Looking for the ultimate spinach dip that never disappoints? This creamy spinach dip is rich, smooth, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re prepping for a game day snack table or putting together a potluck favorite, this recipe delivers. It works both hot and cold, comes together fast, and keeps everyone dipping until the bowl is wiped clean. With real texture, easy prep, and full-flavor ingredients, this dip earns its spot at every gathering.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick to make with simple steps that anyone can follow
• Uses everyday ingredients without sacrificing flavor
• Perfect for parties, game days, or cozy nights in
• A total crowd-pleaser that disappears fast
• Creamy, cheesy, and rich without being too heavy
• Can be served hot from the oven or chilled for convenience
What sets this version apart is the attention to texture and balance. The spinach is properly prepped to avoid sogginess, and freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully for that ideal creamy bite. It’s comfort food that also happens to impress.
Ingredients Needed
For the creamy base
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened for easy mixing
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream for rich texture
For the greens and flavor
• 10 ounces fresh spinach leaves, steamed or sautéed until wilted
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic for depth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the cheese blend
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese for a sharp, salty bite
• 1 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided for mixing and topping
Finishing touches
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley for color
• Cooking spray for prepping the baking dish
• Bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping and serving
How to Make Spinach Dip
- Prep the spinach
Cook the spinach in a steamer basket or skillet just until wilted. This takes only a few minutes. Set it aside to cool, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step matters because extra water causes a loose dip. Roughly chop the spinach once dry. - Heat the oven and prep the dish
Set your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a small oven-safe dish or skillet with cooking spray so the dip releases easily after baking. - Mix the base
In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth. Starting with room-temperature dairy helps everything blend without lumps. - Build the flavor
Add the chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella. Stir until fully combined. The mixture should look thick and evenly mixed. - Assemble
Spoon the dip into the prepared dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top for a melty finish. - Bake until bubbly
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Look for bubbling around the edges and fully melted cheese on top. - Finish with color
Switch the oven to broil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the top turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Expert Tips and Troubleshooting
Can You Use Frozen Spinach?
Yes, frozen chopped spinach works in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the moisture. It tends to be stringier than fresh spinach and can affect the dip’s texture if not drained well.
Make-Ahead and Storage Secrets
You can fully assemble the dip up to 8 hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When reheating, use a 350°F oven and cover the dish with foil to retain moisture. For smaller portions, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until heated through.
The “Danger Zone” Food Safety Tip
Dairy-based dips like this one should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 to 3 hours. After that, bacteria can grow quickly, so it’s safest to keep it warm in a slow cooker or chill any leftovers right away.
What to Serve with Hot Spinach Dip
• Sliced baguette or sourdough for a chewy contrast
• Crunchy tortilla chips or pita chips for texture
• Fresh vegetables like bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or carrot sticks
• Pretzel bites or breadsticks for a fun, salty dipper
• Crackers with a sturdy shape to hold the thick dip
Quick Flavor Swaps
• Stir in chopped artichoke hearts for a tangy twist
• Crumbled cooked bacon adds a smoky depth
• A pinch of red pepper flakes brings gentle heat
• Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet, concentrated flavor
• A small spoon of Dijon mustard sharpens the overall taste
• A squeeze of lemon juice brightens and balances the richness
Storage Tips
Let the spinach dip cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
To reheat, spoon the amount you want into an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through. For a faster method, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent hot spots and uneven texture.
Avoid freezing this dip. Cream cheese and sour cream can separate once thawed, which makes the texture grainy and less enjoyable. Fresh is best for this recipe.
Helpful Notes
• If using fresh spinach, always cook it before adding. Raw spinach releases too much liquid and can water down the dip.
• For best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella. Bagged shreds often contain anti-caking agents that stop the cheese from melting smoothly.
• Let cream cheese and sour cream sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend evenly without lumps.
• A cast iron skillet makes a great serving dish because it retains heat well and keeps the dip warm longer.
• Want to make it vegetarian friendly? Just double-check that your parmesan is made without animal rennet.
Conclusion
This creamy spinach dip delivers comfort, flavor, and crowd-pleasing results every single time. It’s easy to prepare, flexible with ingredients, and works beautifully for both hot and cold servings. The mix of creamy cheese, savory garlic, and tender spinach creates a rich, satisfying bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and a star rating below. It helps others and lets us know how it turned out. Share your photos or tag us on Pinterest or Facebook so we can see your version.
What did you dip it with or add to make it your own? Let us know in the comments.
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Creamy Spinach Dip
Ingredients
For the creamy base
- 8 oz cream cheese softened for easy mixing
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream for rich texture
For the greens and flavor
- 10 oz fresh spinach leaves steamed or sautéed until wilted
- 1 tsp minced garlic for depth
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
For the cheese blend
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese for a sharp, salty bite
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided for mixing and topping
Finishing touches
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley for color
- cooking spray for prepping the baking dish
- bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping and serving
Instructions
- Prep the spinach: Cook spinach in a steamer basket or skillet until wilted. Let cool, then squeeze out excess liquid using paper towels or a clean towel. Chop roughly.
- Heat oven and prep dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a small oven-safe dish with cooking spray.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Build the flavor: Add spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, parmesan, and 3/4 cup of mozzarella. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake until bubbly: Bake for about 20 minutes until the edges bubble and the cheese is melted.
- Broil to finish: Broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Watch closely.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm with dippers of choice.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 194 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 54 mg
- Sodium: 389 mg
- Potassium: 82 mg
- Sugar: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 605 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.3 mg
- Calcium: 188 mg
- Iron: 0.3 mg
FAQs
What is spinach dip made of?
Spinach dip usually includes cooked spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, shredded cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan, plus basic seasonings like salt and pepper. Some versions add extras like artichokes or bacon for more flavor.
What do people eat spinach dip with?
Common pairings include sliced baguette, tortilla chips, fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers, pita chips, or sturdy crackers. It’s all about combining creamy with crunchy.
Do you eat spinach dip hot or cold?
You can serve it both ways. Hot spinach dip is melty and comforting, while cold versions are smooth and refreshing. This recipe is designed to work well either way.
Why is my spinach dip watery?
Too much moisture from the spinach is usually the problem. Always squeeze out the cooked spinach thoroughly before mixing. Paper towels, a clean dish towel, or even a potato ricer can help.
Can you make spinach dip in advance?
Yes, you can prep it up to eight hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. When ready, bake it until hot and bubbly. It also reheats well in the oven or microwave.
Is spinach dip healthy?
While it contains spinach, this dip is rich in dairy and best enjoyed as a treat. For a lighter version, you can try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or reduced-fat cheese.