If you have ever found yourself craving that irresistibly cheesy, creamy dip from your favorite casual dining spot, you are in for a treat with this Mouthwatering Copycat Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe. It perfectly captures the indulgent, savory flavors and luscious texture that make the original such a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a cozy snack, or just need that comforting dip fix at home, this recipe will have you reaching for your favorite dippers and spoons like never before.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this dip lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient, which work together to create a smooth, flavorful, and richly textured dish. Every single component plays a vital role—from the creamy cheeses to the tender spinach and artichokes, each bite brims with flavor and that perfect melt.
- 16 oz Alfredo sauce: I prefer Classico Roasted Garlic for an extra depth of garlicky goodness that elevates the whole dip.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth, velvety base that blends beautifully with the cheeses.
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, tangy kick that melts delightfully into the mix.
- 3/4 cup Romano cheese: If you love a hint of boldness, Romano offers a subtle piquancy and complements Parmesan perfectly.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese: The gooey, stretchy cheese that brings creamy texture and cheesilicious charm to every mouthful.
- 30 oz artichoke hearts: Drained and chopped into bite-sized pieces, they add a lovely tender texture and earthy flavor.
- 20 oz spinach: Make sure it’s thawed and squeezed dry to avoid any watery dip — spinach’s mild taste balances the richness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk like Borden adds that needed extra creaminess and richness to tie everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For an added garlic punch that’s subtle but unmistakable in enhancing the entire dip.
How to Make Mouthwatering Copycat Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by thawing your spinach fully and squeezing out every last drop of water. This step cannot be skipped, as wateriness will dull the creamy texture. Drain and chop the artichoke hearts into half-inch pieces for even distribution throughout the dip.
Step 2: Soften the Cream Cheese
Softening cream cheese at room temperature makes it so much easier to blend in with the other ingredients, ensuring a velvety dip with no lumps.
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the Alfredo sauce and milk until smooth and creamy. This combination creates the flavorful, saucy base that binds everything beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cheeses and Spices
Fold in the Parmesan, Romano, mozzarella, and garlic powder. Each cheese brings its own distinct flavor and melting character, making this step crucial for that all-important cheesy pull.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach and Artichokes
Gently stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and well-drained spinach, ensuring they are evenly incorporated for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. This final step melds all the ingredients into one irresistibly cheesy and savory masterpiece.
How to Serve Mouthwatering Copycat Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese over the top for a fresh, appealing finish that adds a pop of color and an herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy dip with an assortment of dippers like crisp pita chips, warm baguette slices, crunchy vegetable sticks, or even golden tortilla chips to create an inviting platter everyone will love to dig into.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider baking the dip inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun, rustic presentation. Or serve it in individual ramekins for a personalized snack experience that’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it ideal for quick snacks or next-day appetizers.
Freezing
You can freeze this dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts stirring in between to maintain that creamy, gooey consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, cool completely, then squeeze out any moisture before mixing it into the dip to prevent it from becoming watery.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You could try using reduced-fat cheeses and substituting milk with a lower-fat version, but keep in mind this might affect the creamy richness that makes this dip so indulgent.
What can I use if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?
If Alfredo sauce isn’t on hand, you can make a simple substitute with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese heated together until creamy. This homemade version works well, though using a quality store-bought sauce saves time.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare your dip mixture and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking cold from the fridge.
What is the best way to serve this to a crowd?
Keep the dip warm in a small slow cooker or warming tray to maintain its gooey texture, and provide plenty of dippers so everyone can enjoy at their leisure without the dip drying out.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this Mouthwatering Copycat Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe in your cooking arsenal, you are ready to impress friends and family with an irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dip that truly feels like a special treat. It’s easy to make yet delightfully tasty, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Trust me, once you try it, this dip will become your go-to comfort food favorite—so grab your ingredients and dive in!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Copycat Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings and game days. Combining tender artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses with Alfredo sauce, this dip offers a rich, savory flavor that melts beautifully when baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cheese and Dairy
- 16 oz Alfredo sauce (Classico Roasted Garlic recommended)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (about 70°F)
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 3/4 cup Romano cheese, grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup whole milk (Borden recommended)
Vegetables
- 30 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 20 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip evenly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and Alfredo sauce. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, which creates the flavorful base of the dip.
- Add Grated Cheeses and Seasoning: Fold in the freshly grated Parmesan, Romano, and shredded mozzarella cheeses along with the garlic powder, stirring well to evenly incorporate all flavors.
- Incorporate Spinach and Artichokes: Add the drained and chopped artichoke hearts and the thoroughly squeezed spinach to the cheese mixture. Stir gently to combine without breaking up the vegetables too much, maintaining some texture.
- Add Milk for Creaminess: Pour in the half cup of whole milk to loosen the mixture slightly and enhance the dip’s creamy consistency. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the prepared dip into a baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and the top is lightly golden and melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dip cool slightly before serving. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach is squeezed very dry to avoid a watery dip.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses improves melting and flavor significantly over pre-grated varieties.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly, preventing lumps.
- For a richer dip, whole milk is preferred, but you may substitute with 2% milk if desired.
- This dip can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
