Creamy Copycat Applebees Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe with Crispy Pita Chips
A creamy, garlicky spinach artichoke dip inspired by Applebee’s, paired with crispy homemade pita chips. Perfect for gatherings and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach or 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 14 oz canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large pita breads, cut into triangles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- If using fresh spinach, roughly chop and sauté in a skillet over medium heat until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Let cool and squeeze out excess moisture with a kitchen towel or paper towels. For frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Drain the artichoke hearts well and chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Fold in shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and minced garlic. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix gently to combine.
- Add drained spinach and chopped artichokes to the cheese mixture. Stir until well incorporated.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut pita bread into triangles, brush lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake pita chips for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy, checking after 8 minutes to avoid burning.
- Transfer dip mixture into an oven-safe dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving warm with crispy pita chips.
Notes
Soften cream cheese at room temperature or microwave briefly for easier mixing. Drain spinach thoroughly to avoid watery dip. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. Watch pita chips closely while baking to prevent burning. For extra cheesy crust, sprinkle parmesan on top before baking. Can be made ahead and refrigerated, then baked fresh before serving. Swap pita chips for gluten-free crackers or veggies for gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/8th of the d
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: spinach artichoke dip, creamy dip, Applebee's copycat, appetizer, party dip, pita chips, cheesy dip, easy dip recipe