Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Spinach Artichoke Dip is a classic appetizer that’s always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. But when you make it in a slow cooker, it becomes even more convenient and flavorful.
The slow, gentle heat allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, creamy dip that’s packed with cheesy goodness, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes. This Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make—just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent the dip from becoming watery. Drain and chop the artichoke hearts into small, bite-sized pieces. If you haven’t already, soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine all the ingredients until they are well mixed.
Next, gently fold in the thawed spinach and chopped artichokes, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Dip
Set your slow cooker to the low setting and cover it with the lid. Let the dip cook for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure that the cheese melts evenly and the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Serve the Dip
Once the dip is hot and bubbly, it’s ready to serve. Turn off the slow cooker and give the dip one last stir. You can serve it directly from the slow cooker to keep it warm, or transfer it to a serving dish if you prefer. This dip is best served with a variety of dippers like tortilla chips, sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Use Fresh Spinach
If you prefer using fresh spinach instead of frozen, you can do so. Just make sure to cook it down first to remove any excess moisture. Sautéing fresh spinach in a little olive oil until wilted works well.
Add a Crispy Topping
For a bit of texture contrast, you can add a crispy topping to the dip. After the dip is finished cooking, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese on top and place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
Experiment with Different Cheeses
Feel free to get creative with the cheeses in this recipe. Try adding a bit of Gouda, Fontina, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to keep the total amount of cheese the same to maintain the creamy consistency.
Adjust the Spice Level
If you like your dip with a bit of a kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder dip, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Crusty Bread and Crackers
Serve your dip with a variety of bread and crackers for dipping. Sliced baguette, toasted pita chips, or even hearty crackers are all excellent choices.
Fresh Vegetables
For a healthier option, serve the dip with fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and celery. The crunchiness of the veggies pairs perfectly with the creamy dip.
As a Spread for Sandwiches
This dip also makes a fantastic spread for sandwiches. Try slathering it on a turkey or chicken sandwich for an extra burst of flavor.
Stuffed into Mushrooms
For a fun and elegant appetizer, use the dip to stuff large mushroom caps. Simply spoon the dip into the mushrooms and bake them until the mushrooms are tender and the dip is bubbly.
Variations on Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip
For a savory twist, add cooked and crumbled bacon to the dip mixture before cooking. The bacon adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and tangy artichokes.
Spinach Artichoke Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the dip. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes before cooking for an added layer of complexity.
Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip with Creamy Havarti
For an extra creamy dip, substitute some of the mozzarella with creamy Havarti cheese. Havarti’s mild flavor and creamy texture make the dip even more luxurious.
Nutritional Benefits of Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
While this dip is indulgent, it also has some nutritional benefits. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Artichokes are rich in antioxidants and fiber, making this dip a more nutritious option compared to other appetizers.
To lighten the dip, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. You can also serve it with plenty of fresh vegetables to add more vitamins and fiber to your snack spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance. Combine all the ingredients and store them in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker and cook as directed.
Q2: How long does the dip last in the refrigerator?
The dip will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the slow cooker on low or in the microwave before serving.
Q3: Can I freeze Spinach Artichoke Dip?
Yes, you can freeze this dip. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Q4: What should I do if the dip is too thick?
If your dip turns out too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a little milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q5: Can I add other ingredients to the dip?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Try adding ingredients like chopped jalapeños for heat, or diced roasted red peppers for sweetness.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip is a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich, creamy texture and savory flavors make it a go-to recipe for parties, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. The convenience of the slow cooker means you can prepare this dip with minimal effort while still impressing your guests. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this dip is a perennial favorite!
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Spinach Artichoke Dip is a classic appetizer that's always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. But when you make it in a slow cooker, it becomes even more convenient and flavorful. The slow, gentle heat allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, creamy dip that's packed with cheesy goodness, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes. This Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make—just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it!
Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) bag fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 (13-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, chopped and drained
- 1 (8-ounce) brick low-fat cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup finely-chopped white or red onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a small slow-cooker and toss briefly to combine.
- Slow cook. Cover and cook* on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1 hour, until the cheese is completely melted.
- Stir and season. Stir the dip until evenly combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve. Serve warm, accompanied with whatever dippers you prefer.