Warm, creamy, and packed with flavor—this Spinach and Artichoke Dip is the ultimate cozy crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re prepping for a party, making snack night a little fancier, or just craving something gooey and delicious, this cheesy dip comes together in one skillet and one baking dish.

Skill Level: Intermediate (Ages 10–12 with supervision, 13+ independently)
Time: About 30 minutes
Supervision: Oven and stovetop required

Why You’ll Love Making This

• 🧄 Real cooking skills: Sautéing garlic, wilting greens, and oven broiling = confidence booster!
• 🍽️ Perfect for parties: This dip feeds a crew or works great for family movie night.
• 🥄 Mix + match toppings: Make it your own with spices or extra cheese.

👩‍👧‍👦 Younger kids (ages 6–9) can help by measuring out ingredients, mixing the cheese filling, or tearing spinach leaves if using fresh.

What You’ll Need

Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet
• 8×8 baking dish
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Spoon or spatula
• Oven (with broil or 450°F setting)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh, torn)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Let’s Make It!

1. Get Ready to Cook

Preheat oven to broil or 450°F.
Spray your 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and add grated garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add spinach by the handful, letting it wilt before adding more. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir often for 3–4 minutes, until the spinach is soft and most liquid is gone.

3. Add Artichokes

Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and season again lightly. Lower heat to low.

4. Mix in the Creamy Stuff

Add cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Stir until everything is creamy and melted. Season to taste.

🧑‍🍳 This is a great time for younger siblings to join in for stirring!

5. Bake It Up

Spoon the dip into your greased baking dish.
Broil for 5–7 minutes, or bake for 12–13 minutes at 450°F, until golden and bubbly.
Let it rest 3–4 minutes before serving.

Tips for Grown-Ups Assisting

• Help with grating garlic and opening the can of artichokes.
• Supervise sautéing and using the broiler.
• Let kids measure and stir—this dip is very forgiving!

Storage Instructions

Let any leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: warm in the oven until bubbly again or microwave individual portions.

FAQ from Chefs-In-Training

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure it’s thawed and squeezed dry before adding it to the skillet.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the dip, place it in your baking dish, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake as directed.

What can I dip into it?
Try tortilla chips, toasted bread, pita chips, or veggie sticks like carrots or cucumbers.

Can I add heat?
Sure! Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Is there a way to make this healthier?
You can make a healthier version by using low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. Additionally, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella.

Why This Dip Deserves a Spot at Your Table

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Spinach and Artichoke Dip is just as good as any restaurant version—and you get to say you made it yourself! It’s perfect for parties, sleepovers, holidays, or any time you want something delicious to scoop and share.

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