Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups make a tasty, small bite that people love. These little cups hold a warm, creamy dip that mixes spinach, artichokes, and cheese in crisp phyllo shells. They work great as a snack or party starter. If you like quick finger foods, try pairing them with an easy air-fry side like air-fry sweet and sour chicken for a full spread.
Why make this recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes once you have the phyllo ready.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common dairy, spinach, and jarred artichokes.
- Party Perfect: Small, single-serve cups are easy for guests to grab.
- Flavor Balance: Creamy cheese and tangy artichoke pair well with garlic and Parmesan.
- Crowd Pleaser: Warm, cheesy bites that please adults and kids.
This version stands out because the phyllo cups give a crisp shell that keeps the dip light and neat. You get the same creamy filling as classic dip but in tidy, bite-size form, which makes serving and eating simpler.
Ingredients Needed
For the phyllo cups:
- 1/2 package phyllo dough — thawed and kept covered so it does not dry out.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — to brush between phyllo layers.
For the filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese — softened so it mixes easily.
- 1/4 cup sour cream — adds tang and smoothness.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella — melts and strings nicely.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan — for sharp, salty flavor.
- 1 cup fresh spinach — chopped and wilted before mixing.
- 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts — drained and chopped.
- 1 clove garlic — minced for fresh flavor.
- Salt and pepper — to taste.
Tip: If you want a faster prep, use pre-chopped spinach or thawed frozen spinach that you squeeze dry. Serve these cups with simple sides like baked potatoes or small bites — try a quick recipe for baked potatoes here: baked potatoes in microwave and air fryer.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Chop and sauté spinach until wilted; set aside.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, spinach, and artichokes; season with salt and pepper.
- Layer 4–5 phyllo sheets, brushing each with olive oil.
- Cut layered phyllo into squares and press into a muffin tin.
- Spoon the dip mixture into each phyllo cup.
- Bake 18–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Make Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups
- Preheat the oven and prep phyllo: Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C). Keep the phyllo covered with a damp cloth so it does not dry out. This keeps sheets flexible for layering.
- Cook the spinach: Chop the fresh spinach. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a pan, add spinach and cook until it is wilted and bright green, about 1–2 minutes. Squeeze out extra water. This step prevents soggy filling.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and mix. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, wilted spinach, and chopped artichoke hearts. Season with salt and pepper. Aim for a thick, scoopable filling.
- Build phyllo layers: Lay 4–5 phyllo sheets on a clean surface. Brush each sheet lightly with olive oil as you stack. The oil helps the layers crisp and brown evenly.
- Cut and shape cups: Cut the stacked phyllo into squares roughly 3×3 inches. Gently press each square into the cups of a muffin tin, shaping a small shell. Work carefully so the sheets do not tear.
- Fill the cups: Spoon the prepared filling into each phyllo shell, leaving a small gap at the top so the filling can bubble without spilling.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake 18–20 minutes. Look for golden brown edges on the phyllo and bubbling cheese in the filling.
- Rest and serve: Let the cups cool in the tin for 3–5 minutes before lifting out. This helps them firm up and avoids burning hands.
How to serve Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups
- Serve warm on a platter with toothpicks or small forks.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Pair with fresh veggies, crackers, or small toasted bread slices.
- Plate them on a napkin-lined tray to keep the bottom crisp.
How to store Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups
- Fridge: Place cooled cups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes to crisp the phyllo.
- Freezer: Not ideal for long-term freezing because phyllo can sog. You can freeze the filling alone for up to 1 month; thaw and bake in fresh phyllo cups.
- Reheat: Use an oven or toaster oven to keep the shells crisp. Avoid microwaving, which makes phyllo soggy.
Tips to make Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups
- Keep phyllo covered with a damp towel while you work to stop it from drying.
- Squeeze excess water from spinach and artichokes to avoid a runny filling.
- Use room-temp cream cheese so it mixes smooth with no lumps.
- Light brush of oil between sheets gives even browning and flake.
- Fill cups just to the top — overfilling can spill during baking.
Variation
- Add cooked, chopped bacon for a smoky twist.
- Stir in a pinch of nutmeg for warm depth.
- Swap phyllo for small wonton wrappers for sturdier cups.
- Make a vegetarian version by keeping the recipe as is (it is already meat-free).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes. Thaw frozen spinach fully and squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing. This prevents the filling from becoming watery.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can if you use gluten-free phyllo or a gluten-free cup shell. Check labels, as not all phyllo brands are gluten-free. Wonton wrappers are usually not gluten-free.
How do I stop the phyllo from burning on the edges?
Brush oil evenly and avoid very high oven racks. If edges brown too fast, cover lightly with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The filled cups do not freeze well because phyllo gets soggy. Freeze the filling instead, and bake fresh cups from thawed filling.
Can I prepare ahead of time?
Yes. Make the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake just before serving for best crispness.
Conclusion
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups are a simple, tasty snack that looks special and takes little time to make. You get warm, cheesy filling inside a crisp phyllo shell — a real crowd favorite. Try the small change of using wonton-style wrappers if you want a firmer base; for a related idea, see this take on wonton cups: Spinach-Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups – Just a Taste. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — and tell us what twist you made. What flavor variation will you try next?

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups
Ingredients
For the phyllo cups
- 1/2 package phyllo dough — thawed and kept covered so it does not dry out
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — to brush between phyllo layers
For the filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese — softened so it mixes easily
- 1/4 cup sour cream adds tang and smoothness
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella melts and strings nicely
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for sharp, salty flavor
- 1 cup fresh spinach — chopped and wilted before mixing
- 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts — drained and chopped
- 1 clove garlic — minced for fresh flavor
- Salt and pepper — to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Chop and sauté spinach until wilted, about 1-2 minutes; set aside.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, spinach, and artichokes; season with salt and pepper.
- Layer 4-5 phyllo sheets, brushing each with olive oil.
- Cut layered phyllo into squares and press into a muffin tin.
Baking
- Spoon the dip mixture into each phyllo cup.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.