Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Preparation: With just a few minutes of hands-on time, the slow cooker does the rest, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Rich and Creamy Texture: A delightful combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan ensures a luscious, velvety dip.
Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers, from crusty bread to fresh vegetables.
Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and kept warm in the crockpot until ready to serve.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Parmesan cheese, shredded
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Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
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Artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
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Minced garlic
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Sour cream
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Cream cheese, softened
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Mayonnaise
Directions
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, thawed and drained spinach, and chopped artichoke hearts.
Add the minced garlic, sour cream, softened cream cheese, and mayonnaise to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
Heat the Mixture:
Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized saucepan.
Heat over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the cheeses have melted and the mixture is smooth.
Slow Cook:
Pour the heated mixture into a crockpot.
Cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours.
Once cooked, switch the crockpot to the warm setting to keep the dip warm while serving.
Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
Serve warm with your choice of dippers such as sliced baguette, tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 10
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Cheese Blend: For a different flavor profile, substitute half of the Parmesan with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Greek Yogurt Substitute: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
Fresh Spinach Option: Use 1 pound of fresh spinach, sautéed until wilted, in place of frozen spinach.
Additional Toppings: Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits before serving for added flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 6-8 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the dip in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dip, store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, and then heat it in the crockpot when ready to serve.
What are the best dippers for this spinach artichoke dip?
Popular options include sliced baguette, tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, pita chips, and fresh vegetables like carrot sticks and bell pepper slices.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Sauté 1 pound of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain and chop before adding to the mixture.
How do I prevent the dip from being too runny?
Ensure that the spinach is thoroughly drained and excess moisture is removed before adding it to the mixture.
Is it possible to make this dip without a crockpot?
Yes, after heating the mixture on the stovetop, you can transfer it to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes until bubbly.
Can I add other ingredients to customize the dip?
Certainly. Consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños for heat, or different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for variation.
How can I make this dip healthier?
Use low-fat cream cheese, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, and serve with fresh vegetables instead of bread or chips.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.
What should I do if the dip is too thick?
If the dip becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of milk or cream until the desired consistency is achieved.
How long can I keep the dip warm in the crockpot?
You can keep the dip on the warm setting for several hours, stirring occasionally. If it thickens over time, adjust the consistency with a bit of milk or cream.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip is a warm, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night at home, this easy-to-make appetizer brings big flavor with minimal effort. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection.
