Have you ever wondered why some dips disappear the second you set them on the table? You watch people take one bite, then another, then suddenly the whole bowl is gone. What makes a dip so good that everyone wants more? Today, you’ll discover the answer as we explore the easiest and most delicious way to make Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip. This warm, creamy dip is a classic, but making it in a slow cooker takes it to a whole new level. If you’ve ever wanted a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing snack that tastes like something from a restaurant, this recipe is exactly what you need.
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CROCKPOT SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip is warm, cheesy, and incredibly easy. Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it melt into a smooth, creamy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that is perfect for parties, holidays, or simple family nights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Prep the spinach: Thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This prevents the dip from becoming watery.
- Chop the artichokes: Drain the artichoke hearts and chop them into small pieces so they mix evenly throughout the dip.
- Load the crockpot: Add the drained spinach, chopped artichokes, cream cheese cubes, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, sour cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the bowl of your slow cooker.
- Cook on low or high: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for about 2 hours, until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is hot and bubbly.
- Stir until creamy: Give the dip a good stir to combine everything into a smooth, creamy mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve and keep warm: Turn the crockpot to the warm setting and serve the dip straight from the slow cooker with tortilla chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, or cut vegetables.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella. If the dip is too thick after cooking, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches your desired creaminess. To make it spicy, add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or red pepper flakes before cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently in the microwave or in the crockpot on low.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually very simple. The slow cooker does almost all the work for you. All you have to do is place your ingredients in the pot, stir a little, and wait. This dip turns out creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor every single time.
Here’s why this recipe is special:
- It’s a dump-and-go recipe.
- It cooks slowly, which allows all the flavors to blend.
- It stays warm for hours, perfect for parties and gatherings.
- It needs only basic cooking skills.
Time required: About 2 hours on high or 3–4 hours on low
Difficulty level: Very easy and beginner-friendly
If you ever need a quick appetizer for game day, movie night, or a holiday dinner, this Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip is the perfect choice.
Essential Ingredients
To make this dip creamy, cheesy, and comforting, you only need a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen spinach
- Canned artichoke hearts
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs.
- Instead of frozen spinach, use fresh spinach that has been chopped and lightly cooked.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier and tangier flavor.
- Use Monterey Jack or white cheddar cheese for a different cheesy taste.
- For a dairy-free dip, use plant-based cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese.
- Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick.
These variations make the recipe flexible, so you can make it your own.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip is simple. Follow these steps for the best creamy dip every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as you can. This prevents your dip from becoming watery. To squeeze out the water, place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and twist until the moisture comes out.
Step 2: Chop the Artichoke Hearts
Drain the artichoke hearts and chop them into small pieces. This helps them mix smoothly into the dip and ensures you get artichokes in every bite.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the spinach, chopped artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook Slowly
Set your crockpot to low for 3 to 4 hours or high for 2 hours. The slow heat melts the cheeses and mixes the flavors together. You don’t need to stir often, but giving the mixture a good stir halfway through helps everything melt evenly.
Step 5: Stir Until Creamy
Once the mixture is smooth and all the cheese has melted, stir it well. The dip should be thick, creamy, and easy to scoop.
Step 6: Keep Warm
If you’re serving this at a party or event, leave the crockpot on warm. The dip stays hot and creamy for hours, so guests can enjoy it anytime.
Cooking Tips
- Squeeze the spinach very well to avoid extra liquid.
- Cut the cream cheese into cubes so it melts faster.
- Stir gently to keep the dip smooth.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasonings if needed.
Assembly
Assembling this recipe is really about bringing all the ingredients together in the slow cooker. Here’s how to build the perfect dip:
- Start with the base ingredients: cream cheese and sour cream.
- Add your spinach and artichoke mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheeses on top.
- Add garlic, salt, and pepper to boost the flavor.
- Let everything melt together, then stir until the texture is creamy and even.
Tips for Presentation
If you want your Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip to look extra appealing:
- Transfer it to a pretty serving bowl once cooked.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color.
- Serve with toasted bread slices, pita chips, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks.
For parties, keep the dip in the crockpot on warm so your guests can help themselves.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dip can be stored and reheated easily. Here’s how:
Storage
- Place leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Or reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
- Add a splash of milk if the dip becomes too thick.
Make-Ahead Option
You can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot ahead of time and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to cook, place the pot in the slow cooker base and turn it on. This is perfect for busy days when you want a fresh appetizer without any last-minute work.
Recipe Variations
Here are fun ways to switch up this classic dip:
Chicken Spinach Artichoke Dip
Add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein and texture.
Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip
Mix in jalapeños, chopped green chiles, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip
Fold in crispy bacon pieces for a smoky, salty flavor.
Three-Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip
Use mozzarella, white cheddar, and provolone for a rich cheese blend.
Mediterranean Version
Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a touch of lemon juice.
Each variation offers a different twist, making this recipe exciting every time you prepare it.
Conclusion
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip is a simple, warm, and comforting recipe that anyone can make. With only a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a creamy dip that tastes amazing and impresses guests. Whether you want a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a warm and cozy treat, this recipe is always a great choice. Feel free to try new variations and make the dip your own. Once you see how easy it is, you’ll want to make it again and again.
FAQs
How can I make this dip healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and choose low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes. Cook the fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out excess liquid before adding it to the crockpot.
Can I freeze this dip?
It is not recommended because dairy-based dips can separate when frozen. Fresh is best.
What can I serve with this dip?
It pairs great with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
How do I thicken the dip if it seems too thin?
Add more shredded mozzarella or a small amount of cream cheese and let it melt in the crockpot.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough. A 6-quart slow cooker works best for bigger batches.
