How to Make Spinach Dip: Easy Recipe & Serving Ideas
Who doesn’t love a good dip? Whether it’s for game day, a casual get-together, or just a snacky night in, spinach dip is the ultimate go-to. This creamy, cheesy, and savory dip is easy to whip up and never fails to impress a crowd. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it warm, cold, or however you like!
In this post, we’re going to take a deep dive (pun intended) into everything you need to know about making the best spinach dip. From answering your frequently asked questions to offering fun variations and pairing ideas, we’ve got you covered!
Why Spinach Dip?
Spinach dip is one of those appetizers that seems to have universal appeal. It’s a classic that’s made its way to potlucks, holiday parties, and even regular movie nights at home. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, while the spinach adds a bit of “healthy” to the mix—so you can feel slightly better about indulging.
The best part? Spinach dip is easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for entertaining or snacking.
Ingredients for the Creamiest Spinach Dip
This recipe keeps it simple, but feel free to customize to suit your taste buds:
- 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Spinach Dip
It doesn’t get easier than this:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (if you want to bake your dip hot).
- Prepare the spinach: Make sure to drain and squeeze out all the excess water from the thawed spinach. This is key for avoiding a watery dip!
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Fold in the spinach until well combined.
- Bake or chill: For a warm, melty dip, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. If you prefer a cold dip, simply transfer it to the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Pair it with your favorite chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, and dig in!
Spinach Dip FAQ
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh spinach, simply blanch it first. You’ll need about 6 cups of fresh spinach to equal the 10 ounces of frozen spinach. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for about a minute, then drain and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Can I make spinach dip ahead of time?
Yes, spinach dip is perfect for prepping in advance. You can prepare it the day before and either chill it in the fridge or bake it just before serving. If you’re making a warm version, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven!
How do I reheat spinach dip?
Reheating is a breeze. If your spinach dip has been refrigerated, you can pop it back into the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Is spinach dip keto-friendly?
It can be! Most of the ingredients in this recipe (spinach, cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese) are keto-friendly, but mayonnaise often contains sugars and additives that may not align with a strict keto diet. Simply swap out the mayo for more cream cheese or sour cream to make it keto-approved.
Can I make it vegan?
Definitely! Swap the cream cheese and sour cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives. Vegan cheeses work well here, especially cashew-based or almond-based cream cheeses. Just be sure to check the consistency, as some non-dairy options might be a bit thinner than dairy-based ones.
Variations on Spinach Dip
One of the best things about spinach dip is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun variations to try out:
1. Spinach Artichoke Dip
This classic variation adds artichokes to the mix, giving the dip extra texture and a slightly tangy flavor. Use one can of artichokes (drained and chopped) and fold them in along with the spinach.
2. Cheesy Spinach Bacon Dip
If you’re a bacon lover, this one’s for you. Cook and crumble 6-8 slices of bacon and mix them into the dip before baking. The bacon adds a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
3. Spicy Spinach Dip
Want a little kick? Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dip for a spicy variation. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
4. Spinach and Feta Dip
Give your dip a Mediterranean flair by substituting half the mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese. Feta adds a tangy twist that contrasts nicely with the richness of the dip.
5. Avocado Spinach Dip
For a lighter, fresher take, blend in a ripe avocado or two for a creamy, green spin on the dip. This works particularly well if you’re serving the dip cold, as the avocado adds extra creaminess without the need for too much cheese.
What to Pair with Spinach Dip
Now that you’ve got your dip ready, let’s talk about what to serve with it! Spinach dip is super versatile, and it pairs well with a variety of dippers. Here are a few crowd-pleasers:
1. Tortilla Chips
A classic choice. The salty crunch of tortilla chips is the perfect complement to the creamy spinach dip.
2. Pita Bread
Warm, soft pita bread or pita chips work wonderfully for scooping up that dip. It adds a nice Mediterranean vibe to your snack spread.
3. Crackers
Whether you go for buttery Ritz crackers or sturdy wheat crackers, they’re ideal for holding up to the thick, cheesy dip.
4. Fresh Veggies
If you want to keep things on the lighter side, opt for sliced veggies like carrots, celery, cucumber, and bell peppers. They provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich dip.
5. Bread Bowl
Feeling fancy? Serve your spinach dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl. Not only does it make for a great presentation, but guests can also tear off pieces of the bread to enjoy with the dip!
Storing and Freezing Spinach Dip
How to Store Spinach Dip
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dip usually gets devoured!), you can store spinach dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cool the dip completely before refrigerating.
Can You Freeze Spinach Dip?
Yes, you can freeze spinach dip, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Dairy-based dips can sometimes separate or become grainy after freezing, but if you don’t mind a slight change in texture, spinach dip can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To freeze, place the cooled dip in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, pressing out any excess air. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the dip in the fridge overnight. If the texture seems off after thawing, you can reheat it and stir in a bit of extra cream cheese or sour cream to bring it back to life.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making it for a party, a snack, or just because, this spinach dip is sure to be a hit! With its creamy, cheesy goodness and endless customization options, it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and time again. And remember, you can serve it warm or cold, pair it with a variety of dippers, and store leftovers easily for later.
So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself making a double batch next time—because let’s face it, one is never enough!
Creamy Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- 10 oz spinach, frozen thawed and drained
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Drain and squeeze the thawed spinach to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Fold in the spinach until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve warm with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Add artichokes for a classic spinach artichoke dip.
- Mix in crispy bacon for a salty, smoky twist.
- Spice it up with chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.