Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
If you’re not using your crockpot for party appetizers and dips, you’re missing out! Regular readers loved my recent slow cooker pulled pork mac and cheese sliders, so I thought it was about time that I brought you a new idea to add to repertoire for game days, easy hosting, and gatherings. This spinach artichoke dip is so wonderfully cheesy, and it’s as easy as just dumping everything into the crockpot and giving it all a good stir.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- You can throw everything into the slow cooker and forget about it for a few hours.
- It stays warm and creamy for the entire party instead of turning into a solid block of cheese after 20 minutes.
- Uses fresh spinach, so it’s got some goodness packed in there.
- Equally at home at a holiday gathering, football party, or random Friday night on the couch.
- People always ask for the recipe. Always!
What You’ll Need & Process Overview
The ingredient list is simple: fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, Italian cheese blend, Parmesan, plenty of garlic, and a little seasoning to tie everything together.
Everything goes straight into the slow cooker, with very little hands-on effort involved. A couple of stirs throughout cooking are all that’s needed before it’s ready to serve.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Chop the spinach and artichokes well: This helps ensure every scoop gets a little bit of everything instead of ending up with large chunks.
- Give it a stir during cooking: Stirring partway through helps the cheeses melt evenly and keeps the dip smooth and creamy.
- Keep it warm for serving: If you’re serving this at a party or gathering, switch the slow cooker to the Warm setting once the dip is ready. It’ll stay creamy and scoopable for hours.
- Offer a variety of dippers: Tortilla chips, crackers, toasted bread, pita chips, and fresh vegetables all work well, so there’s something for everyone.
- Perfect for entertaining: This is one of those recipes that can sit out and practically serve itself while guests help themselves.
- Easily doubled: Feeding a crowd? Simply double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker.
- Taste before serving: Different cheese blends can vary in saltiness, so give the dip a quick taste before adding any extra seasoning.
Substitutions
- Spinach: Frozen spinach works well if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Italian cheese blend: Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of the two can be used instead.
- Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you’d like a lighter option.
- Cream cheese: Neufchâtel cheese can be swapped in for a slightly lighter dip while still keeping that creamy texture.
- Garlic salt: Use regular salt and add a little extra garlic powder to achieve a similar flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Romano or Asiago cheese can be used for a slightly different cheesy flavor profile.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Turn up the heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy version.
- Add bacon: Stir in crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory twist that’s always popular.
- Make it extra cheesy: Sprinkle additional mozzarella, Parmesan, or your favorite shredded cheese over the top before serving.
- Seafood version: Fold in lump crab meat or chopped cooked shrimp for a party-worthy seafood spin.
- Lighten it up: Use light cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, and plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Chicken spinach artichoke dip: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken to turn it into an even heartier dip.
- More garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, add a few extra cloves for an even bolder flavor.
Serving Ideas
This is the kind of dip that was made for parties.
Serve it with:
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips
- Crackers
- Toasted baguette slices
- Pretzel crisps
- Carrot sticks
- Celery sticks
- Bell pepper strips
If you’re putting together an appetizer spread, this dip pairs perfectly with wings, meatballs, sliders, and other crowd-pleasing party foods.
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
- 2 (20 ounce) bag fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, chopped
- 2 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded italian blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 8 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Add everything to the slow cooker and stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours.
- Stir.
- Continue to cook another 1 hour.
- Stir.
- Serve!
If you’ve tried this one, you can leave a review and rating below!