Spinach artichoke dip is a creamy, cheesy dip that is popular at parties and get-togethers. It’s typically made with spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, Parmesan, and spices. This vegetarian dip is served warm or cold and is commonly scooped up with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. But what are some of the best things to dip into this classic appetizer?
Bread and Crackers
One of the most popular items to dip into spinach artichoke dip are slices of bread or crackers. The rich creaminess of the dip perfectly complements the crunchiness of the bread or crackers. Here are some excellent bread and cracker options:
- Baguette slices – The crispy texture of slices of French baguette are perfect for scooping up the dip.
- Pita chips – Sturdy pita chips can handle being dunked into the thick dip without breaking.
- Multigrain crackers – Whole grain crackers add fiber and other nutrients while still providing a tasty crunch.
- Gluten-free crackers – Brands like Blue Diamond and Simple Mills make gluten-free crackers for dipping.
- Sourdough bread – Slices of toasted sourdough bread taste delicious paired with the tangy dip.
- Pretzel crisps – These thin, crunchy pretzel crackers have the ideal shape for scooping up the dip.
- Bagel chips – Chips made from sliced bagels provide a sturdy, bakery-inspired crunch.
The variety of bread and cracker options makes it easy to find one that suits your tastes and dietary needs. Just look for something sturdy enough to scoop up the dip without breaking or getting too soggy.
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables go great with spinach artichoke dip by adding color, crunch, and nutrients. Almost any raw veggie pairs nicely. Here are some of the best veggie dippers:
- Carrots – Baby carrots and carrot sticks are classic dipping veggies.
- Celery – Celery ribs and sticks provide freshness and crunch.
- Bell peppers – Strips of red, yellow, and green bell peppers add crispness.
- Broccoli – Try fresh broccoli florets or lightly steamed for a softer texture.
- Cauliflower – Cauliflower florets also have a satisfying crunch.
- Zucchini – Thin slices or sticks of raw zucchini taste refreshing.
- Jicama – Jicama sticks have a juicy crunch that stands up well to dip.
- Radishes – Sliced radishes provide a sharp, peppery flavor.
- Cucumber – Rounds or spears of cucumber have a cooling effect.
Dip your way through a veggie tray full of raw, crunchy goodness. The vegetables provide nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For variation, try lightly cooking some vegetables first to soften them up while still retaining some texture.
Pita and Naan
Wedges of soft, chewy pita and naan bread make an appealing dipper with spinach artichoke dip. The bread soaks up the creamy dip beautifully. Here are some tasty options:
- Naan – Plain, garlic, or other flavored naan all complement the dip.
- Pita – Look for white or whole wheat pita wedges.
- Flatbread – Try different flatbread varieties like rosemary, olive, or multigrain.
- Lavash – These thin Armenian flatbreads are sturdy dip scoopers.
- Roti – Indian-style roti bread is nice warmed up and paired with the dip.
The soft and pillowy texture of these breads soaks up the spinach artichoke dip without getting too soggy. The breads also provide carbohydrates to balance out the protein from the cheese and other ingredients.
Chips and Crackers
No dip is complete without a variety of chips and crackers for scooping. Here are some satisfying chip and cracker dippers:
- Tortilla chips – A dipping classic, look for scoop-shaped tortilla chips.
- Potato chips – Opt for sturdy kettle-cooked chips that can handle the dip.
- Pita chips – Along with wedges, pita rounds make good dippers.
- Sturdy crackers – Try options like Wheat Thins or Triscuits.
- Pretzels – Pretzel twists, sticks, and chips all taste great with the dip.
- Pizza bites – Mini bagel bites or breadsticks add an extra flavor kick.
Crunchy, salty chips and crackers offer a satisfying contrast to the creamy spinach artichoke dip. They also come in a variety of flavors to mix things up. Sturdier options hold up better for scooping than flimsy potato chips.
Fruits and Berries
For a unique twist, try dipping fresh fruits and berries into the spinach artichoke dip. The sweetness balances beautifully with the savory creaminess. Some tasty fruit dippers include:
- Strawberries – Whole strawberries provide a refreshing sweetness.
- Apple slices – Crisp apple wedges give a tasty crunch.
- Pear slices – Buttery pears also pair nicely with the dip.
- Grapes – Green and red grapes offer bold pops of juicy sweetness.
- Banana slices – Slices of firm banana hold up well for dipping.
- Kiwi – Kiwi rounds offer a tropical twist.
- Pineapple – Cubes of juicy pineapple liven things up.
The fruit options add nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants. For best results, choose firm fruits that can withstand being dipped without falling apart. Just pat dry any excess moisture before dipping.
Best Fruits for Dipping
| Fruit | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | Juicy, sweet, refreshing |
| Apples | Crisp, crunchy |
| Pears | Buttery, smooth texture |
| Grapes | Bursts of sweetness |
| Bananas | Firm, holds up well |
| Kiwis | Tropical flavor |
| Pineapple | Juicy, vibrant flavor |
Meats
In addition to vegetarian dippers, spinach artichoke dip also pairs deliciously with a variety of meats. The savory, creamy dip complements the hearty, protein-packed taste of meats. Some excellent meat dippers include:
- Chicken strips – Crispy breaded chicken tenders or nuggets are very dip-friendly.
- Steak slices – Thin slices of grilled steak impart a smoky, charred flavor.
- Bacon – Crispy cooked bacon crumbles add a satisfying crunch.
- Sausage – Try bites of smoked sausage or meatballs for bonus flavor.
- Deli meats – Roll up slices of turkey, ham, salami, or roast beef.
The spinach artichoke dip acts as a flavorful, creamy sauce for the meat choices. Feel free to get creative with different proteins like grilled shrimp, meatloaf slices, or pulled pork.
Best Meat Options for Dipping
| Meat | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Breaded strips or nuggets |
| Steak | Thin slices from grilled steak |
| Bacon | Cooked bacon crumbles |
| Sausage | Bites of smoked sausage |
| Deli meats | Rolled up slices |
Cheeses
Since spinach artichoke dip already contains cheese, why not dip with cheese too? Pairing the dip with bites of different cheeses adds bonus cheesy richness and flavor complexity. Some cheeses that pair well include:
- Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella balls or sticks offer mildness.
- Provolone – Slices of sharp provolone taste bold.
- Swiss – Nutty Gruyere or sliced Swiss add flair.
- Cheddar – Sharp cheddar cubes or slices mix things up.
- Blue cheese – Crumbles of blue cheese contribute tang.
- Feta – Salty, briny feta cubes enhance the dip’s flavors.
- Goat cheese – Creamy, rich goat cheese complements nicely.
The cheese dippers let you load up even more on the cheese! Opt for firmer cheeses that can be cut into dipping-friendly pieces or cubes.
Best Cheeses for Dipping
| Cheese | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Fresh mozzarella | Mild, soft |
| Provolone | Bold, sharp flavor |
| Swiss | Nutty, melty |
| Cheddar | Sharp, crumbly |
| Blue cheese | Tangy, crumbles well |
| Feta | Salty, pairs well |
Conclusion
Spinach artichoke dip is an incredibly versatile appetizer that pairs well with a wide variety of dippers. Popular options include breads, crackers, chips, vegetables, fruits, meats, and cheeses. Look for dippers with a contrasting flavor and texture to complement the creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip. Sturdy dippers that can scoop up the thick dip without breaking or getting soggy are ideal. Let your tastes guide you to exciting flavor combinations!