Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness, you’re going to love this Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe. I’ve made this dip countless times for game nights, family gatherings, and impromptu get-togethers — and trust me, it never lasts long on the table. The combination of crispy bacon, tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and melty cheeses creates a flavor bomb that’s utterly addictive. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through how to make this fan-freaking-tastic dip with some tips to nail it perfectly every time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Bacon Balance: Crispy bacon adds smoky crunch that balances creamy textures.
- Cheese Blend: Gouda and parmesan together give a rich, melty, tangy flavor you won’t get from one alone.
- Spinach & Artichokes: These veggies bring freshness and a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Creamy Base: The combo of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo makes the dip luscious but not heavy.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe plays a role in balancing flavors and textures. When shopping, I recommend picking good-quality bacon and fresh parmesan for the best results — trust me, the differences show!

- Bacon: Crispiness is key here, so cook it until nice and crunchy before adding.
- Artichoke Hearts: Use canned for convenience but chop them finely for even bites.
- Frozen Spinach: Thaw and squeeze thoroughly to avoid watery dip.
- Cream Cheese: Soften it to room temp for easy mixing and a smooth dip.
- Gouda Cheese: I love its mild smokiness that complements bacon perfectly.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess — don’t skip it!
- Mayonnaise: Keeps the dip moist and adds a bit of richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh for sharpness and depth.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs far better flavor than powder.
- Black Pepper: Just a sprinkle to season and brighten everything.
Tweak to Your Taste
Playing around with this dip has been half the fun. I encourage you to make this recipe your own — whether you want it cheesier, spicier, or lighter, there are easy ways to customize it without losing what makes this dip so irresistible.
- Extra Cheese: When I want a gooier dip, I toss in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack along with the gouda.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives this dip a fantastic heat that my friends love.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add extra artichokes or even some sun-dried tomatoes for robust flavor.
- Make It Lighter: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cream cheese — it still tastes amazing!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Bacon Until Crispy
Start by frying your bacon in a pan over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy—don’t rush this part! Once cooked, drain it on paper towels, then dice into small pieces. I like to set aside a tablespoon or two for topping later, giving the dip a pretty, crunchy finish.
Step 2: Prep the Spinach and Artichokes Well
Thaw your frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This prevents the dip from becoming watery. Drain the artichoke hearts thoroughly and chop them finely. This way, every bite gets that perfect blend of flavors without giant pieces overpowering the dip.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Goodness
In a spacious bowl, combine your softened cream cheese with sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, pepper, parmesan, one cup of the gouda, spinach, artichokes, and bacon. I find using an electric hand mixer here makes things super smooth and ensures everything’s evenly incorporated. If you don’t have one, no worries—just make sure to mix it well with a sturdy spoon.
Step 4: Bake and Broil for a Golden Finish
Spoon the mixture into an 8-inch baking dish that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. Smooth the top and sprinkle the remaining cup of gouda cheese over it. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until the dip is bubbly and just set. For the crowning touch, switch your oven to broil and watch carefully as the cheese turns a gorgeous golden brown—this only takes a minute or two, so don’t walk away!
Serve immediately with your favorite dippers, and watch your guests swoon.
Pro Tips for Making Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Don’t Skip Softening Cream Cheese: It mixes so much easier when at room temp, avoiding lumps and ensuring a creamy dip.
- Squeeze Your Spinach Thoroughly: I can’t stress this enough — watery spinach can turn your dip too loose.
- Reserve Bacon for Topping: Adding some crispy bacon on top after baking amps texture and visual appeal.
- Watch Broil Closely: Broiling is super quick, so stay by the oven to prevent burning the cheese.
How to Serve Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Garnishes
I almost always garnish with a sprinkle of extra crispy bacon bits and a tiny handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives – it adds a burst of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I add a dusting of paprika for a subtle smoky note that guests really appreciate.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with sturdy dippers like pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers. For a heartier spread, I like to serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf – it not only looks impressive but also gives an edible bowl that guests love tearing apart. You can also portion it into mini ramekins for individual servings, which makes for a fun party presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I typically place mine in a glass container to keep flavors fresh and give the dip a solid chill. It’ll last about 3-4 days, which is perfect for snacking later!
Freezing
I’ve found that this dip freezes really well. Just pop it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
When reheating, I like to bake the thawed dip in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warm and bubbly. A quick broil at the end crisps the cheese back up nicely. Avoid microwaving if you can — the texture tends to get rubbery.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake it fresh for the best hot and bubbly texture. This makes entertaining super convenient.
-
What can I use to dip with this recipe?
Pita chips, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, and fresh vegetables like carrots and celery are all great options. I recommend sturdy dippers to hold up to the creamy texture.
-
Is there a vegetarian version of this Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and you can add extra artichokes or even some roasted red peppers to keep the flavor rich and satisfying.
-
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
You can. Just sauté fresh spinach briefly to wilt it, then cool and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing into the dip.
-
How can I make this dip spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. Start small and adjust to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe isn’t just any dip — it’s the warm, cozy star of so many gatherings in my home. There’s something about the crispy bacon with those melty cheeses that just feels like a big flavor hug. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to whip this up for your next party or even just a chill night on the couch. So go ahead, make it your own, and enjoy the delicious results with friends and family. I promise you’ll be hearing “Can you make this again?” for a long time.
Print
Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- 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 flavorful Spinach Artichoke Dip with crispy bacon and a blend of cheeses, perfect as an appetizer for any gathering or party.
Ingredients
Meat
- 12 ounce package bacon, cooked until crispy then small diced
Vegetables
- 14 ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
- 10 ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out really well
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups shredded gouda cheese (divided use)
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Other
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: Add diced cooked bacon, chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, softened cream cheese, 1 cup shredded gouda cheese, ¾ cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well until combined using an electric hand mixer.
- Assemble Dip: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded gouda cheese over the top of the dip.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the dip is bubbly and heated through.
- Broil (Optional): For a golden brown top, turn the broiler on high and broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can reserve some bacon pieces to sprinkle on top for added texture and garnish.
- Use fresh spinach if preferred; be sure to cook and drain thoroughly before adding.
- For a milder dip, reduce black pepper or omit garlic.
- This dip pairs well with crackers, bread slices, or fresh vegetables.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from spinach to prevent a watery dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg


