Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Copycat Recipe

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Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip can be recreated right at home in just 30 minutes! Combine simple, fresh ingredients for mouthwatering flavor and one tasty appetizer. This copycat recipe will have you hooked the first time you make it. 

titled (shown in white bowl) applebee's spinach artichoke dip


 

Enjoy plenty more party favorite recipes just like this copycat Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip.

Whether it’s one of my cheesy barbecue chicken or slow cooker nacho dips, your guests won’t leave hungry.

There’s even a jalapeno popper version topped with crispy bacon!

The next time that you’re craving a delicious dip, grab some classic tortilla chips and make this easy recipe. I could literally eat this whole dish in one sitting! 

ingredients to make applebees spinach dip

Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip

This appetizer comes out so creamy and delicious, you won’t want to share it with anyone else.

Simply cook down the greens with onion and garlic, combine them with the rest of the ingredients, and bake! 

It’s the ooey-gooey cheesy and tangy dip of your dreams, complete with a bubbly, browned top.

wilted greens in a skillet

Applebee’s Spinach Dip Recipe Tips

  • Use low moisture mozzarella. This melts smoother, browns easier, and will prevent your Applebee’s spinach dip from having a watery or greasy texture. 

    Plus, it’s a bit saltier than fresh mozzarella, which only enhances the flavor of the dish.
  • Soften the cream cheese. You’ll get a much creamier consistency if it’s room temperature before combining it with the other ingredients. 

    Let it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes, or unwrap the block and microwave for 20-30 seconds at 50% power.
  • Don’t forget to broil! This melts the Parmesan and Romano cheeses and gives the dish that gorgeous bubbly, brown crust on top of your Applebee’s artichoke dip.
  • Want some extra heat? Stir a little cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeno into the cream cheese mixture before baking.
adding spinach to cheese dip

Serving Suggestions

Chips and crackers are a popular pairing for this Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip recipe, but you can also cube a loaf of French or sourdough bread if you prefer. 

It’s delicious on crostini too! Here’s how to make it:

  1. Slice a baguette into thin slices, about 1/2 inch thick. Brush with olive oil on both sides and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Place bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees F, rotating the pan about halfway through.
  3. Allow crostini to cool on the pan, then serve!

Or, pair this copycat Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip with fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices.

You could even spread it on flatbread, use it to stuff mushrooms, or combine it with shredded chicken for gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.

applebees artichoke spinach dip mixture in a bowl

Storing and Reheating Leftover Applebee’s Artichoke Dip

This will keep for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I wouldn’t recommend freezing, as the texture will become grainy when thawed.

Reheat using one of the following methods:

  • Microwave – Warm individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
  • Stovetop – Add dip to a saucepan and warm over medium heat until bubbly, stirring constantly.
  • Oven – Transfer Applebee’s spinach dip back into a baking dish and warm on the counter while you preheat the oven. 

    Bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes, until warmed through.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

  • Large Skillet – Wider is better, so there is plenty of space for the greens to wilt evenly.
  • Mixing Bowl – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
  • Cheese Grater – Fresh shreds make this Applebee’s spinach dip recipe even better! They have a better flavor and melt down smoother than the bagged versions.
  • Casserole Dish – Either a 1.5-quart size or a deep pie dish will work perfectly.

Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip FAQ

Can I make this Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip recipe ahead of time?
 

Absolutely! Prepare as directed, but don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate up to a day in advance.

Just before serving, pop it in the oven and increase the baking time to 35 or 40 minutes. Let it sit on the counter while you preheat the oven and don’t forget to add the extra cheese before broiling!

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker? 

Of course! Prepare the Applebee’s spinach dip recipe as instructed, but don’t cook down the spinach.

Simply mix in the fresh leaves with the rest of the ingredients, then pour everything into your crockpot. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours until melted and bubbly!

If you still want the gorgeous browned top, transfer the dip to an oven-safe serving dish and pop it under the broiler for a minute or two.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach? 

Yes, but it’s really important that you squeeze out all of the liquid once it’s been thawed. Cheesecloth or a flour sack towel will help pull out the extra moisture, so the Applebee’s artichoke spinach dip isn’t too watery.

Also, there’s no need to cook it first – simply stir it directly into the cream cheese mixture.

How do I eat this creamy dip?

The best part about this cheesy dip is that you have options! Copycat spinach artichoke dip recipes like this are what guilty pleasures are made of, so eat it however you want. You can put this on top of cooked chicken breast for a burst of flavor or add it to a small baking dish for a simple serving. 

Since it makes an amazing appetizer, you can pair it with carrot and celery sticks for a healthy option. Pita chips also pair well with this favorite appetizer, and if you’re a huge fan of Applebee appetizers, you have many options to dip into this fabulous recipe. 

I love that you can make this in the comfort of your own home because popular appetizers like this that are on Applebee’s menu aren’t cheap to order! Save money and make it at home! 

bowl of applebee's spinach artichoke dip

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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scooping up cheesy dip with corn tortilla chip

dipping corn tortilla chip into spinach dip

Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip

Donna Elick
Applebee’s artichoke spinach dip can be recreated right at home in just 30 minutes! Combine simple, fresh ingredients for mouthwatering flavor.
5 stars from 2 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Method Oven
Servings 10

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 4 heaping cups fresh spinach
  • 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 14 ounce can artichoke hearts, quartered and drained

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a large skillet over medium-low heat, saute the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of butter until onion is soft and translucent and beginning too caramelize – about 10 minutes. Keep the heat low enough that the garlic doesn’t burn.
  • Add the spinach to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, over low heat until spinach wilts (2-3 minutes more).
  • In a medium bowl stir together cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, ½ of the parmesan and romano cheeses, sour cream, and the drained artichoke hearts until combined.
  • Stir the spinach mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
  • Mound ingredients into a deep dish 5” round casserole dish (you can alternately use a pie plate or larger/shallower dish). Bake, covered with aluminum foil, for 30 minutes until dip is hot and bubbly all the way through.
  • Remove aluminum foil and top with the remaining Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes longer to brown the cheese on top.
  • Serve hot with tortilla chips and a side of salsa.

Donna’s Notes

Refrigerate in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.
You can use frozen chopped spinach instead of fresh. It’s really important to squeeze all of the liquid out of the thawed frozen spinach. Use cheesecloth or a flour sack towel to squeeze out all the liquid you can so it doesn’t make the dip watery. If using frozen spinach, simply mix it into the cream cheese mixture.
Chop the artichoke hearts into smaller pieces and/or chop the spinach into smaller pieces if you’d like.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 200cal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 456mg | Sugar: 2g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 187mg | Iron: 1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled pinterest collage for Applebee's dip recipe

Originally published November 2021, updated and republished January 2024

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3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made this for friends that came over, and it was gone before I knew it. Luckily I got to taste it in time, and it is SO good. Very creamy, very delicious.

  2. 5 stars
    This recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian is just amazing! It was so easy to make, and the taste was out of this world. Donna and Chad really know their stuff!

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