Creamy Spinach Cheese Dip (Printable Version)
Tender spinach combined with cheeses and baked until golden, ideal for sharing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 10.5 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 2 green onions, finely sliced
→ Dairy
04 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 3.5 oz sour cream
06 - 3.5 oz mayonnaise
07 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 3.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
11 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
12 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) and allow it to fully heat.
02 - Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl; stir until smooth and uniform.
03 - Add the drained spinach, minced garlic, sliced green onions, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, salt, black pepper, optional nutmeg, and chili flakes; fold gently until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
04 - Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish or ovenproof skillet, spreading evenly.
05 - Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
06 - Allow the dip to cool slightly before serving; present warm alongside crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It looks impressive but takes barely thirty minutes from start to finish, making you feel like a host who actually has time to relax.
- The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo creates a texture so creamy it almost melts on your tongue.
- Spinach makes you feel virtuous while eating something sinfully delicious, which is always a nice bonus.
02 -
- Drain your thawed spinach aggressively and then squeeze it with your hands until it feels almost dry, because any excess moisture will make the dip watery and disappointing.
- Room-temperature cream cheese is essential, because cold cream cheese won't blend smoothly no matter how hard you stir, leaving you with tiny frustrating lumps.
03 -
- Don't skip softening the cream cheese, and don't use a hand mixer for this because it can overwork the mixture and make it grainy.
- Watch the dip in the last few minutes of baking so you catch it right when the top turns golden brown, before it starts getting too dark.