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Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip

Applebee's Spinach Artichoke Dip
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A rich, creamy, and cheesy dip loaded with tender spinach and artichoke hearts, finished with a golden bubbly crust of melted mozzarella. This copycat version captures the indulgent restaurant-style flavor, perfect for parties, game days, or as a comforting appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 4 oz), divided
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) artichoke hearts in water, drained and finely chopped
  • 1 package (10 oz / 283 g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced (about 2 oz)
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with a drizzle of olive oil or nonstick spray. This prevents the dip from sticking and promotes even browning.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Do not brown the garlic, as it will become bitter. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the sour cream and mayonnaise, and beat on low until fully incorporated. The base should be silky with no lumps.
  4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and two-thirds of the shredded mozzarella (about 2/3 cup) to the cream cheese mixture. Stir with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed. Set aside the remaining mozzarella for the topping.
  5. Ensure the thawed spinach is thoroughly squeezed dry: place it in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much liquid as possible. This is critical — excess moisture will make the dip watery and prevent a creamy texture. Finely chop the squeezed spinach.
  6. Add the chopped artichoke hearts, squeezed spinach, and the cooked onion-garlic mixture to the bowl. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Fold gently with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly combined and no streaks of cream cheese remain.
  7. Transfer the dip mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use the spatula to spread it into an even layer, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface, covering the entire dip.
  8. Place the dish on the center oven rack and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The dip is ready when the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown in spots. For a deeper golden crust, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burns when serving. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Notes

Storage: Transfer cooled dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freezing: The dip may be frozen for up to 3 months, though texture may be slightly grainy upon thawing due to the dairy. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and seal. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts at 50% power, stirring between intervals, until heated through. Do not overheat or the dairy may separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: copycat Applebee's spinach artichoke dip, spinach artichoke dip, creamy baked dip, party appetizer, American appetizer, cheesy dip, spinach artichoke recipe, game day dip, hot dip, cream cheese dip

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/applebees-spinach-artichoke-dip/