CopycatSpices
Applebee's Spinach Artichoke Dip
Warm, cheesy, and loaded with spinach and artichoke hearts — Applebee's most popular appetizer. Baked until bubbly and served with tortilla chips for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
appetizer · applebees · dip · cheese
🕑Prep10 min
🍳Cook25 min
⏱Total35 min
🍽Serves8
⭐DifficultyEasy
Ingredients
- 8 oz [cream cheese](YOUR_AMAZON_AFFILIATE_LINK_HERE), softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- 1.Mix the creamy base. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat or stir until smooth and uniform.
- 2.Add the cheese and vegetables. Fold in 3/4 cup of the mozzarella, all the Parmesan, the chopped artichoke hearts, squeezed spinach, and minced garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- 3.Bake until bubbly. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden.
- 4.Serve hot. Let the dip cool for 5 minutes — it's molten lava straight from the oven. Serve with tortilla chips, pita bread, or sliced baguette. The dip thickens as it cools, so eat it warm.
Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip
Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer with artichoke and spinach. It’s creamy and rich, thanks to cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
At Applebee’s, this appetizer costs about $12 and serves maybe 3-4 people. Making it at home costs about $8 and makes enough for 8 generous servings.
Why Make It at Home?
Homemade means you control the cheese-to-vegetable ratio. Want more artichoke? Add another can. Prefer it cheesier? Throw in extra mozzarella. At a restaurant, you get what you get. At home, you customize.
Tips & Variations
- Squeeze the spinach completely dry. This is the most important step. Wet spinach turns the dip watery and loose. Wrap the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out until no more water comes out. Then wring it again.
- Use canned artichoke hearts, not marinated. Marinated artichokes have vinegar and oil that change the flavor profile. Plain canned artichoke hearts in water are what you want.
- Add a kick. Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeno for a spicy version that is not on the Applebee’s menu but should be.
- Make it in a slow cooker. Combine everything in a slow cooker on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Perfect for parties — just set it and forget it.
