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Kid-Approved Spiderweb Spinach Artichoke Dip: Easy Halloween Appetizer

spinach artichoke dip - featured image

A creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip with a dramatic spiderweb design on top, perfect for Halloween parties. This easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and uses simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • For the spiderweb design: 2 tablespoons sour cream (extra) or cream cheese, softened
  • For serving: Tortilla chips, baguette slices, or pretzel crisps

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let cream cheese sit on the counter to soften.
  2. Prepare the spinach: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the thawed spinach for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until excess water evaporates. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Drain and chop artichokes: Rinse artichokes in a colander, pat dry with a paper towel, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth.
  5. Add flavor: Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Fold in chopped artichokes and cooked spinach.
  6. Add cheeses: Reserve 1/4 cup of mozzarella for topping. Fold remaining mozzarella and all Parmesan into the dip mixture.
  7. Transfer to a greased oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Spread evenly and smooth the top.
  8. Sprinkle reserved mozzarella evenly over the top.
  9. Create spiderweb design: Put extra sour cream or cream cheese into a small zip-top bag. Snip off a tiny corner. Pipe a small dot in the center, then concentric circles around it, spaced about an inch apart. Using a toothpick or knife tip, drag lines from the center outward through all circles, like spokes on a wheel.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly, with golden edges. For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
  11. Let dip cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or pretzel crisps.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting step after baking to avoid burning mouths. For make-ahead, assemble through step 8, refrigerate, and add 5-10 minutes to baking time. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dip can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach artichoke dip, Halloween appetizer, spiderweb dip, easy dip, kid-friendly, party dip, creamy dip