What are the ingredients in Applebees spinach and artichoke dip?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to numerous copycat recipes and online ingredient breakdowns, the core ingredients in the creamy, hot Applebees spinach and artichoke dip are canned artichoke hearts, frozen spinach, a blend of cheeses, and a base of Alfredo sauce and cream cheese. This combination gives the dip its signature rich and savory profile that many have sought to replicate at home.

Quick Summary

This article details the key components of the beloved Applebees spinach and artichoke dip, revealing the creamy base ingredients, the types of cheeses used, and the essential seasonings that create its unique flavor profile. It examines how to make a popular copycat version using easy-to-find alternatives to achieve a nearly identical taste and texture at home.

Key Points

Creamy Base: The signature creaminess of Applebees spinach and artichoke dip comes from a blend of Alfredo sauce and softened cream cheese.
Cheese Combination: A key component is the mix of cheeses, typically including mozzarella for gooeyness and Parmesan and Romano for a sharper, savory flavor.
Essential Vegetables: Canned artichoke hearts provide a tangy, briny component, while thawed and drained frozen spinach adds a classic earthy flavor.
Flavor Boosters: Seasonings like minced garlic and onion powder are crucial for replicating the restaurant's aromatic and savory profile.
Copycat Variations: While the restaurant version may contain industrial stabilizers, homemade copycat recipes simplify the process using readily available ingredients like jarred Alfredo sauce.
Prevent Watery Dip: A critical technique for making the dip at home is thoroughly draining and squeezing the moisture out of the thawed spinach.
Lump-Free Texture: Using softened, room-temperature cream cheese is essential for achieving a smooth, homogenous base without any clumps.

Unveiling the Creamy Base and Key Flavors

Many copycat recipes for Applebees spinach and artichoke dip use a creamy base of Alfredo sauce and softened cream cheese, providing a rich foundation. The softened cream cheese helps create a thick consistency, perfect for dipping. Some homemade versions may also include sour cream or mayonnaise for added tang.

The Cheesy Heart of the Dip

A blend of cheeses is vital for the dip's flavor and texture. Popular choices in copycat recipes include Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella. Parmesan adds a salty depth, Romano offers a sharper note, and mozzarella provides gooeyness. Some analyses of the restaurant's dip also suggest the use of Asiago cheese.

The Vegetables and Seasonings

The dip includes canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped, and frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry to prevent excess moisture. Minced garlic and onion powder are common seasonings for flavor, with some recipes recommending roasted garlic Alfredo sauce or black pepper for taste.

Comparison of Authentic vs. Copycat Ingredients

While homemade copycat recipes simplify the ingredients, the official restaurant version may contain additional components for consistency and shelf-life.


Ingredient Category	Authentic Applebees (from analysis)	Popular Copycat Recipe
Creamy Base	Water, Soybean Oil, Modified Corn Starch, Nonfat Dry Milk, Butter Flavor	Alfredo Sauce (jarred), Cream Cheese (softened)
Cheeses	Asiago, Romano, Mozzarella, Parmesan	Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano
Vegetables	Canned Artichoke Hearts, Spinach	Canned Artichoke Hearts, Frozen Spinach
Seasonings	Dehydrated Onion, Dehydrated Garlic, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Sugar, Spices, Turmeric	Minced Garlic, Onion Powder, Black Pepper
Additional	Citric Acid, Natamycin, Sodium Polyphosphate	No major additional stabilizers

The authentic version often uses a proprietary seasoning blend and stabilizers, while copycat versions use pantry staples.

Perfecting Your Homemade Applebees-Style Dip

To make a delicious homemade version, proper technique is important. Ensure spinach is well-drained and cream cheese is softened for a smooth consistency. Using a roasted garlic Alfredo sauce or adding smoked paprika can enhance the flavor. Serve the dip warm with dippers like tortilla chips or toasted bread.

Conclusion: A Culinary Investigation Leads to Satisfaction

Understanding what are the ingredients in Applebees spinach and artichoke dip reveals a combination of accessible ingredients that create its popular flavor. The creamy base, cheese blend, and vegetables are key components that make it possible to replicate this appetizer at home. While the restaurant version has stabilizers, a homemade copycat can be equally satisfying. Home cooks can recreate this dish using readily available ingredients and proper technique. For more detailed copycat recipes, numerous culinary websites offer versions.

How to make homemade Applebees spinach artichoke dip

Numerous copycat recipes are available online. A typical approach involves combining Alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, drained spinach and artichoke hearts, a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses, and minced garlic. After mixing the ingredients, transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serving warm with dippers is recommended. For specific instructions and ingredient quantities, refer to detailed copycat recipes like those found on {Link: Seasonal Cookbook https://www.seasonalcookbook.com/copycat-applebees-spinach-artichoke-dip/}.

Expert tips

Dry the Spinach: Thoroughly squeeze thawed spinach to prevent a watery dip.
Use Room Temp Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is soft for a smooth base.
Enhance Flavor: Use roasted garlic Alfredo or add smoked paprika for depth.
Broil for a Crust: Briefly broil at the end for a golden cheese topping.
Adjust Consistency: Add milk or cream if the dip is too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

The creamy dip at Applebees uses a blend of cheeses. Based on various copycat recipes and ingredient analyses, it includes mozzarella for a stretchy texture and parmesan and romano for savory depth. Some restaurant-specific analyses also mention Asiago.

The secret to the dip's creaminess lies in its base sauce, which is a combination of prepared Alfredo sauce and softened cream cheese. The pre-made sauce provides a rich flavor foundation, and the cream cheese adds body and thickness.

Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but you will need to wilt it first and then drain it very well. Thawed and squeezed frozen spinach is often preferred for copycat recipes because it has a more concentrated flavor and less moisture, but fresh works with proper preparation.

A watery dip is most commonly caused by excess moisture from the spinach or artichokes. To prevent this, ensure you thaw frozen spinach completely and squeeze all the excess water out. Patting drained canned artichoke hearts dry can also help.

The dip is best served warm with sturdy dippers that can hold the thick, cheesy mixture. Popular choices include tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery.

Yes, many copycat recipes can be adapted for a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through and bubbly. This method is great for keeping the dip warm at parties.

Yes, the Applebees spinach and artichoke dip is vegetarian. The standard recipe uses only vegetables and cheeses, with no meat products. However, cross-contamination is possible in a restaurant setting, so those with strict dietary concerns should inquire directly.