How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip That Tastes Just Like Houston’s
This spinach artichoke dip tastes just like Houston’s. Plus, it is savory, low in carbohydrates, and a Keto appetizer.
What is Houston’s?
Believe it or not, I’ve had this question from a few readers, so here is the answer! Houston’s Restaurant is an upscale American casual dining restaurant chain whose main corporate headquarters is in Beverly Hills, California.
Why are there so many recipes for Houston’s spinach artichoke dip?
If you google Houston’s spinach artichoke dip, you will see a slew of copycat recipes. This is because Houston’s is known for this cheesy, savory, appetizer. It is one of the most popular menu items.
Where did you get this recipe for Houston’s spinach artichoke dip?
My friend Sally Reiser shared this recipe in a Briarwood Christian School cookbook years ago, and it was and still is one of the most popular party food recipes in my circles. Is it the exact Houston’s recipe? I am not sure, but I can say that it tastes as good (perhaps better) to me. I’ve never served this dip that folks have not asked for the recipe.
Make ahead: This Houston’s spinach-artichoke dip is super easy to prep before a party. Simply make the dip up to the point of cooking (but do not cook). Place the mixture into an airtight canister and refrigerate a day or two ahead of time. Just before the party, spread the dip into one medium or several smaller dishes to heat before serving.
Is it best to microwave or bake spinach artichoke dip?
The dip can be microwaved or baked. I prefer baking, as the edges get golden and the cheese gets a slightly crisp edge. If you microwave, I suggest cooking at 80% and in 5 minute increments.
What dish do you use for cooking spinach artichoke dip?
This can be made in any bakeware that is oven and microwave safe. Since this dip freezes well, you might also look for bakeware that is freezer safe. I am all about good bakeware that can transition from freezer to oven to table, and I prefer white. It always looks classic and clean on a table. I link to all of my favorite white bakeware here on my amazon page.
What do you serve with spinach artichoke dip?
I serve this with baked pita chips, corn chips (Fritos scoops are great), tortilla chips or savory crackers. For low carb or Keto dieters, this is delicious served with crudités such as cauliflower, celery and carrot discs.
This spinach artichoke dip is one of my most popular recipes. Honorable mention goes to the appetizers listed below.
- French Onion Cheese Fondue
- 3-Ingredient Apricot Glazed Party Meatballs
- Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Crusted Little Sausages
If you have an upcoming party, small group or tailgate, give this dip a try. I’d love to hear how it turns out, so please leave comments below. As always, thanks so much for stopping by. Be blessed, and stay savvy!!!
Houston's Spinach Artichoke Dip Copycat Recipe
This is the best spinach artichoke dip I've ever eaten! So glad my friend Sally shared the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cartons frozen chopped spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (14-oz) jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stick butter
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8-oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese (I used Pepper Jack)
- 4-oz shredded Swiss cheese
- 4-oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- salt & pepper to taste
- 4 oz shredded fresh parmesan cheese (no green can:-)
Instructions
- Cook and drain spinach; squeezing well until all water is completely removed.
- Melt butter in large skillet; saute onion until tender.
- Add garlic to onion mixture.
- Stir spinach and artichokes into sautéed onion mixture, mixing well.
- Beat cream cheese with mixer, gradually adding whipping cream until smooth.
- In large bowl, stir all ingredients (except parmesan cheese) together until well blended.
- Put in microwave safe baking dish or oven safe baking dish.
- Refrigerate at least two hours.
- Top with parmesan and microwave until warm or bake at 350 F until bubbly (20 minutes or so).
- Serve with baked pita, tortilla chips, or corn chips.
Nutrition Information
Yield 12 Serving Size 12Amount Per Serving Calories 327Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 84mgSodium 479mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 14g
You sure can!!!
Can you freeze the made (unbaked) dip ??
Hi Logan! You can use a pie dish, small pyrex, or tart pan. Smaller is better, as this isn’t a huge amount!
What size dish should I use?
Hi Jessica! You can definitely use fresh; I’ve done it before! You can use a whole bag; it cooks down!!! Just sauté the spinach in a little EVOO or butter (season w/a little salt & Pepper). Be sure to squeeze all the moisture out before adding to the dip.
Can you use fresh spinach? If so how much? Thanks! Looks awesome!
Hi Amy! I think it is VERY close to the Houston’s dip; however, I’d love your feedback if you try it. I don’t have the couscous recipe but wish I did!!!
How close is it to the actual Houston’s spinach and artichoke? I love their dip and am trying to find the closest recipe. It is so good with salsa, sour cream and tortilla chips.
And ….. could you find me a recipe for their original couscous? It was also fabulous – but they no longer serve it. Couscous, radish (a little) , raisins (sometimes golden and regular) , peanuts, mint, scallion – maybe some sort of citrus juice.
Hi Carol!!! I should have been more specific. If using the frozen box of spinach, simply remove the frozen spinach from the box, place in a microwave safe bowl or container, cover loosely (optional), and microwave until it is no longer frozen. Then squeeze the life out of it (haha) with a clean cloth or in a colander to get the water out before adding to the dip. Hope this helps. This dip is FABULOUS!!! Let me know how it turns out!!!! XoXo
Hi Jamie,
This recipe sounds so delicious and I can’t wait to make for a family dinner. Please clarify the first direction for me. How do I cook the spinach?
Thanks for your help!
Hi Mindy! Most spinach comes in small square boxes in the freezer case where frozen vegetables are located. I would think any box would range from 8-10 oz…..chopped frozen spinach. Having a 2 oz difference shouldn’t hurt a thing. Let me hear how this turns out for you!
WHat size carton of spinach ounces wise?
Hello Dean,
It should be fine for a party of 8 as long as you serve a variety of appetizers. If this is all that you are serving, you might want to double it. Please let me know how you like it!!!!
How much does this make? Enough for a party of 8 people? Thanks
Jan, I am so glad you loved the dip as much as we do, and thank you for your kind words! And yes, the leftovers of this are wonderful. Have a blessed holiday with your family, and always keep in touch!!! XoXo
This is a truly great recipe. I followed the receipt exactly and everyone loved it. That’s the beauty of some of your recipes, you have already made changes to make it just right – so need to add or take away something . We had just a little left over – (this makes a large batch! ) which tasted just as good the next day.
Hi Jenny! Sorry that info was left out! 350 F for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly is how I think it is best. You can microwave but those machines vary; I would start at 5 minutes on 80% and just do it until warm to preference. Please let me hear how it turns out!!! XoXo
How long would you bake this (or microwave?)? I’ve made before, it was delicious, and I’m trying to get my timing right to take to a party.
Hi Russel! Almost all boxes are the same (I’ve never seen more than one size of the box) and it is 10 oz. I think that is correct; I don’t have any in my freezer rn. Birds Eye and generic should all be the same size. Remember to squeeze the spinach with cheesecloth until there is no moisture left before adding to the dip. Enjoy and let me know how it turns out!
You mention 2 cartons chopped frozen spinach what size package?
thank you
Hi Rockie! So sorry I didn’t get back to you before you made this! You don’t have to refrigerate it for an hour; it is just “best” if you do:-) I’d love to hear how it turned out!!!
Hi! I just made this and the flavor is amazing! One question, do I have to refrigerate it for two hours? Or refrigerate it at all? I’m baking it in an hour…
Hi Maggie! Yes, I think 350 degrees until bubbly would be perfect. Let me know how you like the dish. Happy 2018 to you and yours!!!
Can u bake this in the oven AS WELL?
Yes, Barbara; I need to correct that in the post. Add the spinach and artichokes at the same time:-) Enjoy!!!
Do you add the artichoke hearts when you add the spinach?