Applebee's Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe & Facts

Applebee's signature spinach and artichoke dip contains cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, and a blend of cheeses. A single serving (139g) provides approximately 470 calories, 36g fat, and 19g protein. This popular appetizer has been on Applebee's menu since the early 2000s and remains one of their top-selling starters nationwide.

If you've ever wondered what makes Applebee's spinach and artichoke dip so addictive, you're not alone. This creamy, cheesy appetizer has maintained its spot as one of America's favorite restaurant starters for good reason. In this guide, you'll discover the authentic ingredients, nutritional profile, and a reliable copycat recipe you can make at home.

The Evolution of a Classic Appetizer

Spinach and artichoke dip didn't originate at Applebee's—it has roots in California cuisine from the 1970s. However, Applebee's popularized this creamy combination when they added it to their menu around 2002. The chain's version quickly became a staple, riding the wave of America's growing appetite for shareable appetizers. According to industry reports, appetizer sales in casual dining restaurants grew by 37% between 2000-2010, with creamy dips leading the trend.

Time Period	Appetizer Trend	Applebee's Contribution
1970s-1980s	Spinach dip emerges in California restaurants	Not yet on menu
1990s	Artichoke hearts gain popularity in mainstream cooking	Experimenting with appetizer concepts
Early 2000s	"Shareable" appetizers become dining trend	Introduces spinach and artichoke dip nationwide
2010-Present	Health-conscious dining grows	Maintains classic recipe while adding lighter options

What's Really in Applebee's Version

Unlike many copycat recipes that circulate online, the authentic Applebee's spinach and artichoke dip contains specific ingredients in precise proportions. Based on nutritional analysis and ingredient statements from Applebee's corporate sources:

• Cream cheese and sour cream as the creamy base
• Swiss and Parmesan cheeses for depth of flavor
• Artichoke hearts (not marinated) for that distinctive tang
• Fresh spinach (not frozen) for better texture
• Garlic and spices for subtle seasoning
• Served with house-made tortilla chips

The dip's distinctive texture comes from Applebee's preparation method—they finely chop both the spinach and artichoke hearts rather than leaving them in large chunks, creating a smooth, dippable consistency.

Nutritional Profile: What You're Really Consuming

Understanding the nutritional content helps you make informed choices. According to Applebee's official nutrition guide updated in 2023:

Nutrient	Per Serving (139g)	% Daily Value
Calories	470	24%
Total Fat	36g	46%
Saturated Fat	20g	100%
Cholesterol	115mg	38%
Sodium	1370mg	60%
Protein	19g	38%

These values represent a single serving from the shareable portion. The complete appetizer (serves 2-3 people) contains approximately 1,190 calories, 91g fat, and 1,370mg sodium according to USDA FoodData Central database entries matching restaurant preparation methods.

Creating an Authentic Copycat at Home

While you can't replicate the exact commercial preparation without proprietary ingredients, this chef-tested version captures the essence of Applebee's popular dip:

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup finely chopped artichoke hearts (canned, drained)
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach (thawed and squeezed dry if frozen)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• Salt to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth
3. Fold in cheeses, artichokes, spinach, and seasonings
4. Transfer to oven-safe dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly
5. Broil for 2-3 minutes for golden top (optional)
6. Serve immediately with toasted tortilla chips

When This Dish Works Best (And When It Doesn't)

Understanding the context boundaries helps you serve this dish appropriately:

• Perfect for: Casual gatherings, game days, as an appetizer before hearty meals
• Less suitable for: Light summer meals, dairy-free diets, or when serving guests with lactose intolerance
• Best paired with: Crisp white wines, light beers, or non-alcoholic sparkling beverages
• Storage limitations: Doesn't freeze well due to dairy separation; best consumed within 24 hours of preparation

Professional chefs note that the dip's richness works best in cooler months or as part of a balanced meal. During summer months, many restaurants report higher substitution requests for lighter appetizers.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Based on professional kitchen experience, these techniques elevate your homemade version:

• Squeeze spinach thoroughly: Excess water makes the dip runny—use a clean kitchen towel to press out all liquid
• Finely chop ingredients: Applebee's uses a consistent 1/8-inch dice for both spinach and artichokes
• Room temperature dairy: Cold cream cheese creates lumps—let all dairy ingredients come to room temperature first
• Bake in cast iron: Provides even heating and helps maintain temperature at the table
• Add lemon zest: A small amount (½ tsp) brightens the rich flavors without making it taste citrusy

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Applebee's spinach artichoke dip contain meat or bacon?

No, Applebee's classic spinach artichoke dip does not contain any meat products. The recipe is vegetarian, featuring cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, and cheeses. However, always check with your specific location as some regional variations might exist.

Can I make Applebee's spinach artichoke dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is naturally gluten-free, but Applebee's serves it with tortilla chips that contain corn. For a completely gluten-free experience, verify with your server about preparation methods to ensure no cross-contamination with gluten-containing items in the kitchen.

How does Applebee's keep their spinach artichoke dip so creamy?

Applebee's achieves their signature creaminess through a specific ratio of cream cheese to sour cream (approximately 1:1.25) and by using finely chopped ingredients rather than leaving them in large pieces. They also use a combination of Swiss and Parmesan cheeses which melt smoothly without separating.

What's the best way to reheat leftover spinach artichoke dip?

For best results, reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Stir once halfway through. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the dairy to separate. Add a tablespoon of cream or milk if the dip appears too thick after reheating.