This creamy bacon spinach artichoke dip is perfect for sharing! Packed with tasty ingredients like crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and tangy artichoke hearts, it’s always a hit at gatherings.
Honestly, I can never resist this dip, especially when I sprinkle extra cheese on top. Serve it with crunchy chips or bread, and watch it disappear. It’s that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: The star of the show! I love using thick-cut bacon for extra crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon works too, but the flavor will be lighter.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes are convenient, but if you can find fresh or frozen ones, they’ll add a fresher flavor. Be sure to cook and chop them well. You can also use marinated artichokes for added tang!
Spinach: Fresh spinach can substitute the frozen kind; just sauté it first and make sure it’s well-drained. I often use kale for a different twist, but remember, it can be more fibrous.
Cheese: Cream cheese provides great creaminess. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt instead. Mix it with a little cream cheese to retain some creaminess without all the calories. Swap mozzarella with cheddar for a stronger flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Creamy Dip?
The creaminess of your dip comes from how well you blend your ingredients. Make sure you start with softened cream cheese so it mixes smoothly. Here’s my tips:
- Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for a fluffier texture.
- Mix the cheese with the sour cream and mayo before adding artichokes and spinach to ensure everything is evenly creamy.
- Don’t skip squeezing excess liquid from spinach. This prevents a watery dip after baking!
Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Baguette slices or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, making it a quick dish that’s perfect for parties or game day! Total time: approximately 35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip gets bubbly and delicious as soon as it’s in the oven.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until it’s crispy, then remove the bacon pieces and place them on paper towels to drain. Leave a little bacon fat in the skillet for flavor!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic to the leftover bacon fat. Sauté it briefly, just for about 30 seconds, until it’s fragrant but not burned.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked garlic, chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, and half of the cooked bacon. Mix everything until well combined. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking!
5. Transfer and Spread:
Now, spoon the dip mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Make sure it’s nicely packed in there!
6. Top with Bacon:
Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon on top of the dip. This will give the dip an extra crunch and flavor.
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the top is lightly browned.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve warm with slices of baguette or your favorite crackers for dipping. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Enjoy your warm, creamy bacon spinach artichoke dip!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach is a great alternative. Just make sure to sauté it briefly until wilted, then squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dip.
What If I Don’t Have All the Cheeses?
No problem! You can mix and match cheeses based on what you have. For example, use only mozzarella or try adding in some cheddar for a different flavor. Just keep the cream cheese for creaminess!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of cream or milk if it seems too thick!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip up to a day ahead. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature first, then bake as instructed.