Tired of spending hours in the kitchen when you should be mingling with your party guests? This Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip is about to become your secret weapon for effortless entertaining! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender spinach and artichoke hearts, this dip practically makes itself while you focus on being the perfect host.
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and I’ve served this dip at countless gatherings where it’s always the first dish to disappear! As someone who believes food should bring people together without stressing the cook, this recipe holds a special place in my collection. The combination of convenience and incredible flavor makes it my go-to party appetizer.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from ingredient selection to serving suggestions, plus answer common questions to ensure your dip comes out perfectly every time. Let’s create a memorable appetizer that will have your guests hovering around the crockpot all night long!
Why This Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe Works
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients you can find at any grocery store
- Set-it-and-forget-it preparation gives you more time with guests
- Stays perfectly warm throughout your entire gathering
- Versatile enough to pair with various dippers from bread to veggies
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated easily for last-minute gatherings
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Best Spinach Options for This Dip
Fresh spinach gives a vibrant color and texture, but requires pre-cooking to remove excess moisture. Frozen spinach is more convenient just thaw and squeeze dry before adding. Either works beautifully, though frozen spinach offers consistency and year-round availability.
Artichoke Heart Selection
Look for artichoke hearts packed in water rather than marinated versions, which can overpower the other flavors. Quartered artichokes save prep time, though you’ll still want to chop them into bite-sized pieces. In a pinch, canned artichoke hearts work just as well as frozen ones.
Cheese Considerations
A combination of cheeses creates the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor. Cream cheese forms the rich base, while shredded mozzarella provides that irresistible stretch. Adding freshly grated parmesan gives a sharp, salty depth that elevates the entire dip.
Ingredients & Prep for Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Dip Base Essentials
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed for easier melting)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat works best for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (provides richness and helps prevent separation)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Vegetables & Cheese Components
- 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry)
- 14 oz artichoke hearts (drained, chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup diced onion (sweet or yellow)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Pre-Cooking Prep for Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Thaw frozen spinach completely, then squeeze dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for a thick, creamy dip.
- Drain artichoke hearts thoroughly and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Lightly spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cooking Method for Perfect Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and seasonings to your crockpot. Stir to combine (don’t worry if it’s not completely smooth yet).
- Add drained spinach, chopped artichokes, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella, 1/4 cup of the parmesan, and the diced onion. Mix thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top and continue cooking until melted.
Doneness Check for Spinach Artichoke Dip
The dip is ready when it’s completely heated through, with all cheeses melted and incorporated. It should be thick enough to cling to a chip or cracker without being runny. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Resting and Serving Your Spinach Artichoke Dip
Once cooked, switch your crockpot to the “WARM” setting if available. This dip is best served hot but can stay on warm for up to 2 hours during your party. Give it a gentle stir occasionally to maintain consistency.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Avoiding Common Spinach Artichoke Dip Mistakes
- Thoroughly drain both spinach and artichoke hearts to prevent a watery dip
- Use blocks of cheese and shred it yourself for better melting (pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents)
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the edges from burning
- If your dip separates or looks oily, whisk vigorously to re-emulsify
Tool Recommendations
- A 3-4 quart crockpot works perfectly for this recipe
- Kitchen towels or a potato ricer work well for squeezing spinach dry
- A good cheese grater for freshly grated parmesan
- Sturdy serving bowls that retain heat
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Looking for more delicious party appetizers? Check out my Pinterest board for endless inspiration to complete your party menu! Follow GusRecipes on Pinterest for more crowd-pleasing recipes.
Flavor Variations for Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Spicy Kick
Add 1-2 diced jalapeños (seeds removed for moderate heat) or 1/4 cup diced green chiles for a Southwestern twist. Hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your heat preference.
Herb Enhancements
Fresh herbs elevate this dip to restaurant quality. Try adding 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, or a combination of fresh herbs in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Veggie Boost
Incorporate additional vegetables like 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted garlic instead of fresh for deeper flavor.
| Variation | Added Ingredients | Best Served With |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Recipe as written | Toasted baguette slices |
| Mediterranean | Add kalamata olives + feta | Pita triangles |
| Extra Cheesy | Double the mozzarella | Pretzel bites |
| Garden Fresh | Add diced tomatoes + fresh herbs | Fresh vegetables |
| Spicy | Jalapeños + pepper jack cheese | Tortilla chips |
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
This versatile dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers:
- Crispy tortilla chips or pita chips
- Toasted baguette slices or crusty bread cubes
- Assorted fresh vegetables: bell peppers, carrots, celery, cucumber
- Buttery crackers or pretzel thins
- Breadsticks or soft pretzel bites
For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside hummus, a cheese board, and fresh fruit for a balanced offering that pleases all palates.

FAQs About Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Can I make this spinach artichoke dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Allow an extra 30 minutes of cooking time when starting from cold.
How do I fix a runny spinach artichoke dip?
If your dip is too thin, add more grated parmesan cheese or a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese. Continue cooking uncovered for 15-30 minutes to help thicken it.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it down in a skillet until wilted, cool slightly, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The dip itself contains no gluten, but be sure to serve with gluten-free dippers like vegetable sticks or gluten-free crackers if needed for your guests.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip is truly the ultimate party appetizer simple to prepare, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to impress. The combination of creamy cheese, tender spinach, and artichoke hearts creates that perfect savory bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
What I love most about this recipe is how it gives you the freedom to mingle and enjoy your own party while your crockpot does all the work. From casual game day gatherings to elegant holiday celebrations, this dip fits every occasion.
Give this recipe a try at your next get-together and watch how quickly it disappears! And don’t forget to snap a picture to share I’d love to see your spinach artichoke dip success stories.
Print
Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip: Easy Party Crowd Pleaser
- Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, cheesy Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip the easiest warm appetizer for parties and game day!
Ingredients
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
14 oz canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Tortilla chips, crackers, bread, or veggies for serving
Instructions
1. Add cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayo, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder to the crockpot.
2. Stir in chopped spinach and artichokes.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Once hot and melted, stir well.
5. Top with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Serve warm with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Notes
Be sure to drain spinach very well to avoid watery dip.
Fresh spinach works—sauté 5 oz until wilted.
Keeps warm in the crockpot for hours.
Add pesto or roasted garlic for extra flavor.
Leftovers reheat easily on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 230
Keywords: spinach artichoke dip, crockpot dip, party appetizer
