Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
Copycat Olive Garden Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
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- #9747
This copycat dip is a fantastic appetizer. Artichoke hearts and spinach are baked in a cream cheese, mayo, and cheese mixture. Serve with your favorite dippers.
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
44 reviews
2 comments
ingredients
1 package (8 ounce size) cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded Romano cheese
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 can (14 ounce size) artichoke hearts, drained, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a glass pie plate.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic, basil, and garlic salt.
Stir in the artichoke hearts and spinach until well mixed. The dip can be prepared ahead of time to this step and stored in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 48 hours.
When ready to bake the dip, spoon it into the greased pie plate. Sprinkle the top of the dip evenly with the Mozzarella cheese.
Place the dip in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until the Mozzarella cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Remove the dip from the oven and serve the spinach artichoke dip hot with toasted bread slices or crackers for dipping.
recipe tips
For a smoother dip, chop the artichokes very finely or use a food processor to get the desired consistency.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Top with additional Parmesan before baking for a cheesier crust.
Standard dippers are toasted baguette slices or pita wedges. Other great dippers include tortilla chips, veggies, or crackers.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise. The texture may be different but it will still be delicious. Fat-free versions won't usually work as well as they tend to separate and become grainy when heated.
Let the dip sit for a few minutes after baking for the flavors to blend.
Try different cheese blends for different results.
common recipe questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Cook it down, chop it, and ensure it's well-drained before adding. You'll need about 1/2 pound of fresh spinach to replace the frozen.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise.
Can I make this dip without artichokes?
While artichokes are a key ingredient, you can omit them and add more spinach or other vegetables like roasted red peppers.
How long can I store this dip in the refrigerator?
Once baked, the dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself should be gluten-free (depending on the brands of products you use), but make sure your serving options, like crackers or bread, are gluten-free if necessary.
Can I freeze this dip?
It's best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may alter the texture. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
tools needed
Mixing Bowl: To combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic, basil, and garlic salt. A medium to large mixing bowl is ideal for mixing all these ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the ingredients such as mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and the spinach.
Garlic Press or Knife: If using a knife, it is needed to finely mince the garlic clove. A garlic press can speed up this process.
Glass Pie Plate: To hold the dip while baking. Lightly greasing it prevents sticking.
Spatula or Spoon: For stirring and combining the ingredients in the mixing bowl. It can also be used to transfer the dip into the pie plate.
what goes with it?
Toasted Baguette Slices: Serve the dip with toasted baguette slices for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy dip.
Vegetable Crudites: Pair with assorted raw veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. The fresh crunch of the vegetables complements the richness of the dip.
Tortilla Chips: These offer a salty and sturdy scoop for the dip.
Pita Chips: The slightly thicker texture of pita chips makes them great for dipping. Use toasted or untoasted.
Sliced Grilled Chicken: Use the dip as a sauce for grilled chicken slices. The dip's rich, cheesy flavors work well with the savory, smoky taste of grilled chicken, creating an easy appetizer or light meal.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Use the dip as a filling for stuffed mushrooms.
Cauliflower Florets: Lightly steamed or raw cauliflower can serve as a low-carb dipping option. The mild flavor of cauliflower lets the dip's rich taste stand out.
Baked Potatoes: Serve the dip as a topping for baked potatoes.
Crackers: Opt for a variety of crackers, like wheat or garlic-flavored ones. These will add diverse flavors and textures.
Diced Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs: Top the dip with fresh diced tomatoes and herbs like parsley or basil.
Sauteed Shrimp: Offer the dip as a sauce for sauteed shrimp. The savory flavors create an amazing seafood experience when paired together.
nutrition data
421 calories, 37 grams fat, 14 grams carbohydrates, 14 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
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reviews & comments
November 30, 2019
Did not change a thing, except I use fresh spinach instead because i hate using frozed. It gets devoured every time I make it. It's perfection
July 24, 2016
This was really good. It tasted just like O.G. I did add a couple of things. I mixed in a little under a 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red peppers and after it was done baking i sprinkled chopped Roma tomatoes on top. I also heard a lot of folks ask what cheese to sprinkle on top, I used mozzarella cheese (I also used this in the mix).
March 20, 2016
A little disappointed. It didn't taste like the one I had at the Olive Gardens.
November 16, 2015
I used to work at the O.G. and this is the original recipe. You might see if you can edit it though. You don't say when to add the cream cheese or the mozzarella. I had a copy of the recipe I saved myself so luckily I caught it.
October 19, 2014
Really good with lots of flavor and nice texture. I will make this again definitely. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
August 24, 2014
Made this tonight and it turned out great. I don't like mayo so I used sour cream instead. I served this dip with tortilla chips.
December 17, 2013
HUGE hit! I made three of these for our office holiday party. I baked them then reheated at work in the microwave. I could have made 6 and it still would have disappeared immediately.
November 7, 2013
I love this recipe because it uses basic ingredients that I can easily keep on hand for last minute needs. Everyone loves this dip and I can whip it up for the kids quick when they bring home friends from school.
July 3, 2013
Everytime I make this dip people just can't get enough. I usually make two batches of it because the first one goes so fast. Going to make this tomorrow again for the 4th so I stopped back to print it out again as someone stole my copy from my kitchen!
June 17, 2013
Taste was good, but I must have done something wrong, since the consistency was too thick and solid. Ended up more like a vegetable side dish than a dip. Tried to follow the recipe exactly, the only variance was that I used all romano cheese instead of half parm. That should not have made a diff in consistency.
May 23, 2013
Absolutely loved this dip! I served it with melba toast rounds but you can serve it with whatever dippers you wish.
December 22, 2012
This recipe is awesome. I made this for the first time as a appetizer for Thanksgiving. It was an instant hit. I plan on making it for Christmas.
December 3, 2012
This a great recipe and one that I love to make. Our family likes to get together and each will make a finger-food dish and this is one of them. The only thing I add to this recipe is about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to give it a little zing. We just love Olive Garden. Thank you for this recipe.
November 22, 2012
Made this exactly as directed and it was very attractive. I took it to a neighborhood gathering and after the first taste no one ate anymore of it. Although I like all the ingredients, I did not care for it either. Even the texture was just right so maybe our taste buds took the day off. I will try it again and thanks for posting.
April 27, 2012
Delicious! Everyone asks for the recipe every time I make it!
February 17, 2012
Remarkable! I love this recipe so much! I made it yesterday with my mom and we both loved the taste. Thanks!! We will be making this again on my dad’s birthday. Hope he likes it!
April 25, 2011
This was very flavorful; however, the instructions are very vague. It doesn't indicate when to include the cream cheese and it says "top with cheese." What kind of cheese? I mixed the cream cheese with all of the other ingredients and did not top with any cheese. It was very good, but a little confusing.
April 24, 2011
Scrumptious! Mayonnaise sounded too heavy for me, so I used sour cream.
January 6, 2011
This was a BIG HIT. It really does have the same high quality as Olive Garden. I think even better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 17, 2010
I made this recipe for my daughter's dorm of 50 girls. Even with such large quantities, it was delicious. Followed the recipe exactly, except I used extra mozzarella on the top of each of the four lasagna foil pans.
September 7, 2010
Never tasted this at Olive Garden, but this was a hit at our last family gathering and I plan to make again and again it was great with crackers or chips!
January 16, 2010
Scrumptiuos! Mayonnaise sounded too heavy for me, so I used sour cream.
December 30, 2009
I made this for a house poker tournament a week ago and everybody loved it. I will continue to make it for future parties. I especially love this dip with Stacy's Pita Chips.
October 25, 2009
Excellent recipe that can be doubled and tripled depending on party size. I made the dip for my college hospitality class and everyone asked if my mom made it. Very easy to follow and I added a little extra garlic. I got an A+ for this class project on artichokes.
June 29, 2009
Everyone loves this dip! I made it for a party and it was gone within 10 minutes! People couldn't stop eating it and everyone was asking for the recipe!!!!
March 13, 2009
This is the best spin dip recipe out there - it's an instant party favorite!!!
March 2, 2009
This recipe is amazing! I use sour cream instead of mayonaise though. It's great for a party, everyone loved it. Also, I ran out of spinach one day and used brocolli and it was still great.
February 28, 2009
This recipe is amazing. It is a frequent request at any friend or family member's parties, or any excuse they can think of for me to make it.
January 27, 2009
I made this for a dinner party last Saturday night and it was really, really good--so much better than other recipes I have tried!
When do you add the cream cheese and the mozzarella cheese? It says to top with cheese before baking - is that the mozzarella? And do you add the cream cheese in the beginning with the Parmesan and Romano?
December 25, 2008
omg i made this dip last night for christmas eve and it was awesome! everybody loved it. i would recomend this to everybody!!
November 21, 2008
I've been making this for a couple of years now and everyone loves it! My boyfriend and his mom are anti-vegetable (for the most part) and they can't get enough of it, as long as I chop the artichoke very fine. I make mine without the garlic salt though, I think it tastes better, also, to make it easier I'll buy a bag of Italian shredded cheese blend. By far a better dip than any restaurant I've been to.
The recipe sounds close, but I work for Olive Garden and we don't use mayo in the dip, we use sour cream, no mozzarella, add red pepper flakes.
March 22, 2008
This dip was a big hit. I brought it to a party and had several requests for the recipe. I've never had the Olive Garden version, but this sure was YUMMY!
February 3, 2008
I haven't tried this dip yet, but based on these comments, I'M STOKED!!!!
December 29, 2007
while this isn't EXACTLY like olive garden's, it is super close, and quite possibly, better. okay, okay... maybe there's not too much difference at all... it's hard to say, really. but i followed the directions as stated (usually i kind of twist things up a bit), and it has proven to be a sure hit time and time again.
December 28, 2007
My family loved it and it was easy to make.
December 17, 2007
Really good.
November 19, 2007
Great recipe. Using a pinch of crushed red peppers in the mix gives it a litle spice kick. Also, to make it a true copycat, top the cooked dip with diced roma tomatos.
June 28, 2007
The most brilliant spinach-artichoke recipe!!!
February 20, 2007
This is the best spinach dip I have ever eaten. I added a little extra basil and extra cheese on top all my friends want me to bring them some whenever I make it!
February 5, 2007
Fabulous! Had it just as the recipe calls and it was perfect! Very garlicky! I loved it! Don't change a thing, it doesn't need it!
January 1, 2007
This was easy and delicious! A party hit!
August 19, 2006
This recipe is fantastic! I switched garlic powder for garlic salt or cloves, a mix of italian seasonings for the basil, and I didn't use any Mozzerella because I had it in a slow cooker. It was a hit and now everyone wants the recipe!
November 25, 2004
This recipe is super easy to follow and the result is outstanding! We love this dip and made it for Thanksgiving. It was gone in minutes! Next time we'll have to make more. I think putting it in a toasted bread bowl would be the perfect way to serve the dip, we used toasted slices of bread this time. Awesome recipe!
July 20, 2004
This recipe is sensational! All my family love it and we use it alot for entertaining. I add a little sharp cheddar to spice it up, it's great. Enjoy!