Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

If you’re a fan of irresistible party dips that bring everyone to the table, you’re going to love this Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with crisp bacon bits, tangy artichokes, and hearty spinach — basically all the best flavors in one warm, bubbly dish. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to appetizer or snack for game days, casual get-togethers, or even a cozy movie night. Let me walk you through how to make it just right, with some tips I’ve gathered from my own kitchen adventures.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The smoky bacon perfectly complements the tangy artichokes and creamy cheese blend, creating a flavor party in every bite.
  • Creamy Texture: Combining cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise ensures the dip stays rich and smooth without being overly dense.
  • Simple Prep: You don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: This dip disappears fast at every gathering I’ve brought it to — it’s just that good!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe plays a key role in the flavor and texture. I like to use good-quality bacon for that unbeatable crispness, and fresh garlic adds just the right punch without overpowering the creamy base. Here’s a quick look at what makes each ingredient special and some shopping tips to save you time and effort.

Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip, spinach artichoke dip easy, cheesy bacon dip, party appetizer recipes, creamy bacon dip - Flat lay of crispy small diced bacon pieces, finely chopped artichoke hearts, tightly squeezed fresh green spinach leaves, a block of smooth cream cheese, shredded gouda cheese piled lightly, a small white bowl of sour cream, a small white bowl of mayonnaise, freshly grated parmesan cheese mound, two peeled garlic cloves, and black peppercorns scattered neatly, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Bacon: Choose thick-cut if possible for extra crunch and flavor; cook it until crisp so it doesn’t get soggy in the dip.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Canned works great—just drain and chop finely; if you can find marinated ones, that adds a lovely tang.
  • Frozen Spinach: Thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a watery dip.
  • Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly, preventing lumps.
  • Gouda Cheese: I love gouda for its melts beautifully and has a subtle smokiness that pairs nicely with bacon.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a bit of tang and creaminess to balance the richness.
  • Mayonnaise: Helps keep the dip silky and smooth.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated delivers a sharp, nutty flavor that boosts the overall taste.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch—avoid pre-minced jarred garlic for fresher flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds just enough heat and depth without overwhelming the other ingredients.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is a great base to customize depending on your mood or pantry. Over the years, I’ve jazzed it up with a few twists that you might enjoy, too. Feel free to tweak the cheese mix, swap out ingredients for dietary needs, or add extras for that wow factor.

  • Variation: I once swapped gouda for pepper jack to add a little kick and ended up with a spicy, smoky twist that my friends loved at a summer BBQ.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mayo; though the cheese flavor changes, you still get that creamy, indulgent texture.
  • Extra Veggies: Throw in finely chopped red bell peppers or jalapeños if you want a little fresh crunch or heat.
  • More Bacon: Set aside some crispy bacon bits as a topping for extra texture when serving. It makes the presentation pop and gives that smoky crunch front and center.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon Just Right

I like to cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy, but not burnt — a nice golden brown. I usually do this in a large skillet over medium heat so I can keep an eye on it. Once it’s crisp, drain it on paper towels and let it cool, then dice into small pieces. This makes sure every bite has a little bacon crunch without it overpowering the dip.

Step 2: Prep the Spinach and Artichokes

I always thaw frozen spinach overnight in the fridge, then squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel until it’s really dry. Extra moisture can make the dip watery, so don’t rush this step! For artichokes, drain the can well and chop them finely so they distribute evenly throughout the dip for consistent flavor.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a big bowl, I add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, black pepper, half of the gouda, parmesan, spinach, artichokes, and bacon. Using an electric mixer helps blend everything smoothly and saves you from muscle fatigue from mixing by hand! Make sure it’s well combined—no lumps of cream cheese hiding anywhere.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray, then spread the dip mixture evenly. Top with remaining gouda cheese for that irresistible golden crust. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until it’s bubbling hot. If you like, broil the top for a minute or two to get that gorgeous brown crust — just don’t walk away while broiling, it can go from perfect to burnt super fast!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Perfect Bacon Texture: Always cool and dice bacon before mixing to keep that satisfying crunch in every bite.
  • No-Water Spinach: Double squeeze your thawed spinach to avoid a soggy dip—I’ve learned this the hard way!
  • Room Temperature Cheese: Let cream cheese soften fully for easier blending and a creamier dip.
  • Broiling Watch: Broil only for a minute or two and stand close to the oven; that cheesy top can turn from golden to burnt almost instantly.

How to Serve Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip, spinach artichoke dip easy, cheesy bacon dip, party appetizer recipes, creamy bacon dip - A white square glass dish shows a baked dip with a top layer of melted golden-yellow cheese, lightly browned in spots. Under the cheese, thick creamy white sauce mixed with green spinach leaves and small bits of reddish-brown bacon is visible. A woman's hand with pink painted nails holds a triangular beige chip pulling up a string of stretchy melted cheese from the dish, showing the layers clearly. The background is blurry with hints of green and more chips. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra bits of crispy bacon on top just before serving—it adds a lovely visual pop and even more smoky crunch. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a little color and freshness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the whole dish if you want to mix things up.

Side Dishes

This dip is famous for pairing with sturdy dippers that hold up well, like toasted baguette slices, crispy pita chips, or even crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and celery. I’ve also served it alongside warm pretzels at a football party, which was a total hit. Honestly, you can’t go wrong as long as your dippers are sturdy enough to scoop up that cheesy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or more formal events, I’ve served this dip in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl—it’s such a fun way to present it and adds an extra edible component to the spread. Another idea is to serve it in mini ramekins for individual portions; it feels a little luxe and makes cleanup easier too. I’ve even sprinkled a few jalapeño slices on top for a party surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dip thickens as it chills, so you might want to let it come to room temperature before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dip a couple of times with good results. Make sure it cools completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture is mostly preserved, especially if you give it a gentle stir before warming up.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through; usually 15-20 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method keeps the dip creamy and avoids separating. I like to add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before popping it back in the oven to freshen it up.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can mix it all up the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it fresh. This helps the flavors meld nicely, and it makes party prep a breeze.

  2. What can I use if I don’t have gouda cheese?

    Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella all work as good substitutes. Gouda adds a smoky note, but these cheeses melt well and provide that delicious gooey texture.

  3. Is there a way to make this dip vegetarian?

    Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or a handful of chopped smoked mushrooms to get a smoky flavor without the meat.

  4. How can I avoid watery dip?

    Draining canned artichokes well and squeezing out as much water as possible from thawed spinach is key. Otherwise, excess moisture can make your dip runny.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe has become a reliable crowd-pleaser in my collection because it’s easy, flavorful, and comforting all at once. Every time I bring it to a party or make it as a cozy treat at home, it disappears fast and I get so many requests for the recipe. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — I promise, it’s a simple way to make any gathering feel a little more special. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready for some seriously tasty moments!

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Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A creamy and cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip loaded with crispy bacon and a blend of gouda, cream cheese, parmesan, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, this appetizer is ideal for parties and gatherings.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounce package bacon, cooked until crispy then small diced
  • 14 ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
  • 10 ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out really well
  • 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded gouda cheese (divided use)
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside the prepared dish.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add diced cooked bacon, chopped artichoke hearts, thawed and squeezed spinach, softened cream cheese, 1 cup shredded gouda cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, freshly grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, preferably using an electric hand mixer for smooth consistency.
  3. Assemble Dip: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded gouda cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
  4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the dip is bubbly throughout.
  5. Broil for Golden Top: If desired, switch the oven to broil on high and broil the dip for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, optionally garnishing with some reserved diced bacon for extra texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use an electric hand mixer to ensure a smooth, well-blended dip.
  • You can reserve a small amount of the cooked bacon to sprinkle on top when serving for added crunch.
  • Make sure to thoroughly squeeze the spinach to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
  • Broil only briefly to avoid burning the cheese topping.
  • Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier dip variation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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