Cold Spinach Artichoke Dip

Cold spinach artichoke dip is a versatile easy appetizer that is great for spreading on toasted bread, crackers, or pita chips.

Spinach artichoke dip was one of the first recipes I perfected when I began cooking, and have since made it a million different ways for family gatherings and holiday parties. Now many years later, you will still consistently find spinach dip on my shortlist of go-to party appetizers when I need a real crowd pleaser.

What is it?

Spinach artichoke dip is a tangy appetizer featuring cooked spinach and artichokes blended with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream. Seasonings such as garlic, crushed red pepper, and Parmesan are added to round out the flavor. This easy recipe is a versatile chilled dip that can be prepared in many different ways with simple ingredients.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Spinach - I recommend purchasing frozen spinach from the grocery store. You can also use fresh spinach, but you will have to cook it down first. Canned spinach can work as a substitute.
• Canned Artichoke Hearts - Frozen artichokes can also be used.
• Cream Cheese
• Sour Cream
• Mayonnaise
• Shredded Parmesan cheese - You can also use grated parmesan cheese.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes - This can be optional. If your guests are averse to heat, you can certainly omit them.
• Garlic Powder - Fresh garlic can also be substituted.
• Salt
• Optional - For extra flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. For an added herbal component, feel free to stir in fresh chives or even fresh dill.

How to Make Cold Spinach Artichoke Dip

Making cold spinach artichoke dip is easy because all of the ingredients simply get blended together in a large mixing bowl. However, you can make it even easier if you warm the cream cheese first. Warmed cream cheese is softer so it blends with the mayo, sour cream, and the rest of the artichoke mixture with much less hassle. I also recommend squeezing your thawed spinach to release the excess liquid. The liquid will make your creamy dip too watery and change the flavor. Work in batches either squeezing it in your hands or wrap it in cheesecloth or a paper towel.

Cold artichoke dip tastes fantastic when heated as well. To serve it warm, just microwave the dip until it is heated through. Alternatively, if you are craving a cheesy dip, add mozzarella cheese to this recipe and bake it until it is gooey and delicious!

Note: Since this is a dairy-based dip, do not leave sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.

What to Serve with Cold Spinach Artichoke Dip

Bread, tortilla chips, and crackers are the best accompaniments to serve with cold spinach artichoke dip. However, toasted pumpernickel rye is my all-time favorite.  Rye bread and spinach artichoke dip have always been a classic combination and, in particular, serving this cold dip on warmly toasted slices creates a flavorful contrast. Beyond rye bread, sourdough bread or even a simple French baguette would be great serving choices. Otherwise, hearty gourmet crackers or pita chips would also be appropriate options.

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