Copeland’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe: Cheesy Baked Indulgence

Copeland's Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe: Cheesy Baked Indulgence

This baked spinach and artichoke dip delivers the same rich, creamy indulgence you’d find at Copeland’s, right from your own kitchen. The blend of melted cheeses, tender spinach, and briny artichokes creates a dish that’s impossible to resist.

What sets this version apart is its simplicity—no fancy techniques, just quality ingredients layered and baked to golden perfection. The result is a bubbling, cheesy dip with a slightly crisp top and a velvety texture underneath.

Serve it warm with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies for dipping. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Best of all, it’s completely vegetarian, so everyone can enjoy this restaurant-quality treat without compromise.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Vegetarian
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Copeland’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Rich cheeses, briny artichokes, and tender spinach make this dip irresistibly indulgent and restaurant-quality.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Cream Cheese 🧀 8 oz Full-fat, softened to room temperature
Sour Cream 🥛 ½ cup Full-fat for creaminess
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese 🧀 1 ½ cups Low-moisture, part-skim preferred
Grated Parmesan Cheese 🧀 ½ cup Freshly grated from a wedge
Frozen Chopped Spinach 🥬 10 oz Thawed and well-drained
Canned Artichoke Hearts 🌰 14 oz Drained and finely chopped
Minced Garlic 🧄 3 cloves Freshly minced preferred
Mayonnaise 🥚 ½ cup Full-fat for richness
Worcestershire Sauce 💧 1 tbsp Vegetarian variety recommended
Hot Sauce 🌶️ ½ tsp Optional, for a subtle kick
Kosher Salt 🧂 ½ tsp Adjust to taste after baking
Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ ¼ tsp Freshly ground preferred

The cream cheese and mozzarella are non-negotiable here—Philadelphia for the cream cheese and Sargento or Parmigiano-Reggiano for the Parmesan give that authentic Copeland’s richness. Spinach must be thawed and squeezed dry (the good stuff, not the pre-shredded kind), otherwise you’ll end up with a watery mess. Artichokes: Marinated or canned in water both work, but drain them well and chop fine for even distribution.

No cream cheese? Full-fat Greek yogurt gets close but adds tang. Swap artichokes for roasted red peppers (drained well) for a different vibe. Vegetarian Worcestershire is key—Annie’s makes a great version. Want more heat? Add half the amount of cayenne. The hot sauce can be omitted, but it adds depth without noticeable spice.

Assemble and bake same day for best texture. Leftovers keep 3-4 days in the fridge, but the top loses its crispness. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly. Freezes for 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating (worth the extra minute).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Bowl Wonder: I just dump cream cheese, sour cream, and all those cheeses into one bowl—no fancy prep, just mix and bake.
  • Cheesy Heaven: That combo of melty mozzarella and sharp parmesan with the spinach? Ridiculously good every time.
  • Party MVP: I’ve served this at game nights and potlucks—it’s the first thing to disappear, and everyone asks for the recipe.
  • Leftovers? Yes Please: Honestly, it tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left, which is rare.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This method delivers that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory every single time.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Aromatics

Begin by thoroughly draining the 10 oz frozen chopped spinach. I place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out every last drop of moisture—this prevents a watery dip. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

Drain and finely chop the 14 oz canned artichoke hearts, then add them to the spinach. Stir in the 3 cloves minced garlic. This base layer ensures every bite has the right texture and flavor distribution.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Foundation

In a separate bowl, beat the 8 oz cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add the 0.5 cup sour cream and 0.5 cup mayonnaise, mixing until fully combined. The full-fat versions are non-negotiable here—they create that luxurious, velvety texture.

Stir in the 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 0.5 tsp hot sauce, 0.5 tsp kosher salt, and 0.25 tsp ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the salt if needed, but remember the cheeses will add their own saltiness too.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the spinach and artichokes. Add 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese. Fold everything together until the cheeses are evenly distributed and no dry spots remain.

I always use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid, and freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly than the pre-grated kind. The mixture should look thick and cohesive at this stage.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish—I prefer a shallow ceramic baking dish for even heating. Spread it into an even layer for consistent browning.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is bubbly. You’ll see the cheeses fully melted and the top slightly blistered. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last few minutes.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this allows the dip to set slightly so it doesn’t run when you scoop into it.

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Pro Tips For Making Copeland’S Spinach And Artichoke Dip

  • Thaw and Drain Spinach: Squeeze every last drop of water from the thawed spinach—I learned this the hard way after my first dip turned into a watery mess. A clean kitchen towel works best for this.
  • Soften Cream Cheese First: Leave the cream cheese out for at least 30 minutes before mixing, or microwave it in 10-second bursts. Cold cream cheese leaves lumps no amount of stirring can fix.
  • Skip Pre-Shredded Mozzarella: Shred your own mozzarella—it melts smoother and avoids the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded that can make the dip grainy.
  • Broil for the Finish: After baking, broil for 1-2 minutes to get that golden, bubbly top. Watch it closely though—I’ve burned more than one batch by walking away.

Perfect Pairings for This Dish

Dippers and Spreaders

Crusty French bread or baguette slices are my go-to for soaking up every cheesy bite. Toast them lightly at 350°F for 5 minutes for extra crunch. I also love pita chips for their sturdy texture that holds up to the dip’s richness. 🥖

Fresh Veggie Pairings

For a lighter option, serve with carrot sticks, celery ribs, or bell pepper strips. The crispness provides a perfect contrast to the creamy dip. I always include cucumber slices for a refreshing bite.

Tortilla Chip Twist

Thick restaurant-style tortilla chips add a salty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the briny artichokes. I prefer Late July brand for their sturdy texture. Warm the chips in the oven for 2-3 minutes to enhance their crispness.

Beer Pairings

A crisp lager like Bud Light or Corona cuts through the richness beautifully. For craft beer lovers, a wheat beer with citrus notes complements the creamy flavors. Avoid heavy IPAs—they can overpower the dip’s delicate balance. 🍺

Wine Options

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers the perfect acidity to balance the dip’s richness. I love Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc for its bright, zesty profile. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works surprisingly well.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 34g44%
Saturated Fat 20g100%
Cholesterol 105mg35%
Sodium 980mg43%
Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
Dietary Fiber 5g18%
Sugars 3g
Protein 22g44%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook and drain it well first. Use 1 lb fresh spinach, wilt in a pan, then squeeze out all moisture to prevent a watery dip.

2

How do I prevent the dip from separating?

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Avoid overbaking—remove from oven once edges are golden brown and center is bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

3

Can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the dip up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve. For best texture, add an extra 5 minutes to baking time if chilled.

4

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly, about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving works but may make the texture less creamy. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

★★★★★4.7(4 reviews)
Tyler Parker