Need an easy, cheesy dip recipe? This Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip is delicious and made in your crock pot with lots of cheeses, fresh spinach and artichoke hearts.
Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary copy of “The Healthy Slow Cooker” by Robert Rose Inc for review purposes. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. We receive a commission if purchases are made through our links to retailers. Click here to read our full disclosure policy.
I used to have two slow cookers from my Dad — they were a brand I had never heard of, something he picked up in his grocery store. One was smaller for dips and there was a larger one for main courses or bigger meals. They worked great and I was happy with them –but I have to admit that they collect dust more than cooking up delicious food. I always say I wanted to use them more, but tend to not think of them much unless I’m preparing a lot of food for a party or something.
One day, I decided it was time to clean behind and under my refrigerator for whatever reason. I also decided that the slow cookers were resistant to the refrigerator being moved. No need to move them off the top of the fridge.
I started to move the refrigerator with small shifts — a gentle wiggle to the left and then a wiggle to the right. Soon, the fridge nearly out, and suddenly I couldn’t get it to budge. I pulled harder. I wiggled it more. I might have even rocked it a bit and then it happened…the biggest slow cooker came crashing to the floor from the top of the refrigerator.
It was incredibly loud as it crashed. So loud that a kid or two came rushing into the kitchen to see what happened. The glass lid shattered into a million pieces. The crock broke too. That poor slow cooker…my laziness killed it.
While I have new, big slow cooker — fancier than the other one ever was — I still miss the old one. But I treasure the small slow cooker from my Dad even more than I did before — he’s no longer with us, so I’m sure that plays a large part in my sentimental attachment. But what’s the point in having them, or missing the old one, if I didn’t use it much? Out of sight, out of mind — and the dust slowly starts to collect on them.
In my attempts to actually start using them more, especially with hot temperatures being in full force here in Las Vegas, I’ve made a goal to use one of my slow cookers at least once a week. I’ve been stuffing my slow cooker Pinterest board full of deliciousness and I even had a new cookbook sent to me call “The Healthy Slow Cooker” by Judith Finlayson. I’m having fun trying different recipes from it — and really loving that the recipes are healthy. They are even gluten-free.
To give you a sneak peek at the awesome recipes in this cookbook, I’m sharing the first recipe I made from it: Sumptuous Spinach and Artichoke Dip. It’s so easy to make and absolutely delicious. It has lots of vitamin A and K, plus a good source of folate. I made it in my small slow cooker, which doesn’t list the actual size anywhere it, but this recipe is stated as being for a small to medium slower cooker that is 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 quarts.
I found that I had a hard time getting all the spinach that this recipe calls for into the slow cooker. To remedy that, and knowing how much spinach cooks down, I added all that I could and when the spinach leaves cooked down a bit, I stirred in the remaining spinach. It worked great.
The only other change that I made to the original recipe is that I used the full 8 ounce brick of Neufchatel cheese. The original called for 6 ounces and I really didn’t want to have 2 ounces of cream cheese hanging around my fridge. I also increased the garlic a bit because we are big garlic fans in our house. I also stirred the dip a few times while it was cooking, making sure that everything was well combined.
When it’s done, you’ll have a cheesy, yet healthy, dip for your parties or get-togethers. I usually serve it right from the slow cooker with some sort of firm crackers or toasted pita chips or bread slices.
If you wish, you could also spoon it into a nice bowl for serving.
Be prepared — this dip will go in no time. Everyone loved it and I can already tell you that it’s going to become one of our go-to party dips.
Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe
Here’s the full recipe as shared in the cookbook — I’ve noted the changes I made if you wish to try them. If you like this recipe, we’d love for you to share with your family and friends: share on Facebook or pin it on Pinterest!
PrintSlow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 ounces Neufchatel or light cream cheese (cubed)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 can artichoke hearts (14 oz, drained, rinsed and finely chopped)
- 8 ounces trimmed fresh spinach leaves (about 8 cups)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In slow cooker stoneware, combine mozzarella, Neufchatel cheese, Parmesan, garlic, artichokes, spinach, and black pepper. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, until hot and bubbly. Stir well and serve with homemade tortilla chips.
Notes
Source: The Healthy Slow Cooker by Judith Finlayson (reprinted with permission)
My adaptions to this recipe:
-I used 2-3 garlic cloves as I knew we’d like a bit more garlic in this
-I added as much of the spinach as I could to my slow cooker in the beginning. After the spinach had cooked down a bit, I added the remaining spinach.
Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
Description
Need an easy, cheesy dip recipe? This Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip is delicious and made in your crock pot with lots of cheeses, fresh spinach and artichoke hearts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 ounces Neufchatel cheese (cubed)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 14 ounce can artichoke hearts (drained, rinsed and finely chopped)
- 8 ounces trimmed fresh spinach leaves (about 8 cups)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In slow cooker stoneware, combine mozzarella, Neufchatel cheese, Parmesan, garlic, artichokes, spinach, and black pepper. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, until hot and bubbly. Stir well and serve with homemade tortilla chips.
Notes
-Serves approx 12 people (1/4 cup serving size) – however, this can vary
-Source: The Healthy Slow Cooker by Judith Finlayson (reprinted with permission)
-Frozen artichokes (thawed) can be substituted for canned, you will need about 6 artichoke hearts
-My adaptions to this recipe:
- I used a full brick of Neufchatel cheese (8 ounces)
- I used 2-3 garlic cloves as I knew we’d like a bit more garlic in this
- I added as much of the spinach as I could to my slow cooker in the beginning. After the spinach had cooked down a bit, I added the remaining spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 87
- Sodium: 196 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Protein: 5.2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: 6 ingredients, canned artichokes, mozzarella cheese, party food, crock pot, cream cheese, party dip,
Tiona Sieg says
I Love making this dip on Sunday’s with bloody mary’s. It’s a big hit with my family and friend’s. I add a little garlic salt. I think i will try the ranch seasoning idea one of these day’s.
★★★★★
Jenah says
Has anyone tried baking this instead of cooking in a slow cooker?
Jessica says
What can I substitute for cream/Neufchâtel cheese ? Cheddar and Mont jack??
Stephany Torrez says
I took this to my first potluck since moving to a new state and I had no leftovers! Everyone loved it so much I only got a spoon full myself! So amazing!!! Thank you for sharing!!
★★★★★
Piper Cunningham says
Definitely would make this again! Used the modified recipe and it’s a total go to. Used it for the super bowl and it was a hit!
★★★★★
Grammasue says
This is an excellent base. The only addition I made was I added 1 TLB of dry ranch dressing & mixed it up. I did have the additional quantities of garlic & cream cheese as well. I have tried this with fresh and frozen spinach and both have worked well. Thank you for sharing a great recipe. PS-I thinly slice french bagette & brush garlic oil on one side and broil until lightly brown. They are perfect for dipping this recipe.
★★★★★
Nelofar Shaik says
Now I have the reason to use a slow-cooker that I got as a gift at my house warming ceremony.
Neat and simple recipe. All I need is the right artichoke. Thank for the idea.
Dreamshala says
This one is really mouth-watering and great pictures.Thanks for a great recipe
Katherine says
Can you freeze this dip?
brandie says
While we haven’t done this, typically dips made with cream cheese freeze well. Let us know how it turns out if you try.
Ali says
Wanted to follow up to see if you tried to freeze it yet? Interested to see if it freezes well too.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I’m so far behind, but I wanted to make sure I stopped by and thanked you for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party. Hope to see you again this week!
Of Goats and Greens says
Neat idea! Now I see a good reason to pick up one of those small slow cookers soon. Always loved the various variants on that dip.
Liz says
I made this for Thanksgiving and my family absolutely LOVED it! I couldn’t find neufatel cheese but I used cream cheese and it was delicious. I highly recommend and will be making this again!
★★★★★
Mary says
Hi I will be cooking this on thanksgiving and surprise to me I can not find the Neufchâtel cheeses anywhere and I looked in 3 stores. So I will have to do it with the cream cheese. Thank you so much for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving
DuJuan says
This is late but Neufchâtel cheese is just the 1/3 less fat version of cream cheese. You can find it as a store brand or Philadelphia carries it as well. Sometimes it’s also called less fat cream cheese ☺️
Kim says
I have a 4 quart size crock pot that I plan on trying this recipe out in for a potluck at work. Would you recommend doubling the ingredients?
Marissa says
Would thawed and drained frozen spinach also work, in a pinch? I imagine the “cooking” would take less time….possibly on low or warm to meld the flavors?
brandie says
Yes, I think thawed and drained frozen spinach could work. I would recommend making sure it’s very well drained, even squeezing out the excess water by squeezing it through cheesecloth or a very fine mesh strainer. Any excess water in it could thin out the dip. The cooking time may not change much, maybe a bit shorter; keep a watch on it.
Dbk35 says
I were to make this the night before, refrigerate it and then warm it up on the crock pot the next day, do you think it would still be good?
brandie says
Yes, absolutely!
Malisha Mishel says
Spinach and Artichoke Dip seems a healthy and delicious recipe for me. Will try to cook for my kids. Maybe it will increase their test and will help to be more healthy. Thanks, Brandie for sharing such a wonderful recipe with us!
Linda says
Has anyone tried using frozen spinach? Just wondering.
Connie says
Can you just use regular cream cheese for this recipe?
brandie says
Yes, using regular cream cheese works too.
Vera says
Absolutely loved it! I had to pry my daughter away from it so that our guests would have some! 🙂
Jade says
Mine burnt. I’m so upset. I stirred it often as well!
L says
Can it be made in the crockpots 2 qt bowl or do I need to use the 4 qt? Making it for the big game!
brandie says
Hi L,
This recipe is for a 1 1/2 – 3 1/2 quart crockpot. A 2 quart crockpot will work just fine, however you may need to follow our tip about adding only part of the spinach, letting it cook down a bit, and then add the remaining spinach.
Sara says
Does it make very much?! Should I go ahead and double it? I think it’s going to be my dip to take for the Super Bowl!!
brandie says
Hi Sara,
This recipe makes about 3 cups of dip. As for doubling it, I think it depends on how many people will be there, how hearty their appetites might be, and how much other food will be provided. We like doubling it for some of our get-togethers because it’s popular.
Trish says
This was a hit at my party last night. I love that there is no mayo in this recipe as mayo tends to make the dip greasy. Will definitely be making this again. In fact my husband was so disappointed that there wasn’t any left over, I promised him I would make it for him today! A few things: I did stir mine every 15 minutes or so to make sure all the ingredients were mixed well. And, mine also only took about 1 hour to cook on high.
★★★★★
Elizabeth says
I made this for our Christmas appetizer, it was delicious. My crock pot must be hotter than most though because at one hour on high it was starting to scorch. Everyone loved it.
★★★★★
Ashley says
For the grated Parmesan do you get it in shaker bottle or in the tub?
brandie says
Hi Ashley,
For this, we recommend the one that comes in the tub. 🙂
Victoria says
So you combined both cream cheese and Neufchâtel cheese? 14 oz total? Just want to make sure I’m reading this correctly thanks!
brandie says
Sorry for the confusion, Victoria! You’ll want to use 6-8 ounces total of Neufchâtel cheese (or cream cheese, if you prefer). The original recipe calls for 6 ounces Neufchâtel cheese. However, I use 8 ounces because that was the size of the package and I didn’t want to have just 2 ounces of left out of the brick.
Liz says
Hi, this sounds yummy. Do I need 14 ounces of artichoke hearts? Forgive my confusion.
Cheers,
Liz
brandie says
Hi Liz,
Yes, it is a 14 ounce can of artichoke hearts. Not sure why it wasn’t showing correctly, but we fixed up the error.
Deborah says
Try adding crushed red pepper flakes, to taste. Yum! Water chestnuts to, if I have them on hand. Gives it some crunch. You can even add a little sour cream . Try playing around with the ingredients.
frugal hausfrau says
What a classic and look how beautifully it turned out in the slow cooker! Thanks for sharing with us at Fiesta Friday!
Mollie
angie says
my children in their 20s would love this type of dip. I believe I will be making some for Christmas eve
thanks for sharing
Judith Graber says
My family loves this dip but I have always baked it – great idea to use the slow cooker. Looks like your version is lower in fat too. Thanks for coming to the party and sharing with Fiesta Friday.
Of Goats and Greens says
I really really like this idea! I plan to try next time I host a few guests!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party!
Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting says
Oh, that looks just divine! Yum! 🙂 Lisa
Lori says
I also improvised a bit on this delicious recipe. I added a small onion (finely chopped) & a few sliced mushrooms…..terrific!
Marija says
Look delicious and super simple (2 things I love in a recipe). How many servings is this?
patrie says
Can you use frozen spinach instead of fresh? if so… How much is equivalent to 8 cups of fresh spinach?
Lisle says
My new go-to recipe for Spinach/artichoke dip! Love it.
★★★★★
Jennifer says
I love this, trying with frozen spinach today. Hoping it’s as good as last time. Love that it has no mayo or sour cream! Thanks
Amanda says
Mmm…looks delicious! Thank you for linking up to last weeks Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesday!
★★★★★
Joanne Rawson says
Oh thank you! I ‘m pretty sure I just found my appetizer for Christmas Eve! I love spinach dip and this way it will travel nicely too!
Rhonda Gales says
This sounds delicious. It would make a great appetizer for a holiday party or office pot luck. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.
Krystal Sadler says
One of my favorite dips: check. One of my favorite kitchen appliances: check. This looks delish. Thanks for linking up with us at the Share the Wealth Sunday link up!!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
My favorite dip! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up!
Jen says
If I need more than 2 hours, could i put it on low? For how long?
Jasmin says
Had this at a party last night and should’ve doubled the recipe! It was gone within minutes!! Sooo good!
★★★★★
Jessica says
Can I make this today and then refrigerate overnight and warm it up tomorrow?
Joscelyn says
OMG that looks and sounds so good right now. I will make that the minute i get a crockpot.
★★★★★
Rebecca says
Hands down one of these dips I’ve made. I had a previous spinach and artichoke dip that I thought was really good….until I tried this. I love that it’s very easy to put together and such easy ingredients as well. I will definitely make again and double the recipe….maybe possibly triple it. I had a lot of people comment on it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
★★★★★
Denise says
So you used light cream cheese instead of the neufchatel Cheese?
brandie says
I have used both in this recipe, but generally the package that I use often is labeled with both terms on the packaging (“light cream cheese” or “1/3 less fat” with “neufchatel cheese” in smaller text).
Deb Blanton says
I love that this has “no mayo”….
Bonnie says
Mmmm my mouth is watering just looking at the pictures! I’ve been wanting to try to make one! Thanks for the recipe.
Sarah says
I can’t pass up a good spinach & artichoke dip. Love it- pinning!
Lana Yancey says
Can you use fresh artichokes?
brandie says
Hi Lana: I’ve never used fresh artichokes in this recipe, but you could certainly try it. It will be considerably more work and I’m guessing you would need at least 3 fresh artichokes, perhaps more. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!