If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, this Spinach Dip Cheese recipe is about to become your new go-to for every gathering, game night, or cozy weekend in. Imagine a bubbling, golden-brown top giving way to a creamy, cheesy center loaded with savory spinach and just the right touch of garlic. Whether you’re scooping it up with crunchy bread, crisp veggies, or your favorite crackers, this dip is pure comfort in every bite. The best part? It’s easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making batch after batch of Spinach Dip Cheese!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients come together to create such a rich, flavorful appetizer. Each one plays a starring role in achieving that irresistible taste, velvety texture, and vibrant color that makes Spinach Dip Cheese stand out.
- Olive oil: Sautéing your onions and garlic in olive oil adds depth and brings out their natural sweetness.
- Onion (finely chopped): Gives the dip a subtle sweetness and hearty base flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant, savory note that makes the dip extra inviting.
- Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained): The star of the show—make sure it’s well-drained for the best texture!
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides a luscious, creamy foundation that holds everything together.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and lightness, keeping the dip from feeling too heavy.
- Mayonnaise: Gives an ultra-smooth texture and a little extra richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature stretchy, gooey bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick and helps brown the top to perfection.
- Salt: Just the right amount brings all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and a touch of earthiness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little zing—totally adjustable!
How to Make Spinach Dip Cheese
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they’re soft, translucent, and fragrant—about 3 minutes. This step is key for building that delicious depth of flavor that sets Spinach Dip Cheese apart from the rest.
Step 2: Add the Spinach
Next, stir in the well-drained, chopped spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes, just until everything is heated through and any excess moisture evaporates. This helps the dip stay thick and creamy, never watery. The spinach should look vibrant and evenly combined with the aromatics.
Step 3: Blend the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer to beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This luscious base is what makes Spinach Dip Cheese so irresistibly rich.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the spinach mixture to your creamy base, along with the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix until thoroughly combined and the cheese is evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick but spreadable, with plenty of cheesy goodness in every scoop.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. That beautiful crust is a sure sign your Spinach Dip Cheese is ready! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets slightly—then dig in while it’s warm and melty.
How to Serve Spinach Dip Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top adds color and a finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes. If you like a bit of heat, a dash more red pepper flakes can give your Spinach Dip Cheese a playful kick.
Side Dishes
This dip shines brightest alongside a platter of toasted baguette slices, crunchy pita chips, or a rainbow of fresh vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sturdy potato chips or warm breadsticks are perfect vehicles for every luscious scoop of Spinach Dip Cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Spinach Dip Cheese in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece. Mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins are fun for personal portions—ideal for parties or game nights. You can even spoon the dip onto crostini and broil for a few minutes for bite-sized, irresistible appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Spinach Dip Cheese left over, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an easy snack or sandwich spread the next day.
Freezing
Spinach Dip Cheese freezes surprisingly well. Let the dip cool completely, then wrap tightly or pack into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works perfectly too—just stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh baby spinach until wilted, then chop and drain any excess moisture before adding it to your Spinach Dip Cheese mixture.
What’s the best way to drain frozen spinach?
After thawing, wrap the spinach in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze firmly over the sink. Removing as much water as possible keeps your Spinach Dip Cheese thick and creamy.
Can I make Spinach Dip Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving for that freshly melted, gooey cheese topping.
Is there a lighter version of this dip?
For a lighter Spinach Dip Cheese, swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella. The dip stays creamy and full of flavor, just with a little less indulgence.
How can I add more flavor?
Feel free to stir in chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. Spinach Dip Cheese is wonderfully versatile and easy to personalize!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a bubbling dish of Spinach Dip Cheese—every scoop brings comfort and smiles. Whether you’re serving it at a party or cozying up with a movie, this dip is always a hit. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request from friends and family!
Print
Spinach Dip Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and cheesy baked spinach dip is a perfect appetizer for parties and gatherings. Made with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, combined with sautéed spinach, onions, and garlic, this dip is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Serve warm with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
Dairy and Condiments
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the spinach dip.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Spinach: Stir in the drained chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and excess moisture to evaporate.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise together until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in Spinach and Cheeses: Add the cooked spinach mixture, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything until well combined and evenly incorporated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dip to cool slightly before serving with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, consider adding chopped artichoke hearts to the dip.
- To lighten the recipe, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream without compromising creaminess.
- You can prepare this dip ahead of time by mixing all ingredients, refrigerating, and baking just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
