Restaurant Style Spinach Artichoke Dip

​Restaurant style spinach artichoke dip is a must-have when hosting a steakhouse dinner at home. This recipe is incredibly creamy, using frozen chopped spinach and lots of cheese! 

Why We Love Restaurant Style Spinach Artichoke Dip

Let’s talk about restaurant style spinach artichoke dip, shall we? 

I mean, who doesn’t have a slight obsession with that creamy, dreamy concoction that seems to be the star at Houston’s Restaurant and every gathering, from Super Bowl parties to casual Friday nights at home? 

Something about the luscious blend of fresh spinach, rich, tangy artichoke hearts, and the melty goodness of mozzarella and parmesan cheese just pulls you in. Throw in some alfredo sauce, a hint of garlic, and a pinch of salt, and you’ve got yourself a cheesy masterpiece that’s hard to resist. 

It’s not just a dip; it’s a dive into deliciousness that elevates every chip, cracker, and carrot stick it touches. 

What makes it “restaurant-style” you ask? It’s more than just opening a frozen container of the premade dip! This time, we’re making it from scratch!

Key Takeaways:

• The creamy texture and balance of flavors make spinach artichoke dip universally loved. 
• Houston’s Restaurant is renowned for its version of spinach artichoke dip, making it a favorite at various gatherings. 
• Key ingredients like fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, and a variety of cheeses are essential for that perfect bite. 
• While this recipe isn’t Houston’s recipe, it’s how I love to serve this restaurant style spinach artichoke dip!

The Key Ingredients Breakdown

First, let’s dive into the heart of this luscious dip with fresh spinach, a leafy green that not only provides a beautiful color but also a nutritious punch.

I usually choose to use frozen chopped spinach that I thaw. For me, I like my spinach dip to have finely chopped frozen spinach in it. 

Then we have the artichoke hearts, which are key for that creamy, tangy flavor profile we all crave in a good spinach artichoke dip. 

But what really brings this dish together are the cheeses: mozzarella for its perfectly melty texture, parmesan for a nice sharp bite, and let’s not forget either romano or white cheddar, depending on your taste, both offering a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. 

Choosing high-quality ingredients for each component of this dip is crucial; it’s what elevates your spinach artichoke dip from merely good to absolutely unforgettable. 

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Dip

First, let’s gather our ingredients to kickstart this epic journey into crafting the best spinach artichoke dip. 

Imagine the lush green of fresh spinach blending beautifully with the creaminess of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, all seasoned to perfection. 

Now, I was making two things in one. I was making a side dish of Steakhouse Creamed Spinach and I knew that recipe would mix into a Spinach Artichoke Dip seamlessly!

I’m always looking for ways to use the same ingredients in different formats.

And, I don’t know about you, but whenever I’ve ordered Spinach Artichoke Dip at the steakhouse, I usually end up eating like creamed spinach, with my meal. 

So, this recipe starts on the stove top by making a bechamel with butter, flour, and milk. I sprinkled in some air-dried shallots for a little onion-y flavor.

Once this is all creamy, you’ll add in some cream cheese and boursin cheese. These two cheese together make this the best recipe! 

​Add in a little salt, freshly ground pepper, and some garlic powder. If I’m feeling frisky, I’ll add some red pepper flakes, too. 

Pro Tip: If your sauce starts to get a little thick while your stirring in the cream cheese and boursin, add in a little extra milk or heavy cream. Half a cup at a time! 

Now, unlike most spinach dip recipes, this one uses grated romano cheese, and a full cup of it!

I leave out the mozzarella. But that’s only because I think it’s great without it. 

If you love the cheese pull from the restaurant’s cheesy dip, add in some mozzarella cheese!

​Another thing I do that is different is I don’t chop my artichokes. I squeeze them over a bowl, so all the liquid gets out of them. This ends up mashing the artichokes, so I just keep squeezing the artichoke over my pot, and let my hand break each one up. 

You’ll stir everything up, pour it into a baking dish, and top with some breadcrumbs. If you want to! These are totally optional!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Dip

• Choose the right baking dish: Opting for a ceramic or glass baking dish can make all the difference, ensuring even heat distribution for a dip that’s perfectly cooked every time. I love this set from Staub! I use it all the time!
• Drain your artichokes and spinach thoroughly: To avoid a watery dip, press out all the excess liquid from your spinach and artichokes. This will help achieve that coveted creamy texture and concentrate the flavors. 
• Don’t skimp on the cheese: A mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and a hint of white cheddar or romano cheese melds into that irresistible cheesy goodness we all crave in a spinach artichoke dip. This is all based on preference! The printable recipe card has notes on what cheese to use and how much!
• Adjust the heat as needed: Start cooking your dip on medium-low heat to gently meld the flavors, then adjust as necessary. Too high heat can cause the cheeses to separate, so keep it low and slow. 
• Serve at room temperature: Letting your dip sit for a bit after taking it out of the oven allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s easier to scoop up with your pita or classic tortilla chips!

Serving and Pairing Ideas

What do you serve spinach dip with? I love using pita chips or heated naan bread.

But regular tortilla chips are great if you’re serving this for game day! We’ve all had the TGIF Restaurant Style Spinach Artichoke dip!

Need more game day snack ideas? Check out this post: Easy Game Day Snacks.

I also think a sliced baguette would be nice. Serve a big baguette with the spinach and artichoke dip and then a mound of butter! Everyone would love this as an appetizer, that’s for sure! 

Don’t stop there—explore this cheese dip and its versatility as a unique topping over baked chicken or a stuffed bell pepper filler. It’s great with pasta, too! 

If you’re wanting to serve a Steakhouse at Home experience this restaurant style spinach artichoke dip is the perfect starter to a Perfectly Grilled Ribeye.

When it comes to beverages, align the dip with a crisp white wine for elegant affairs or a light beer during game day gatherings. The harmony of flavors will surely elevate your hosting game, leaving your guests mesmerized. 

Dip Into the Delight Once More

There’s a certain joy that comes from both making and indulging in this creamy, cheesy delight known as spinach artichoke dip. This restaurant style spinach artichoke dip will become a family favorite, I’m sure!

It’s not just about following a recipe; it’s about putting a bit of yourself into each dish, whether by throwing a pinch of salt over your shoulder for good luck or by adding that secret ingredient that makes your version stand out. 

I’ve had the pleasure of experimenting with various recipes, including Houston’s spinach artichoke dip and trying different combinations of sour cream, mozzarella cheese, and even a hint of garlic for that extra punch. 

The beauty of this dip lies in its versatility, whether you prefer it bubbling hot with a gooey cheese top crust or at room temperature, allowing each flavor to subtly sing its own tune. 

I encourage you, the reader, to dive into the delightful process of creating your very own best spinach artichoke dip recipe. 

Grab your baking dish, your favorite artichoke hearts, a dash of hot sauce, maybe even a little alfredo sauce for a silky texture, and let your culinary creativity run wild. 

Here’s to finding your perfect bite of this universally adored dip!

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