Baked Spinach Dip Recipe

Spinach dip is a classic dish that often makes its way to gatherings and celebrations. When made fresh and baked until golden and bubbly, it becomes a comfort food like no other. The combination of spinach, creamy cheese, and rich seasonings gives it a fantastic depth of flavor, while the warm, melty texture makes it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

This Baked Spinach Dip recipe is perfect for many occasions, from casual family get-togethers to more formal celebrations. Whether you’re serving it at a cocktail party, a football game, or a holiday dinner, this dish will be the star of the appetizer spread. The creamy, cheesy interior pairs beautifully with crispy bread, crackers, and fresh veggies, while the spinach gives it a nutritious boost.

The versatility of this dip is part of its appeal—it can be made with a variety of cheeses, and you can adjust the seasoning to suit your personal preferences. What’s more, this recipe can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving, making it a hassle-free addition to your menu.

The Secret to Creamy Baked Spinach Dip

The secret to a creamy, smooth Baked Spinach Dip lies in the right balance of ingredients and the preparation method. Here are a few tips to ensure that your dip comes out perfectly every time:

1. Thaw and Drain the Spinach: It’s important to thoroughly thaw the spinach and press out any excess water. If you skip this step, the dip will become watery and lose its creamy consistency. You can place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out to get rid of the moisture.

2. Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the richest, creamiest dip, use full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. This will provide the perfect base for the dip, ensuring a smooth, indulgent texture.

3. Grate the Cheese Yourself: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well the cheese melts. For the best results, grate your cheese fresh from the block.

4. Mix Well: Be sure to combine all of the ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumps. The smoother the mixture, the smoother the dip will be when baked.

5. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: For the best results, bake the dip until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden on top. This will ensure the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients and key tips for success, let’s go through the step-by-step process of making Baked Spinach Dip:

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

1. Thaw the Spinach: If using frozen spinach, remove it from the freezer and place it in a colander to drain. Let it thaw completely, then use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to press out as much moisture as possible. This is an important step to avoid a watery dip.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a medium-sized skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

1. Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

2. Add the Cheeses: Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully incorporated into the mixture.

3. Season the Dip: Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture. Mix well.

4. Add the Spinach: Fold the thawed spinach into the cheese and cream mixture. Be sure to incorporate the spinach evenly into the dip.

5. Add the Sautéed Onion and Garlic: Fold in the sautéed onions and garlic for added flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Dip

1. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Transfer the spinach dip mixture to a small baking dish (such as a 9×9-inch square pan or a shallow oval dish). Spread the mixture out evenly.

2. Top with Extra Cheese: If you want an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dip.

3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish and Serve: Once the dip is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or dill, if desired.

2. Serve: Serve the baked spinach dip hot with your favorite dipping options, such as sliced baguette, crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Baked Spinach Dip turns out perfect every time, here are some extra tips:

• Don’t Overbake: Be sure not to overbake the dip, as it could dry out. The dip is done when the cheese is melted, and the top is golden and bubbly.
• Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach is convenient, fresh spinach can be used as well. Sauté the spinach in a pan with a little butter or olive oil until wilted, then chop it finely before adding it to the dip.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dip in advance by mixing everything together and storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. This will save you time on the day of your event.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or cream cheese alternatives, depending on your preference.
• Add Protein: For a heartier dip, add some cooked shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for an added protein boost.

Creative Variations

Here are some ways to make your Baked Spinach Dip even more delicious and unique:

1. Artichoke Spinach Dip: Add chopped canned or frozen artichokes to the dip for an extra layer of flavor and texture. This variation is commonly known as Spinach Artichoke Dip and is a popular twist on the original.

2. Spicy Spinach Dip: Spice things up by adding a bit of diced jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the dip.

3. Bacon Spinach Dip: For a smoky and savory flavor, fold in crumbled crispy bacon.

4. Vegan Spinach Dip: Swap the dairy products for plant-based alternatives such as vegan cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use nutritional yeast to add cheesy flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair your Baked Spinach Dip with various accompaniments to enhance the experience:

• Crusty Baguette: Serve with thick slices of toasted baguette for a satisfying dipper.
• Veggie Sticks: Carrot, cucumber, and celery sticks provide a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the creamy dip.
• Tortilla Chips: A classic dipper for this cheesy dip.
• Crackers: Use a variety of crackers for different textures and flavors.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a family gathering, or just craving something comforting and indulgent, this Baked Spinach Dip will be a hit every time. The creamy, cheesy base paired with the tender spinach and flavorful seasonings creates a dip that’s perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little time in the kitchen, you can create a mouthwatering dip that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Yield: 6-8

Baked Spinach Dip Recipe

Print

Spinach dip is a classic dish that often makes its way to gatherings and celebrations. When made fresh and baked until golden and bubbly, it becomes a comfort food like no other. The combination of spinach, creamy cheese, and rich seasonings gives it a fantastic depth of flavor, while the warm, melty texture makes it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or 4 cups fresh spinach, wilted and drained)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts (optional, for crunch)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Prepare the spinach:
   If using frozen spinach, make sure it's thoroughly thawed and then squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. If using fresh spinach, sauté it until wilted, then drain and chop it.
   
3. Mix the dip:
   In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
   Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
   Gently fold in the spinach and chopped water chestnuts (if using). Make sure everything is well combined.
   
4. Transfer to a baking dish:
   Transfer the dip mixture into a lightly greased 9x9-inch baking dish (or equivalent size).
   
5. Top with cheese:
   Sprinkle a bit more shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
   
6. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
   
7. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• For extra flavor, try adding a little bit of crumbled bacon or sautéed onions to the dip.
• If you're looking for a lower-fat version, you can substitute light cream cheese, Greek yogurt for sour cream, and reduced-fat mayo.
• Serving ideas: Serve with pita chips, crackers, bread slices, or fresh veggies for dipping.
• Freezer-friendly: This dip can be frozen before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.