There is something incredibly comforting and crowd-pleasing about a warm, cheesy dip, and the Cottage Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe hits all the right notes. This vibrant dip brings together tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and a rich blend of cheeses, including a lighter twist with cottage cheese that keeps it creamy without feeling heavy. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a cozy snack, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows six steps of making a cheesy spinach and artichoke dip in a black pan on a white marbled surface. The first step has three layers: cooked chopped spinach, light beige chopped artichokes, and small bits of cooked onions, each in separate sections inside the pan. The second step adds a large dollop of white cottage cheese and several small blocks of cream cheese on top of the spinach and artichokes mixture. In the third step, the mixture is mixed well, showing a creamy texture blending the spinach, artichokes, and cheese evenly. The fourth step covers the whole top with shredded white cheese spread thickly. The fifth step shows the dip baked with melted cheese browned in spots, and golden toasted bread slices resting on the side of the pan. The last step captures a close-up of a woman's hand lifting a toasted bread piece with melted cheese stretching long and thick above the spinach and artichoke mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create a luscious, textured dip. Each component plays a role — from the savory sautéed onions and garlic that build a flavorful base, to the combination of cheeses that deliver the perfect melt and gooey finish.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a fragrant and healthy fat base for sautéing the aromatics.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more vibrant.
½ medium yellow onion, minced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a pungent and savory kick that wakes up the taste buds.
12 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and moisture removed: Earthy green goodness that keeps the dip nutritious and fresh.
14 oz. canned artichokes, chopped: Adds a tender, slightly tangy texture that complements the creamy cheeses.
1.5 cups 4% cottage cheese: The star of the recipe, giving creaminess with a lighter feel than traditional dips.
4 oz. cream cheese, cubed: Ensures a rich, silky texture that melts beautifully into the dip.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that classic stretchy, melty cheese factor everyone loves.
¼ cup parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth and helps the topping brown to perfection.
Optional toppings — hot honey and crushed red pepper flakes: Offer a playful burst of heat and sweetness for those who like a little extra zing.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. As soon as you notice that warm olive oil aroma filling the air, toss in the salt and minced onions. Let them soften gently for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently so they don’t brown too quickly. Then add the garlic and cook it for about a minute until fragrant. This simple step creates a flavorful foundation that will infuse every bite of your dip.

Step 2: Add Spinach and Artichokes

Once your aromatics are tender and golden, stir in the thawed, well-drained spinach and chopped artichokes. The combination of these veggies adds beautiful color, texture, and a refreshing earthy tang to your dip. Cook everything together for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the moisture to reduce further, ensuring your dip won’t turn watery.

Step 3: Melt in the Cheeses

Now comes the creamy magic. Add the cubed cream cheese and the cottage cheese to your skillet. Stir everything together gently and let it cook for about 5 minutes, just until the mixture bubbles and the cheeses start to melt. This step is crucial for blending all the flavors while keeping that light, creamy texture the cottage cheese brings to the table.

Step 4: Finish with the Cheese Topping and Broil

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top of your dip. Then transfer the skillet (or spoon the mixture into an oven-safe dish if you prefer) to the oven and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. Keep a close watch because the broil setting works quickly, and you want that perfect melt with a beautifully crisped top.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

A woman's hand is pulling a piece of melted cheese and spinach dip from a black cast iron skillet. The dish has two main layers: a white creamy cheese layer on top with small browned spots, and a layer of dark green spinach visible underneath. The background has a white marbled texture, and a white cloth is loosely placed near the skillet. The cheese looks soft and stretchy as it drips down from the lifted portion photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your dip’s presentation and flavor with some carefully chosen garnishes. A drizzle of hot honey adds a delightful contrast of sweet and spicy that pairs beautifully with the savory dip. Crushed red pepper flakes offer a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming the other flavors. These simple additions also bring a pop of color and excitement with every serving.

Side Dishes

Your dip deserves delicious companions, and the possibilities here are endless. Crunchy crackers, sliced baguette, toasted pita chips, or even fresh veggies like celery and carrots work perfectly by providing contrasting textures that highlight the creamy, cheesy goodness. Serving alongside a simple green salad or fresh fruit can balance out the richness and make for a well-rounded snack or appetizer experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this Cottage Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe directly in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl—perfect for parties and informal gatherings. You could also scoop it into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil just before serving lifts the earthy flavors and adds a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the warm, cheesy dip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover dip is truly a blessing because it tastes just as amazing the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors have even more time to mingle, making it ideal for a quick snack or a second round of entertaining. Just be sure to cool the dip completely before refrigerating to keep the texture as fresh as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze your Cottage Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe if you want to save it for a future craving. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently. While freezing may slightly change the texture of the fresh spinach, the dip’s overall flavor and creamy nature remain wonderfully intact.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your dip in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps regain that luscious, melted texture without drying it out. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir in between to evenly warm it through. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top and broil briefly for that irresistible crusty finish.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh spinach works wonderfully. Just be sure to cook it down thoroughly and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid a watery dip. The taste will be brighter, and the texture slightly different, but still delicious.

Is cottage cheese really necessary in this recipe?

Yes, cottage cheese is the key to a lighter, protein-packed twist on traditional spinach artichoke dips. It keeps the dip creamy and rich without the heaviness of using only cream or sour cream. It also adds a slight tanginess that balances the dish beautifully.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you’re out of cream cheese, Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese makes a decent substitute, though it will change the texture slightly. The dip won’t be quite as thick or rich but will maintain a lovely creaminess.

How long does this dip keep in the fridge?

The dip stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Make sure to smell and look for any signs of spoilage before serving leftovers.

Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?

Transforming this Dairy-based Cottage Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe into a vegan version requires substitutes like vegan cream cheese, vegan mozzarella, and removing cottage cheese. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ, but it’s definitely doable and still very tasty.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like serving a warm, cheesy dip that everyone reaches for first, and this Cottage Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is a shining star in that realm. Its perfect balance of creamy textures, fresh veggies, and rich melted cheese will quickly make it a staple in your snack repertoire. Give it a try, invite some friends, and get ready to share some truly delicious moments around the table.

Cottage Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe