Spinach Artichoke Bites are the perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and golden, flaky crescent dough. Created by Lil’ Luna, these delightful appetizers transform the classic spinach artichoke dip into a bite-sized treat that’s both convenient and elegant. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a game-day spread, or looking for a new favorite finger food, these bites deliver all the rich flavors you crave in just 20 minutes.
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Spinach Artichoke Bites
Their appeal lies in their simplicity—easy to prepare yet impressive to serve. The combination of creamy spinach and artichoke filling paired with melted mozzarella and buttery crescent dough makes them an irresistible addition to any party. Now, let’s dive into what makes these bites so special and how to prepare them to perfection.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups frozen spinach: Chopped and thawed for a rich, earthy base
6 ounces artichoke hearts: Drained and chopped, offering tangy, briny notes
½ teaspoon minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the filling
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese: A savory umami boost to complement the vegetables
4 ounces cream cheese: Softened to create a creamy, luxurious texture
¾ cup mozzarella cheese: Divided; half for the filling, half for a gooey topping
½ teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes: Enhances the flavors with a herby touch
Black pepper: To taste; balances the richness with subtle spice
1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated seamless crescent dough: A flaky, buttery crust to encase the filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake your bites to golden perfection.
- In a mixing bowl, combine thawed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Blend in softened cream cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to create a creamy mixture. Season with garlic salt and black pepper to taste. Set the filling aside while preparing the dough.
- On a clean surface, use a rolling pin to stretch the crescent dough into an 8×12-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 24 even squares, approximately 2×2 inches each.
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking. Place one dough square into each slot, gently pressing down to form an indent. Note that the dough does not need to perfectly mold to the tin; it will take shape during baking.
- Scoop about one teaspoon of the spinach-artichoke filling into each crescent square. Gently press the filling into the dough.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of the cups for an extra layer of gooey, golden topping.
- Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown. Once baked, allow the bites to cool in the tin for 5–10 minutes before removing them to avoid crumbling.
- Serve these appetizers warm and watch them disappear from the tray in no time!
Notes
Thoroughly drain the spinach and artichokes. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy filling. Use paper towels to press out as much liquid as possible.
Seamless crescent dough works best. If seamless dough isn’t available, regular crescent rolls will work. Simply press the perforations together to form a solid sheet.
Add extra seasoning if desired. A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or onion powder for a slight twist can elevate the flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Their appeal lies in their simplicity—easy to prepare yet impressive to serve. The combination of creamy spinach and artichoke filling paired with melted mozzarella and buttery crescent dough makes them an irresistible addition to any party. Now, let’s dive into what makes these bites so special and how to prepare them to perfection.
Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need for this recipe:
2 cups frozen spinach: Chopped and thawed for a rich, earthy base
6 ounces artichoke hearts: Drained and chopped, offering tangy, briny notes
½ teaspoon minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the filling
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese: A savory umami boost to complement the vegetables
4 ounces cream cheese: Softened to create a creamy, luxurious texture
¾ cup mozzarella cheese: Divided; half for the filling, half for a gooey topping
½ teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes: Enhances the flavors with a herby touch
Black pepper: To taste; balances the richness with subtle spice
1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated seamless crescent dough: A flaky, buttery crust to encase the filling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake your bites to golden perfection.
- In a mixing bowl, combine thawed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Blend in softened cream cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to create a creamy mixture. Season with garlic salt and black pepper to taste. Set the filling aside while preparing the dough.
- On a clean surface, use a rolling pin to stretch the crescent dough into an 8×12-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 24 even squares, approximately 2×2 inches each.
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking. Place one dough square into each slot, gently pressing down to form an indent. Note that the dough does not need to perfectly mold to the tin; it will take shape during baking.
- Scoop about one teaspoon of the spinach-artichoke filling into each crescent square. Gently press the filling into the dough.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of the cups for an extra layer of gooey, golden topping.
- Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown. Once baked, allow the bites to cool in the tin for 5–10 minutes before removing them to avoid crumbling.
- Serve these appetizers warm and watch them disappear from the tray in no time!
Flavor and Texture Profile
The Spinach Artichoke Bites deliver an impressive blend of flavors and textures in a single bite
Flaky Crust: The crescent dough bakes into a buttery, golden shell that cradles the creamy filling
Creamy Filling: The spinach, artichoke, and cheeses melt together for a rich, indulgent taste
Cheesy Topping: The mozzarella topping turns perfectly gooey, adding a delicious stretch with every bite
Each bite offers a satisfying contrast between the crisp, flaky exterior and the velvety, flavorful filling.
Tips for Success
Thoroughly drain the spinach and artichokes. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy filling. Use paper towels to press out as much liquid as possible.
Seamless crescent dough works best. If seamless dough isn’t available, regular crescent rolls will work. Simply press the perforations together to form a solid sheet.
Add extra seasoning if desired. A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or onion powder for a slight twist can elevate the flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Cheese Alternatives: Swap mozzarella for fontina or Gruyère for a gourmet twist
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mozzarella shreds. Substitute the crescent dough with a vegan-friendly option
Add Protein: Incorporate cooked, crumbled bacon or diced chicken into the filling for a hearty upgrade
Serving Suggestions
Pair these bites with a fresh vegetable platter or a light salad for a balanced appetizer spread.
Serve with dips. Marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli work beautifully to enhance the flavors.
For a festive presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: These bites take only 20 minutes from start to finish, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: The classic spinach-artichoke combination is a hit with all age groups.
Customizable: With so many ways to tweak the recipe, it’s easy to make it your own.
Spinach Artichoke Bites are a versatile, delicious addition to any appetizer lineup. Their portability, rich flavors, and effortless preparation make them a must-have for your next party or casual get-together. Try them out and wow your guests!