robust aroma.
• Dried Basil: Ensure vibrant green color and fragrant smell for maximum taste.
• Garlic Salt: Select fine-grain version for even seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides superior flavor complexity.

• Artichoke Hearts: Choose tender, well-drained hearts without tough outer layers.
• Frozen Spinach: Pick high-quality, dark green leaves with minimal moisture.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Select soft, melty variety with good stretching quality.
• Crackers: Seek crisp, neutral-flavored options that complement dip.
• Baguette: Find freshly baked, crusty bread for ideal texture.
• Vegetable Sticks: Select crisp, colorful vegetables for attractive presentation.
• Pita Chips: Choose crunchy, lightly seasoned chips for delightful dipping.

Tools Needed for Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Mixing Bowl (medium): Perfect for combining creamy ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk or Spoon: Essential for blending cheese and seasonings evenly.
• Baking Dish (small): Ideal for creating a golden, bubbling dip.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for chopping artichoke hearts and preparing vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping ingredients.
• Colander: Great for draining spinach and artichoke hearts.
• Paper Towels: Useful for patting ingredients dry.

Step-by-Step: Making Ina’s Signature Dip

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a small baking dish and give it a quick olive oil massage to prevent any sticky situations.

• Mix The Creamy Goodness

Toss softened cream cheese, mayo, and a blend of salty cheeses into a bowl. Crush garlic cloves and sprinkle in herbs that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whisk everything until it’s silky smooth and begging to be devoured.

• Welcome The Veggie Heroes

Drop in chopped artichoke hearts and spinach that’s been squeezed dryer than a desert. Swirl them into the creamy base so every bite is packed with flavor.

• Create The Perfect Canvas

Spread the mixture into your oiled dish like you’re painting a delicious masterpiece. Top it with a blanket of melty mozzarella that’ll turn golden and irresistible.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let magic happen. After 25-30 minutes, you’ll see a bubbly, golden-brown surface that screams “eat me!” Let it cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue.

• Dive In And Enjoy

Serve with crispy crackers, fresh veggie sticks, or crusty bread. This dip is your ticket to snack heaven – creamy, cheesy, and totally addictive.

Flavor and Texture Tips for Ina’s Party Dip

Explore exciting ways to transform this classic recipe into a personalized culinary delight.

Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gouda, or fontina to create unique flavor profiles that tantalize your taste buds.

Expand the veggie mix by adding roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and nutritional punch.

Kick the spice level into high gear by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for those craving a fiery twist.

Reduce calories by substituting full-fat cream cheese with low-fat or Greek yogurt alternatives without compromising the creamy texture and delicious taste.

Incredible Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s spinach artichoke dip blends creamy cheeses with tender spinach and artichoke hearts for a luxurious appetizer. Guests will savor each rich, tangy bite of this classic party favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 oz / 397 g) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• ½ cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup grated Romano cheese
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp garlic salt
• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a small baking dish, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Mixing Base: Blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, Romano, garlic, basil, garlic salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and cohesive. Whisk thoroughly to eliminate any lumps and create a uniform consistency.
3. Vegetable Integration: Fold chopped artichoke hearts and drained spinach into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of vegetables throughout the base. Mix gently to maintain the delicate texture of the ingredients.
4. Assembly: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create a level surface that reaches all corners and edges of the dish.
5. Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the entire surface, creating a complete and inviting cheese layer that will melt and brown during baking.
6. Baking Process: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Monitor for key doneness indicators: bubbling edges and a golden-brown top that signals perfect caramelization.
7. Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to stabilize the dip’s consistency. Plate with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités for an appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan and Romano for richer, more complex flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain spinach and artichokes to prevent watery dip and maintain creamy consistency.
• Temperature Precision: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
• Serving Strategy: Allow dip to rest briefly after baking to set texture and enhance overall taste experience, preventing burning and improving structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg