This creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip is loaded with cheesy goodness and fresh spinach. It’s the perfect blend of flavors that everyone will want to scoop up with crunchy chips!
Honestly, I could eat this dip for every meal—it’s just that good! Pair it with some toasted bread and watch it disappear at your next gathering. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: I recommend using frozen spinach for this dip as it’s already chopped and ready to go. If you prefer fresh, you can use about 10 oz of fresh spinach. Just sauté it down until wilted before mixing.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dip. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with light cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use the powdered kind, but fresh is always better! For a non-dairy alternative, try nutritional yeast.
Mozzarella Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its stretchiness. You can swap it with a dairy-free cheese if you need to, just check the melting properties.
How Do I Prepare the Spinach for the Dip?
Properly prepping the spinach is crucial for a smooth dip. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and drain it well, squeezing out as much moisture as possible. Excess water can make your dip watery. If using fresh spinach, follow these steps:
- Wash and roughly chop the fresh spinach.
- Sauté it in a little oil until it wilts down, about 3-4 minutes.
- Let it cool and drain any liquid before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.
This will help ensure your dip stays creamy and not watery. Enjoy making your Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip, and feel free to adjust to your taste!
Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped chives for garnish
For Serving:
- Baguette slices or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time for this recipe is about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and mixing the ingredients, and then about 20 minutes baking to golden perfection. It’s quick and perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip gets nice and bubbly while baking.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach:
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté it until it’s fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Then, stir in the thawed and drained spinach. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes, allowing those flavors to blend. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
While your spinach mixture cools, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend it all together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooled garlic and spinach mixture to the creamy base. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
5. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the spinach dip mixture into an oven-safe baking dish or a cast-iron skillet, spreading it out evenly. Top the dip with about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, you can sprinkle a little more mozzarella cheese on top once you remove it from the oven, then pop it back in for a couple of additional minutes to melt. Garnish with chopped chives if you’re using them. Serve your dip warm alongside toasted baguette slices, crackers, or even fresh veggies for dipping.
Enjoy this delicious Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip! It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh spinach! For this recipe, you’ll need about 10 oz of fresh spinach. Simply wash, chop, and sauté it until wilted before adding it to the dip mixture.
How Can I Make This Dip Healthier?
To lighten up the dip, consider using low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reducing the amount of mayonnaise. You could also add more fresh vegetables or use less cheese while still maintaining great flavor!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip, assemble it in the baking dish, and cover it. Just refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. Enjoy it again as a snack or appetizer!
