Best Spinach Dip Recipe

Introduction

This best spinach dip recipe is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for gatherings or a cozy snack. With fresh spinach and a blend of cheeses, it’s warm, comforting, and easy to prepare. Serve it with bread or veggies for an irresistible appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 10 oz fresh spinach (coarsely chopped)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chopped garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (recommended: Sartori for melting)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• Nonstick spray
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Start by steaming or sautéing the spinach until wilted. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then wring out all the excess water to avoid a watery dip. Coarsely chop the spinach and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Coat a small baking dish or skillet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cooked spinach, garlic, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
4. Step 4: Spread the spinach mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring an even layer over the dip.
5. Step 5: Bake the dip for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Then switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the top cheese is lightly browned.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness. Serve warm with bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the mixture.
• Use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available; just be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water thoroughly.
• Try swapping half the mozzarella for Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
• To make it lighter, substitute half the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store any leftover spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The dip may thicken slightly when chilled; stir in a little sour cream or milk when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this spinach dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients and assemble the dip in the baking dish a few hours ahead, then refrigerate. Just bake it when ready to serve.

What can I serve with spinach dip?

Spinach dip pairs well with sliced baguette, pita chips, crackers, fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery, or even crispy tortilla chips for dipping.

Best Spinach Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 83 reviews

This best spinach dip recipe features a creamy blend of fresh spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella baked to bubbly perfection with a golden browned top. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or casual snacking, combining fresh greens with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs for savory flavor.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Herbs

• 10 oz fresh spinach (coarsely chopped)
• 1 tsp chopped garlic (freshly minced)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Cheeses

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided, recommend Sartori for melting)

Seasonings

• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Other

• nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach: Steam or sauté the fresh spinach until wilted, then allow it to cool slightly. Thoroughly wring out all the excess water to prevent the dip from being watery. Coarsely chop the spinach and set aside.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a small baking dish or skillet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cooked spinach, freshly minced garlic, salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the Dip: Spread the spinach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top the mixture with the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, covering it evenly for a nice cheese layer.
5. Bake and Broil: Bake the dip at 375°F for about 20 minutes until bubbling and the cheese has melted thoroughly. Then switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese on top browns lightly and becomes golden.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven once the cheese has browned to your liking. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh garnish. Serve the warm spinach dip with bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.

Notes

• Wringing out the spinach thoroughly is key to avoid a watery dip.
• Softening cream cheese to room temperature ensures easier mixing and a smoother texture.
• You can steam or sauté the spinach depending on preference for quicker cooking or more flavor.
• Use a good melting mozzarella like Sartori for best cheese texture.
• Broiling at the end gives a beautiful golden top but watch closely to prevent burning.

Keywords: spinach dip, spinach appetizer, baked spinach dip, cheesy spinach dip, party dip, easy appetizer