This creamy Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip is rich and full of flavor! It combines crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and tasty artichokes all blended into a cheesy delight.
Perfect for parties or movie nights, this dip is always a hit. I love pairing it with crunchy tortilla chips—you can’t just stop at one scoop! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a wonderful savory flavor. For a healthier option, try turkey bacon or tempeh for a vegetarian version. I often prefer using thick-cut bacon for an extra crunch.
Spinach: Frozen spinach works great because it’s easy and saves time. If you have fresh spinach, you can use that too—just wilt it and chop it before adding. Fresh is a bit more vibrant!
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes make this dip convenient, but if you have fresh ones, feel free to steam and chop them! They’ll add a delightful texture to the dip.
Cream Cheese: This is what gives the dip its creamy base. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter substitute if you’re looking to cut calories.
Cheeses: For the best flavor, I stick to Parmesan and mozzarella. However, you can use cheddar for a sharp kick. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative to add cheesy flavor without dairy!
How Can I Get My Dip Nice and Creamy?
The key to a creamy dip is ensuring all cheeses are softened before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly without clumps. Here’s how to prepare the mixture perfectly:
- Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it.
- Mix all the cheeses together until smooth before adding the other ingredients. This ensures even creaminess throughout.
- Don’t skip baking! Heating it allows the cheeses to meld together perfectly and creates a bubbly, golden top.
Keep an eye on it while it bakes, so it doesn’t overcook. And mix it gently when serving to maintain that delicious creaminess!
How to Make Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Optional: crusty toasted bread or tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 15 minutes for prep and another 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 40-45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a cozy gathering or a fun night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking the dip.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crisp and golden. Once done, remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels. Don’t throw away that tasty bacon fat; keep about 1 tablespoon in the skillet for added flavor!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. It’s going to smell amazing! Set it aside to cool for a moment.
4. Mix the Cheeses:
In a large bowl, throw in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is the base of your delicious dip!
5. Add the Good Stuff:
Now, stir in those wonderful artichokes, drained spinach, the sautéed garlic, and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good mix until well combined!
6. Prepare to Bake:
Transfer that cheesy goodness into a lightly greased oven-safe dish or a baking ramekin. Spread it out evenly for baking.
7. Bake the Dip:
Pop it into the oven and let it bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden brown on top! Keep an eye on it—it’s going to look (and smell) fantastic!
8. Let It Cool:
Once it’s baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. This will make it easier to scoop into delicious portions!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with your choice of toasted bread or tortilla chips. Happy dipping! This creamy, cheesy dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, you’ll want to use about 4 cups. Sauté it in a little olive oil until wilted, then chop it before adding it to the dip. Fresh spinach gives a delightful texture and flavor!
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you like some heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. For an even bolder option, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños before baking.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just mix everything together and store it in the fridge before popping it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. You may need to extend the baking time by a few minutes if it’s going in cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed for extra creaminess.