I love a good party appetizer, especially one that brings back memories of a great meal. And this Creamy Artichoke Dip has quite a story behind it.

Years ago, while in Boca Raton, Florida, my husband and I stopped at a local restaurant owned by none other than Major League Baseball’s all-time hit king, Pete Rose. Being from Cincinnati, we naturally had to check it out. And when our server mentioned that the artichoke dip was one of the restaurant’s most popular appetizers, we just had to give it a try.

Oh my, what a delicious surprise!

The dip was rich, creamy, and loaded with tender artichoke hearts. We were instant fans, and it wasn’t long before we became frequent diners at the restaurant. Truth be told, I think that dip had a little something to do with our repeat visits. And, of course, I wanted to recreate it at home.

Unfortunately, no matter how many times I asked, the chef wasn’t about to share the recipe. But I eventually discovered one important little secret: Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt.

After a few experiments in my own kitchen, I finally came up with a version that was every bit as delicious as the restaurant’s. Maybe even better, and certainly a whole lot cheaper. I’ve been making this dip ever since, and it’s become one of the most requested appetizers at our family gatherings. Whenever someone asks, “Can you make that artichoke dip?” I know exactly which one they’re talking about.

And here’s another little bonus: this recipe eventually inspired my Baked Chicken with Artichokes, which brings those same delicious flavors to an easy family dinner.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the microwave, or oven if you prefer, this is one appetizer that couldn’t be much easier to prepare.

I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does.

It’s a hit every time!

Why You’ll LOVE This Creamy Artichoke Dip

Rich and flavorful. Tender artichoke hearts, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and savory seasonings create a deliciously satisfying dip.
Quick and easy. Just mix the ingredients and warm everything in the microwave. It’s ready in minutes!
Simple ingredients. Only five ingredients are needed, and most are easy to keep on hand.
Perfect for entertaining. A crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Easy to customize: Add jalapeños for a spicy version, use marinated artichokes, or bake it in the oven.

What You’ll Need

Cream cheese – Creates the smooth, rich base of the dip. Full-fat cream cheese gives it the flavor and consistency I prefer.
Artichoke hearts – The star of the recipe. I typically use canned artichoke hearts packed in water, but marinated artichokes work well for a slightly different flavor.
Mayonnaise – Adds richness and helps create a smooth consistency. I recommend using real mayonnaise, preferably Hellmann’s or Duke’s.
Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream cheese and mayonnaise.
Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt – The seasoning that makes this dip so memorable! Its blend of herbs and seasonings adds wonderful savory flavor.
Garlic powder – While optional, this added seasoning brings a little extra depth and complements the artichokes beautifully.

Recipe Tips

Use real mayonnaise. I always recommend real mayonnaise for this recipe. Hellmann’s and Duke’s are my favorites because of their rich flavor and consistency.

Drain the artichokes well. Excess liquid can make the dip watery. Drain the canned artichoke hearts thoroughly before chopping and adding them to the cream cheese mixture.

Try marinated artichokes. While canned artichokes packed in water are my usual choice, marinated artichokes add extra flavor. Drain them well and consider reducing the seasoning slightly since they’re already seasoned.

Don’t skip the Krazy Salt. Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt is the must-have secret ingredient that gives this dip its distinctive flavor. Start with the suggested amount and adjust to taste.

Make it spicy. Add approximately ½ cup of diced jalapeños for a zesty variation. Fresh or jarred jalapeños work well, so use whichever you prefer.

Microwave in intervals. Heating the dip in shorter intervals and stirring between them helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents the edges from becoming overly hot.

Try baking it instead. For an oven-baked version, combine all the ingredients and transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Prepare it ahead of time. Combine the ingredients up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, warm the dip in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.

How to Serve Creamy Artichoke Dip

This artichoke dip is delicious served warm with just about anything you can scoop, spread, or dip into it. I like serving the dip in a decorative bowl with an assortment of dippers arranged around it. It’s simple, inviting, and lets everyone choose their favorites.
Served with tortilla or corn chips is my go-to choice. The salty crunch is a wonderful contrast to the rich, smooth dip.
Serve with an assortment of crackers or toasted pita chips for an easy party appetizer.
Fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, cucumbers, and bell pepper strips add a refreshing crunch.
Warm baguette slices or toasted bread make delicious dippers.
Create a party appetizer spread when served alongside Authentic Tableside Guacamole, Corn & Black Bean Salsa, or other family favorites for game day and gatherings.
Make it a Must-Goes meal by spooning leftover artichoke dip over grilled chicken for a rich, flavorful topping. This is actually what inspired my Baked Chicken with Artichokes recipe.

Food and Drink Pairing Recommendations at Zigeze

Drink Pairings

The richness of the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and artichokes pairs especially well with refreshing drinks that balance the dip’s savory flavors.

Here are some of my favorites:

Stags' Leap Cabernet Sauvignon — Santa Margherita Valdadige Pinot Grigio

FAQs

Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day before serving. When you’re ready, heat the dip in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. Because the mixture starts cold, it may require a little extra warming time.

Yes! Transfer the prepared mixture to a lightly greased 9-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. The oven method works especially well when you’re already preparing other appetizers.

Yes. Add approximately ½ cup of cooked, well-drained chopped spinach to the mixture. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the dip from becoming watery.

Add approximately ½ cup of diced jalapeños, adjusting the amount to your preferred heat level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt is my preferred seasoning because it’s what gives this dip its signature flavor. If you don’t have any, try a small amount of seasoned salt combined with dried herbs. Start lightly and adjust to taste, since different seasoning blends contain varying amounts of salt.

Yes, although the finished dip may have a slightly lighter flavor and less rich consistency. For the smoothest texture, I prefer regular full-fat cream cheese.

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.

Shop The Tools

Ingredients

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese softened
1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts drained and chopped
1 cup real mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder optional

Instructions

Place the cream cheese in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for approximately 20 to 30 seconds, or until softened enough to stir easily.
Add the drained and chopped artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Jane's Krazy Mixed-Up Salt, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until evenly combined.
Microwave on high for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until hot throughout and bubbling around the edges. Microwave times may vary. (If you prefer baking, see notes below.)
Transfer to a serving bowl, if desired, and garnish with chopped artichoke hearts, sliced scallions, or fresh herbs.
Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

For oven method: Transfer the prepared mixture to a lightly greased 9-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for approximately 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. The oven method works especially well when you’re already preparing other appetizers.