Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Packed with tender spinach, savory artichokes, and melted cheeses, this homemade version tastes just like the restaurant favorite—but even better! Serve it warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh bread for a crowd-pleasing snack at any gathering.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz / 280 g) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Artichokes
- Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the thawed spinach. Chop the artichoke hearts into small pieces.
Step 3: Mix the Dip
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Fold in the spinach and artichokes until evenly combined.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced bread.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dip up to Step 4, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Customization: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or mix in cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates a rich, velvety base, while the Parmesan and mozzarella add cheesy depth. The spinach and artichokes provide texture and flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy components.
Conclusion
Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a classic appetizer that’s always a hit. With this simple recipe, you can recreate the restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. Perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings, this creamy dip will have everyone coming back for more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to Step 4 (mixing the ingredients) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply transfer the dip to your baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella, and bake as directed. Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients for this recipe, can I substitute anything?
Certainly! You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, using a 1:1 ratio, though the dip might have a slightly tangier flavor. If you don’t have mayonnaise, you can use an equal amount of plain yogurt or a blend of olive oil and lemon juice, adjusting to taste. For the cheeses, you can experiment with different combinations like Gruyere or Monterey Jack, but keep the total cheese amount similar to the recipe.
How do I know when the Spinach and Artichoke Dip is perfectly cooked?
The dip is perfectly cooked when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The edges of the dip should be slightly browned, indicating that the mixture has heated through. A visual cue is the cheese’s texture and appearance, while the aroma should be warm, cheesy, and inviting, signaling the dip is ready to serve. Aim for an internal temperature of around 165°F (74°C) if using a thermometer.
Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger gathering?
Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up! Double or triple all the ingredients proportionally. For doubling, you can likely use the same baking dish, but for tripling, you might need a larger baking dish or two smaller ones. The baking time may need to be slightly increased (by about 5-10 minutes) depending on the size and quantity of the dip; keep an eye on the cheese and overall doneness.
What are the nutritional benefits of this Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip?
This dip offers a good source of calcium from the cheeses, which is essential for bone health. Spinach provides vitamins A and K, as well as antioxidants. Artichoke hearts contribute fiber, which aids in digestion. While it is a rich and creamy dip, enjoying it in moderation with healthy dippers like vegetable sticks can provide a balanced snack or appetizer.
Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This creamy and cheesy dip is a crowd favorite, perfect for pairing with chips or crusty bread.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach about 16 ounces
- 1.5 cups canned artichoke hearts drained and chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, spinach, and artichokes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Notes
This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
