Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip

If you have ever sat down at Olive Garden and started your meal with a warm, creamy bowl of Spinach Artichoke Dip, you already know why it keeps people coming back. It is one of the most popular items on the appetizer menu, and for good reason. Whether you are planning your next visit, curious about the ingredients, or trying to recreate that same rich flavor at home, this guide covers everything you need.

By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly what goes into the Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip, how to make a spot-on copycat version, what makes it taste so good, and a few tricks to take it even further.

Price	Calories
$11.49	1160

What Is the Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip?

The Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip is a warm, creamy appetizer made from a blend of tender spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, and a rich cheese base. It is served piping hot alongside toasted breadsticks, making it a shareable starter that pairs perfectly with the unlimited soup and salad combo.

On the current Olive Garden Appetizers Menu, the Spinach Artichoke Dip is priced at $11.49 and clocks in at 1,160 calories. For catering or group events, a larger portion serving 4 to 6 people is available at $22.79 with 2,310 calories.

It sits alongside other fan-favorite starters like Fried Mozzarella, Stuffed Ziti Fritta, and Lasagna Fritta, but the Spinach Artichoke Dip consistently stands out for its hearty, comforting flavor.

Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip Review: Is It Worth It?

Short answer: yes, especially if you love a dip that is more substantial than your average party spread.

What sets it apart from generic versions is the balance between the earthiness of the spinach, the slight tanginess of the artichokes, and the depth that comes from a well-seasoned cheese sauce. It does not taste watery or thin. The texture is thick and scoopable, and the cheese is melted throughout rather than sitting on top as an afterthought.

The toasted breadsticks that come with it are ideal for dipping. They have just enough crunch to hold up to the thick dip without breaking apart. Some people also enjoy it with pita chips or tortilla chips if they want something extra crunchy.

One honest note: the calorie count is on the higher side at 1,160 calories for a single serving. If you are watching your intake, this is more of an occasional treat than a regular starter. That said, it is designed for sharing, and splitting it between two people makes it a very reasonable choice before any of the Olive Garden Classic Entrees.

Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip Ingredients

While Olive Garden does not publish the exact proprietary recipe, the dip is made from a well-known combination of ingredients that home cooks have studied and recreated with great success. The core olive garden spinach artichoke dip ingredients include:

• Frozen or fresh spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
• Canned or jarred artichoke hearts (chopped)
• Cream cheese (the base that creates the creamy texture)
• Sour cream or mayonnaise (adds tang and smoothness)
• Parmesan cheese (for depth and saltiness)
• Mozzarella cheese (melts into the dip for stretch and richness)
• Garlic (minced fresh or garlic powder)
• Salt and black pepper
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)

The quality of the artichoke hearts matters more than most people realize. Marinated artichokes add a slightly briny, savory note that plain canned artichokes lack. If you can find the marinated variety, use them.

Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe: Make It at Home

How Do You Make Spinach Dip?

Making a spinach artichoke dip at home is straightforward. The key steps are softening the cream cheese, folding in the other ingredients, and baking or warming until bubbly. Here is a reliable copycat version of the Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe:

Ingredients (serves 4 to 6):

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, and minced garlic. Mix until fully combined.
4. Fold in the squeezed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
8. Serve immediately with breadsticks, tortilla chips, or pita wedges.

This version comes very close to the restaurant experience. The trick with the spinach is to squeeze out every drop of moisture. Wet spinach will make the dip loose and watery rather than thick and creamy.

For more information on how the restaurant version fits into the broader menu, the full Olive Garden Menu with Prices is a helpful reference for planning your next visit or comparing options.

What to Serve With Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip

At the restaurant, the dip comes with toasted breadsticks. At home, you have more options. The best dippers are those that can hold up to the thick consistency of the dip without getting soggy.

Best options for Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip chips and dippers:

• Thick tortilla chips (the sturdier the better)
• Toasted baguette slices
• Pita chips or warm pita wedges
• Breadsticks (store-bought or homemade)
• Crackers (choose a thicker variety)
• Sliced bell peppers or celery if you want a lighter option

If you are hosting a group and pairing this dip with a larger meal, consider adding it alongside other starters. At Olive Garden, it works beautifully as part of a larger shared appetizer spread before ordering from the Olive Garden Family Style Meals section.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Nutrition Facts

Nutrients	Amount
Calories	1160
Calories from Fat	730
Saturated Fat (g)	81
Total Fat (g)	21
Trans Fat (g)	1
Cholesterol (mg)	70
Sodium (mg)	2440
Total Carbs (g)	75
Dietary Fiber (g)	7
Sugar (g)	8
Protein (g)	33

What Can You Add to Spinach Artichoke Dip to Make It Taste Better?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer depends on what the dip is missing for you. Here are some proven upgrades:

To add more richness: Stir in a tablespoon of cream or swap half the sour cream for Greek yogurt. Both add complexity without overwhelming the other flavors.

To add more savory depth: Mix in a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of white miso paste. These add umami without announcing themselves.

To add more heat: Red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeno all work well. Start small and taste as you go.

To add a smoky note: A pinch of smoked paprika gives the dip a subtle warmth that makes it taste more layered.

To add more cheese flavor: Increase the Parmesan, or replace some of the mozzarella with Gruyere or fontina. Both melt beautifully and bring a more complex cheese flavor.

To improve texture: Make sure the spinach is completely dry and chop the artichoke hearts finely rather than leaving them in large chunks. This creates a more consistent bite throughout the dip.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is under-seasoning. The cream cheese base can mute salt, so taste the mixture before baking and adjust accordingly.

Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip at Catering Events

If you are ordering from Olive Garden for a group gathering, the catering-size Spinach Artichoke Dip is an excellent crowd-pleaser. At $22.79 and serving 4 to 6 guests, it delivers strong value compared to the single-serving option.

It pairs well with other catering appetizers and works as a starter before the main event of pasta pans or family-style bundles. You can find the full catering lineup on the Olive Garden Catering Menu.

If you are planning a larger gathering where the dip needs to stretch further, consider making the homemade version above. Doubling the recipe costs a fraction of the restaurant price and can easily feed 10 to 12 people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Olive Garden still serve Spinach Artichoke Dip?

Yes. The Spinach Artichoke Dip is currently on the Olive Garden appetizers menu, priced at $11.49 for a single serving. A catering portion is also available.

How many calories are in the Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip?

The single restaurant serving contains 1,160 calories. The catering portion (serves 4 to 6) contains 2,310 calories total.

Is Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip vegetarian?

Yes. The dip contains no meat. It is made from spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and other cheeses. Always confirm with your server if you have strict dietary needs.

What chips or dippers does Olive Garden serve with the Spinach Artichoke Dip?

At the restaurant, the dip is served with toasted breadsticks. At home, tortilla chips, pita wedges, and sliced baguette all work well.

Can I order Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip for a party?

Yes. Olive Garden offers a larger catering-size portion that serves 4 to 6 people. It can be ordered through the catering section of their menu or online through OliveGarden.com.

Final Thoughts

The Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip earns its place as one of the most beloved items on the appetizer menu. It is creamy, hearty, and satisfying in a way that simpler dips simply are not. Whether you enjoy it at the restaurant, order it for a catering event, or recreate it at home with the recipe above, it delivers every time.

If you are planning your next Olive Garden visit and want to see everything available before you go, check the full Olive Garden Appetizers Menu with Prices for current options and pricing. And if you want to explore the broader menu, the complete Olive Garden Menu and Prices is updated regularly for 2026.

For further inspiration on creamy dip recipes and variations, the resource guide at Serious Eats offers detailed techniques for perfecting cheese-based dips at home.