Last Updated on July 11, 2022 by Karen
Spinach and artichoke dip is always a crowd pleaser, and this Cheesecake Factory copycat hot spinach and cheese dip is a delicious and easy appetizer you can make at home!
Looking for that signature recipe to serve at a party that is sure to be a crowd pleaser? Then you’ve got to try this Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip! It’s a Cheesecake Factory copycat and is perfect for gatherings with friends and family — it’s bound to be a hit with everyone. It’s rich, creamy, warm, melty – everything you’d want in a spinach artichoke dip.
The best part about this recipe is that it is as quick and easy to make as in a two-step process of mix then bake. I like to serve it for parties, game day, or whenever I’m looking for a hearty snack.
With flavorful ingredients like garlic and Parmesan cheese how could you go wrong? All the best things in one incredible dip that seriously won’t disappoint. This will be a regular on my party menu and maybe even replace those bacon-wrapped dates I usually serve. It’s absolutely delicious and perfectly irresistible. I hope you get to make it soon and enjoy!
What is the Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip?
According to the Cheesecake Factory website, Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip is made with “spinach, artichoke hearts, shallots, garlic and a mixture of cheeses served bubbly hot with tortilla chips and salsa.” This dip is a popular item on the Cheesecake Factory menu for good reasons. It’s basically one of the best baked spinach artichoke dip you’ll ever taste with melted, bubbly cheese and loaded with flavor.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip:
Olive oil
Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
Shallot: You can also use a small red or yellow onion
Spinach: You can use fresh spinach in place of frozen. If using fresh spinach, just saute or steam spinach until wilted, squeeze out the excess liquid, and chop.
Artichokes: If you can’t find canned artichokes in water, you can use jarred marinated artichokes in oil. Just drain the oil before using.
Heavy cream: You can lighten up with half and half instead of heavy cream.
Cream cheese: I recommend using full fat cream cheese, but you can use reduced fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is best.
Italian cheese blend: I like to use the five-cheese Italian blend with Parmesan, Romano, provolone, asiago, and mozzarella. You can also use regular shredded mozzarella.
How to make Cheesecake Factory Copycat Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip from scratch
1. Saute garlic and shallots until softened.
2. Mix with the rest of the ingredients. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or skillet.
3. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
How do you serve this Cheesecake Factory Copycat Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip?
This dip is best served warm with toasted baguette slices (crostini), bread sticks (grissini), crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels, pita chips, even veggies (cucumbers, carrots, celery, peppers). It can be served at parties as a starter or even as part of the main dish.
What are some variations to this recipe?
Here are some ways you can change it up:
- Add crumbled bacon or bacon bits.
- Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley or thyme.
- If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can you make this Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Of course! What I love most about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time. You can whip it up before any party or get together, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then pop it in the oven to heat up until nice and bubbly.
Can you make this recipe in the slow cooker?
Yes, just mix the dip ingredients and spread the mixture into the bottom of a 4 quart slow cooker. Cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring after 60 minutes.
How long does this dip last?
This dip will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend reheating the pan covered in the oven until warmed through, or you can microwave individual portions.
Can you freeze this dip?
No, unfortunately this recipe does not freeze well because of the heavy cream and cream cheese that are likely to curdle when frozen. The texture of the dip won’t be quite the same once thawed.
Is Cheesecake Factory Copycat Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip gluten-free?
Yes, serve it with gluten-free crackers or tortilla chips for a gluten-free appetizer.
Is this Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip keto-friendly?
Yes, this is a low-carb, keto-friendly recipe.
More delicious dip recipes to try:
Cheesecake Factory Copycat Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large shallot diced
- 1 14 oz can artichoke hearts in water drained and chopped
- 1 10 oz box frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat a casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Add olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine garlic shallots mixture, artichokes, spinach, heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian cheese blend, and mix until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes until the cheeses are melted and bubbly. Serve warm with bread slices or crackers.
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