I Tried Every Frozen Spinach and Artichoke Dip I Could Find — The Winner Tastes (Almost) Better than Homemade
A bubbling dish of spinach and artichoke dip is the crown jewel of any appetizer spread. The best versions have vibrant leaves of wilted spinach and buttery pieces of tender artichoke in a creamy, cheesy base. While the grocery store offers shortcuts for assembling a homemade version with frozen chopped spinach, quartered artichoke hearts, and grated Parmesan cheese, I wondered if there was an even better way. To the freezer aisle I went!
First, I cleared my freezer for this appetizer adventure, assuming that brands big and small would offer options for this crowd-pleasing dip. I was shocked to come up short at several stores with no frozen spinach and artichoke dip to be found (thanks again, supply chain). Of the ones I did find, there’s only one I’d buy again.
How I Tested the Frozen Spinach and Artichoke Dips
I purchased every box of frozen spinach and artichoke dip I could find from all of the grocery and big-box stores in my area. I prepared each one according to the package directions for the microwave. (Only one of the dips included alternative directions for heating in the oven.) While still warm, the dips were tasted on their own and with pita crisps.
The Best Frozen Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Great Value’s Spinach, Artichoke & Gouda Dip
When I threw it in my cart, I didn’t think much about this frozen dip, but WOW is it good. The dip is creamy, cheesy, and was the only one to have any visible artichoke and wilted spinach leaves larger than a speck. While other options were thin, soupy, and bland, this dip was rich and thick. Walmart’s Great Value brand adds Gouda cheese near the top of the ingredient list to the traditional mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and cream cheeses, and you can taste the difference. This frozen dip is the only one that makes enough for an appetizer spread in a single box. (You’d have to make double or triple the other options for a generous offering.)
Plus, it’s easy to make this spinach and artichoke dip look homemade. Simply heat from frozen, then scoop into a broiler-safe dish and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese. Broil until brown and serve with sliced bread or chips. Your guests won’t know the difference!
Buy: Great Value’s Spinach, Artichoke & Gouda Dip, $4.96 for 12 ounces at Walmart
Do you have a favorite frozen dip? Let us know in the comments below!