Hi, I’m Dulcia. I love a simple, creamy dip that comes together quickly and dazzles a crowd. This baked creamy spinach dip is one of my go-to party snacks because it is rich, comforting, and effortless.
Origins
Spinach dips in their many forms are beloved in American entertaining. Hot baked spinach dip, often made with cream cheese and sour cream, became popular in the mid to late 20th century. For more on spinach itself, see the spinach entry on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinach. For basic guidance on food safety and nutrition, the USDA is a helpful resource: https://www.usda.gov/topics/food-and-nutrition.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 10 ounces frozen spinach (thawed, rinsed, and drained)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch black pepper (to taste)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8 baking dish (or similar size) with cooking spray, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, blend together sour cream and cream cheese until thick and smooth.
- Add spinach, Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried minced onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to bowl, then stir until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer spinach dip to prepared baking dish and smooth it out to an even layer.
- Bake spinach dip for 10 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted.
- Serve as desired.
Creamy Spinach Dip
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy baked spinach dip made with sour cream, cream cheese, Monterey Jack and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 10 ounces frozen spinach (thawed, rinsed, and drained)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch black pepper (to taste)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350?F. Spray an 8×8 baking dish (or similar size) with cooking spray, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, blend together sour cream and cream cheese until thick and smooth.
- Add spinach, Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried minced onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to bowl, then stir until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer spinach dip to prepared baking dish and smooth it out to an even layer.
- Bake spinach dip for 10 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted.
- Serve as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
Tips
Make sure to squeeze excess water from thawed spinach, a clean kitchen towel or fine mesh sieve works well. Excess moisture will make the dip thin.
Use room temperature cream cheese so it blends smooth with the sour cream.
Taste and adjust seasonings before baking, especially salt and pepper.
Serve with toasted bread, crackers, or vegetables. If you like a garlicky hit, add an extra half teaspoon of fresh garlic.
I sometimes link to tasting and pairing ideas on my site, such as how to serve with a rustic loaf: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/cheesecake-factory-bread/ and tips on using cream cheese similar to Philadelphia style: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/philadelphia-cheesecake-filling/.
Variations
- Artichoke-Spinach Dip: Stir in 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts for an artichoke-spinach version.
- Bacon and Onion: Fold in 3 slices cooked, crumbled bacon and a tablespoon of finely chopped green onion.
- Cheesy Swap: Swap Monterey Jack for cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat sour cream, though texture will be slightly different.
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A: Yes. Use about 10 to 12 ounces fresh spinach, sauté it briefly until wilted, then cool and squeeze out excess liquid before mixing.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5 to 10 minutes to baking time if chilled.
Q: Can I freeze this dip?
A: I do not recommend freezing once baked, as texture can change. You can freeze the assembled, unbaked mixture for up to 1 month, then thaw and bake.
Conclusion
This creamy spinach dip is quick, crowd friendly, and adaptable. I hope you enjoy serving it warm, straight from the oven. If you try a variation, let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking, Dulcia.