Prepare to delight your taste buds with this phenomenal Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon. Whether you’re gathering for an epic game day, hosting a festive holiday celebration, or simply craving a comforting snack, this dip is an absolute showstopper. It comes together in minutes, offering a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors that will make it an instant favorite on any menu!
Game days at our home are always an occasion for delicious food, and this season has been no exception. We recently indulged in a hearty Spicy Black Bean Turkey Chili, and alongside it, this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon stole the show. It’s more than just a dip; it’s a culinary touchdown that consistently receives rave reviews from family and friends. And for me, as the host, its simplicity is a major win. When the focus is on enjoying the game and the company, having an appetizer that’s quick to prepare or can be made ahead of time is absolutely essential. This dip fits the bill perfectly, allowing you more time to cheer on your favorite team and less time in the kitchen.
There’s something inherently satisfying about a warm, bubbling dip, and this recipe elevates the classic spinach artichoke combination to new heights with the savory addition of bacon. It’s an appetizer that transcends seasons and events, equally at home on a casual Sunday afternoon or as a sophisticated addition to a holiday spread. The rich, creamy texture, combined with the earthy notes of spinach and artichokes, and that unmistakable smoky crunch of bacon, creates a symphony of flavors that is truly addictive. You’ll find yourself reaching for just one more scoop, and then another!
The Ultimate Cheesy Game Day & Holiday Dip
I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy appetizer recipes that deliver big on flavor, especially for parties. This particular spinach artichoke dip has been a staple in my repertoire for many years, and for good reason. It consistently disappears quickly, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. I simply cannot resist anything featuring the delightful combination of spinach and artichokes, and when you add gooey, melted cheese and crispy bacon into the mix, it becomes an absolute masterpiece. This dip isn’t just “good,” it’s “the best” because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and effortless preparation.
What makes this dip so exceptionally delicious? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. You have the creaminess of softened cream cheese and mayonnaise, the subtle sweetness of sautéed shallots, the pungent kick of garlic, and the fresh earthiness of baby spinach. The tender artichoke hearts add a delightful tang and a bit of chew, while the Italian seasoning infuses every bite with aromatic warmth. And of course, the star addition – bacon – brings a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the rich, cheesy base. Each spoonful is a journey of flavor, making it incredibly satisfying and memorable. It’s hearty enough to be truly satisfying, yet light enough not to spoil dinner. This versatile dip is truly a winner for any gathering.
Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon: Key Ingredients
Crafting this irresistible dip requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect creamy, savory, and cheesy balance:
- **Fresh Baby Spinach:** Provides vibrant color and essential earthy notes.
- **Jarred or Canned Artichoke Hearts:** Offer a tender texture and a distinct, slightly tangy flavor.
- **Cream Cheese:** The foundation of the dip, ensuring a rich and incredibly creamy base.
- **Mayonnaise:** Adds extra creaminess and a subtle tang that beautifully complements the other flavors.
- **Butter:** Used to sauté the aromatics, building the first layer of flavor.
- **Shallot:** A milder, sweeter alternative to onion, offering delicate flavor without overpowering the dip.
- **Garlic:** Essential for its pungent and aromatic qualities, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- **Bacon:** The star addition, bringing a smoky, salty, and wonderfully crispy element.
- **Italian Seasoning:** A blend of dried herbs that adds aromatic depth and classic Italian-inspired flavor.
- **Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper:** Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- **Parmesan Cheese:** Offers a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor, contributing to the dip’s complex cheesiness.
- **Italian Cheese Blend (Shredded):** A mix of various Italian cheeses (like mozzarella, provolone, fontina) that provides exceptional melt and a rich, savory taste.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in the combination of these ingredients, but in their harmonious interaction, creating a dip that’s comforting, indulgent, and undeniably delicious.
The preparation for this dip is as straightforward as it gets. You’ll begin by gently sautéing fragrant shallots and minced garlic in a touch of butter, creating a flavorful base. Then, simply combine this aromatic mixture with fresh baby spinach leaves, a jar of tender artichoke hearts, softened cream cheese, and creamy mayonnaise. Fold in a generous amount of shredded cheeses, savory bacon bits, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, along with a dash of kosher salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until beautifully combined, transfer it to a baking dish, and in just 20-25 minutes, you’ll be pulling a bubbly, golden, and incredibly cheesy dip from the oven. The aroma alone is enough to get your mouth watering!
Once baked to perfection, I love to serve this hot, gooey dip with an assortment of dippers. Think crisp crackers, crunchy breadsticks, an array of fresh, vibrant vegetables like carrot sticks and bell pepper slices, or even elegant slices of toasted fresh baguette bread. Each option offers a different textural contrast, making every bite an exciting experience. The versatility of this dip means it pairs beautifully with almost anything you have on hand, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or planned events.
I truly hope you give this incredible recipe a try for your next game day party. Its ease and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a fantastic choice. Beyond sports, remember to keep this recipe in mind for the upcoming holiday season! It’s perfect for Thanksgiving appetizers, Christmas Eve gatherings, or New Year’s celebrations. Its rich flavor and comforting warmth are sure to be a hit during festive times. Enjoy crafting this delightful dip and sharing it with loved ones!
Helpful Cook’s Notes for the Perfect Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon
To ensure your Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon turns out perfectly every time, here are a few invaluable tips and notes from my kitchen:
To keep things as simple and efficient as possible, especially when preparing for a crowd, I highly recommend using pre-cooked bacon bits for this recipe. You can usually find these convenient, ready-to-use bacon bits in the salad dressing or condiment aisle of most grocery stores. The brand I frequently use and trust for its consistent quality and flavor is Hormel. Using pre-cooked bacon saves you the time and mess of frying and crumbling bacon from scratch, allowing you to get this delicious dip into the oven even faster. If you prefer to cook your own bacon, simply cook about 6-8 slices until crispy, then crumble them before adding to the dip mixture.
When it comes to the spinach, you have a couple of excellent options. While fresh baby spinach leaves provide a vibrant color and fresh taste, frozen chopped spinach can also be used effectively. If you opt for frozen spinach, remember that it contains a lot of water. It is crucial to thaw the spinach completely before you begin, and then vigorously squeeze out all excess liquid. You can do this by placing the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and twisting firmly until no more water drips out. This step is essential to prevent your dip from becoming watery and losing its creamy texture.
For the artichoke hearts, I’ve found that a 12-oz jar of drained and chopped artichoke hearts works wonderfully. Specifically, I often reach for DeLallo Grilled Artichoke Hearts. The “grilled” variety adds a subtle, smoky depth of flavor that further enhances the dip. If grilled artichoke hearts aren’t available, regular jarred or canned artichoke hearts (packed in water, not oil) will work perfectly fine. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and chop them into manageable pieces before incorporating them into the mixture.
Remembering these few simple cook’s notes will help ensure your Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon is a resounding success, earning you compliments from everyone who tastes it!
More Delicious Dip Recipes to Enhance Your Entertaining!
If you’ve fallen in love with this Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon and are looking for more incredible, easy-to-make dips to impress your guests or simply treat yourself, you’re in luck! Here are a few other highly-rated recipes from my collection that are sure to be just as popular:
Cajun Shrimp Dip – A zesty and flavorful seafood dip that brings a taste of the bayou to your table.
Cheesy Pepperoni Dip – Imagine your favorite pizza in a warm, gooey dip form. It’s truly irresistible!
Easy Creamy Beer Cheese Dip – A robust and comforting dip, perfect for pretzel bites and hearty bread.
Explore these recipes and expand your appetizer horizons. Happy dipping!
Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon
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Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 12-oz. jar artichoke hearts, chopped (and drained)
- 2/3 cup chopped bacon bits
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). Lightly spray a small baking dish or a pie plate with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set this aside.
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and translucent. Introduce the minced garlic, kosher salt, and pepper, continuing to cook for just one more minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, roughly chopped baby spinach, drained and chopped artichoke hearts, crispy bacon bits, 1/2 cup of the shredded Italian cheese blend, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and the sautéed shallot and garlic mixture. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Transfer this delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded Italian cheese blend over the top.
- Bake the dip uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is beautifully bubbly around the edges and lightly golden brown on top. Once ready, serve immediately with an array of dippers such as crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, breadsticks, or slices of fresh baguette. Enjoy!
Notes
You can use either fresh baby spinach leaves or frozen chopped spinach. If opting for frozen, be sure to thaw it completely and then squeeze out all excess liquid thoroughly to prevent your dip from becoming watery.
I utilized a 12-oz jar of drained and chopped DeLallo Grilled Artichoke Hearts for this recipe, which adds a lovely subtle smokiness. Any good quality drained and chopped artichoke hearts will work well.