This Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip uses the magic of your Crock-Pot to transform simple ingredients into the perfect appetizer. Slow cooking creates a luscious texture and the perfect blend of savory spinach, tender artichokes, and creamy cheese. Make it for gatherings, parties, or simply enjoying a cozy night in.
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Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Delight: Spinach artichoke dip is renowned for its delicious and well-balanced flavor. The creamy texture, the savory spinach, and the tangy artichokes combine to create a taste sensation that's hard to resist.
- Convenience: Using a Crockpot or slow cooker to make this dip is incredibly convenient. You can prepare the ingredients, set it, and forget it until it's ready, allowing you to focus on other preparations or activities.
- Effortless Entertaining: Use the Keep Warm function on your Crockpot so you can serve a warm, crowd-pleasing dish without spending a lot of time in the kitchen
- Perfect for Parties: Whether you're hosting a game day get-together, a holiday feast, or a casual dinner with friends, this dip is a hit. It's a versatile option for any occasion.
- Variation Possibilities: You can customize the dip by adding ingredients like bacon, jalapeños, or different cheeses to create unique flavor profiles.
What Type of Cheese to Use
You will need Parmesan Reggiano cheese and mozzarella, along with cream cheese.
Parmesan Reggiano (the real name is Parmigiano Reggiano) is high-quality cheese. It's REAL Parmesan and is always made in Italy. Cheese labeled "Parmesan Cheese" can be made anywhere and is an imitation. Parmigiano Reggiano is more expensive and has a noticeable difference in taste. Once you've had it, you will never want to go back to imitation.
I recommend you purchase the cheese in block form and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has potato starch and chemical preservatives. It doesn't melt as well and won't get the dip super creamy.
What Type of Spinach to Use. Fresh or Frozen?
You can use either fresh or frozen, but my preference is to use fresh baby spinach. If you use frozen you will need to thaw it first, and drain all of the excess water. If you place a frozen block in the slow cooker, once it melts the remaining liquid will create a soupy mess and you will struggle to thicken the dip.
If using thawed frozen, be sure to properly drain the excess water. Otherwise, you will encounter the issue noted above.
How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
The full list of ingredients with measurements and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of this post in the recipe card.
- Add spinach, cream cheese, cheese, artichokes, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Slow cook.
- Open up the pot. Stir and add crumbled bacon.
How to Melt the Cheese
The cheese will melt on its own in the slow cooker. Keep a watchful eye and stir as necessary, to prevent cheese from burning along the sides of the slow cooker.
How to Prevent Curdling
- Full Fat Dairy: Use full-fat dairy products like cream cheese and sour cream. Lower-fat options can sometimes be more prone to curdling.
- Prevent Overcooking: Be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooking can lead to separation.
- Monitor Carefully: Keep an eye on the dip as it cooks, especially toward the end of the cooking time. If you notice any separation or curdling, gently stir the dip to reincorporate the ingredients.
How to Thicken the Dip
The cream cheese does a great job of thickening this dip, along with the artichokes.
Can You Omit the Artichokes
Sure, you can make this dish with no artichokes. No adjustments to the recipe are necessary.
Substitutions and Additional Topping Ideas
- Bacon (As you can see, I love to add bacon for a twist.)
- Sundried Tomatoes
- Olives
- Peppers
- Onions
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Chicken
How to Store the Dip
Store it in the fridge tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days. For gatherings keep it warm in a Crockpot.
Can You Freeze it?
The texture and consistency will change after freezing and thawing. Creamy dips like this, contain dairy products, which can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen. However, if you're willing to accept potential texture changes, freezing can be a convenient way to prepare the dip in advance or store leftovers.
What to Use for Dipping
- Crackers: Choose an assortment of crackers, such as buttery crackers (e.g., Ritz), plain or seasoned crackers, or whole-grain crackers. Their crispiness provides a nice contrast to the creamy dip.
- Bread: Sliced baguette, French bread, or toasted bread points are excellent choices for scooping up the dip. You can also serve my Air Fryer Garlic Bread for an extra layer of flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: Tortilla chips, both plain and flavored, provide a satisfying crunch and are a favorite option for many. They work well with the dip’s creamy and cheesy texture.
- Vegetable Sticks: Fresh and crisp vegetable sticks, such as celery, carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper, are a healthy and refreshing option. They add a delightful crunch and a touch of color.
- Pita Bread: Warm, soft pita bread cut into wedges or triangles is perfect for scooping up hot dips.
- Toasts or Crostini: Thinly sliced and toasted baguette or bread, often brushed with olive oil and garlic, can provide a more substantial base for your dip.
- Pretzels: Pretzel crisps or pretzel rods are a salty and satisfying choice that complements the creaminess.
- Potato Chips: Potato chips, especially kettle-cooked or wavy ones, bring a delightful saltiness and crunch to the mix.
Pair the Dip With These Recipes
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Leftover Taco Bowls
Air Fryer Taco Egg Rolls
Twisted Bacon Recipe
Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
More Dip Recipes
Homemade Queso Cheese Dip
Healthy Guacamole
Million Dollar Dip
BLT Dip
Smoked Fish Dip
Hot Crab Dip with Cream Cheese
Old Bay Crab Dip
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Traeger Smoked Bacon
Slow Cooker Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach See notes if using frozen.
- 13 oz canned or jarred artichokes Drained and chopped.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 3 garlic cloves Minced.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon Optional
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker (excluding the bacon).
- Slow cook for 2 ½ hours on Low or 1 hour on High. Be sure to keep a watchful eye and stir the dip as needed to prevent the sides and edges of the slow cooker from burning.
- Open up the pot. Stir and add the crumbled bacon. Taste repeatedly and add additional salt and pepper if needed to suit your taste.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add all of the ingredients (excluding the bacon) to a large bowl and stir.
- Spray an 8x8 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spoon the dip into the baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the crumbled bacon.
Notes
- Optional: Saute the onions and garlic in a pan along with a teaspoon of olive oil. This step is optional for added flavor. You can also add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Parmesan Reggiano (the real name is Parmigiano Reggiano) is high-quality cheese. It’s REAL Parmesan and is always made in Italy. Cheese labeled “Parmesan Cheese” can be made anywhere and is an imitation. Parmigiano Reggiano is more expensive and has a noticeable difference in taste. Once you’ve had it, you will never want to go back to imitation.
-
I recommend you purchase the cheese in block form and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has potato starch and chemical preservatives. It doesn’t melt as well and won’t get the dip super creamy.
- You can use either fresh or frozen spinach, but my preference is to use fresh baby spinach. If you use frozen you will need to thaw it first, and drain all of the excess water. If you place a frozen block in the slow cooker, once it melts the remaining liquid will create a soupy mess and you will struggle to thicken the dip.
- If using thawed, be sure to properly drain the excess water. Otherwise, you will encounter the issue noted above.
- I love to use the grilled (tapas) artichokes from Trader Joe's in this dish.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Dara says
This recipe is amazing! The Parmesan reggiano and fresh mozzarella really heightened the flavors in this recipe. The bacon just gave it that extra boost. I highly recommend this as a light dinner or appetizer. Also, this was super easy to make which is always a bonus on a week night.
staysnatched says
I love the combination of flavor!
Shaun Stevenson says
Oh my good thing I workout to indulge in all these recipes!! I could have eaten the whole recipe in one setting! Thank you Brandi
staysnatched says
haha! I'm with ya!
Kristin says
The bacon at the end sets his recipe off! Easy to make and very creamy!
staysnatched says
Yes! It's a game changer for sure!
Angela Crawford says
Delicious!!! I'll never buy artichoke dip again. It was easy to make and a crowd pleaser!!
staysnatched says
haha! I love to hear it.
Kelley York says
Simple, quick, flavorful… saved the day! I added a horseradish white cheddar to it and the kick was amazing!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Christina Keliikoa says
I make Spinach Artichoke dip every holiday but it’s usually with Alfredo sauce. That wasn’t sittin right with me. I knew Brandi would have the recipe! Another hit maker and now the recipe I’ll be doing from here on out. 1st time using fresh spinach and I LOVED IT!! Easy to make, Thank you Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad it was a hit.
Hanna says
Had some leftover artichokes from another recipe and knew Brandi would have the best spinach artichoke dip recipe. I wasn’t wrong! Delish as always!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Kim Kelley says
This was such a perfect appetizer for my family’s Christmas gathering! Follow her suggestions of using fresh cheese and grating yourself. It really makes a difference!
staysnatched says
Yes, it truly does!
Jill says
A great addition to Christmas Day menu. I will make again.
staysnatched says
Perfect for Christmas!
LADYE says
I’m making this!
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy it!
Meredith Eddy says
This is delicious and simple to make! Mostly hands off if using the crockpot method. I did other things around the house and stirred the crock pot here and there. Thanks for the recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Monica R says
This dip was SO good and so easy! It tastes better than any store bought dip, and is full of normal ingredients. I'll keep this one on rotation, for sure!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it will be in the rotation.
Aimee says
How many cups does this make? Thinking about doubling it for a party tonight. Also thoughts on water chestnuts added?
staysnatched says
I've never tried water chestnuts in this and I'm not of fan of them in dips, but if you like them, feel free!
Anne D says
Made this for a progressive dinner with friends and it was a huge hit! This is the only spinach dip recipe that I have seen where you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen - which I love! I omitted the bacon since one of my friends is a vegetarian, and that didn't effect the flavor at all. It was great to be able to cook the dip in the slow cooker and leave it on warm as we waited for people to arrive. Served with veggies and a sliced baguette. Would definitely make this again.
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear you will make it again!
Kristin says
Definitely a game day and holiday hit! Easy no fuss recipe that I love making. Go heavy on the bacon, it's so good in this classic dip!
staysnatched says
Such a great tip!
Britt says
This was incredibly easy to make and delicious! I served it with a baguette sliced and toasted, yum!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!