Imagine the aroma of warm, melted cheese mingling with the earthy scent of fresh spinach, creating a savory symphony.
As you dip a crispy baguette slice into this creamy concoction, the richness of sour cream and cream cheese envelops your taste buds.
The cheese blend, perfectly baked to a golden hue, offers a delightful contrast of textures.
Curious about creating this crowd-pleaser for your next gathering? Let’s explore the secrets to mastering this dish.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Oven-safe baking dish
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Mixing spoon
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking Hot Spinach Dip, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes):
- Take a few minutes to read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation (10 minutes):
- Preheat the Oven (1 minute): Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Chop Ingredients (4 minutes): On a cutting board, chop 2 cups of fresh spinach and mince 1 clove of garlic.
- Soften Cream Cheese (5 minutes): While chopping, leave the cream cheese out to soften if it hasn’t been done already.
- Cooking (10 minutes):
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach (5 minutes): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, add the chopped spinach, and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Mix Ingredients (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked spinach and garlic mixture until well combined.
- Baking (25 minutes):
- Transfer to Baking Dish (1 minute): Spread the mixture evenly in an oven-safe baking dish.
- Bake (20-25 minutes): Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Resting and Serving (5 minutes):
- Resting (5 minutes): Allow the dip to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, then remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the cooked spinach and garlic mixture until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Toasted Baguette Slices: The crispy texture of toasted baguette slices complements the creamy dip perfectly.
- Tortilla Chips: Their salty crunch pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the spinach dip.
- Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, celery, and bell pepper sticks offer an invigorating contrast and add a healthy touch.
- Crackers: Choose a variety of plain or flavored crackers for a delightful bite-sized treat.
- Pita Bread: Warmed or toasted pita bread makes a great accompaniment with its soft, chewy consistency.
Storage
To store Hot Spinach Dip, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to three days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Freezing
To freeze hot spinach dip, allow it to cool completely.
Then transfer it to an airtight container.
Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw and reheat before serving.
Reheating
To reheat hot spinach dip, place it in an oven-safe dish.
Warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Make certain it’s heated thoroughly without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Hot Spinach Dip is a delightful appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a perfect addition to any gathering.
The combination of cheeses and spinach creates a satisfying dish that pairs well with a variety of dippers.
You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices for an extra kick. Remember to serve it warm for the best experience.
Enjoy this delicious dip with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh Spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. The spinach will still meld beautifully with the creamy, cheesy blend, infusing every bite with that rich, savory flavor you crave.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream in the Dip?
You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy texture. The yogurt’s smoothness complements the cheese blend, enhancing the dip’s flavors. It melds beautifully, creating a luscious, savory experience with each bite.
Is the Dip Suitable for Vegetarians?
Absolutely, the dip’s a vegetarian delight! With creamy textures and savory flavors, it boasts rich cheeses, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic. You’ll savor each bite, enjoying a harmonious blend of ingredients that cater perfectly to vegetarian palates.
Can I Make the Dip Spicier?
Absolutely, you can spice it up! Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to infuse heat. Feel the fiery warmth dance on your palate, enhancing the creamy texture and rich flavors of the dip. Enjoy!
How Long Can the Dip Sit Out at Room Temperature?
You shouldn’t let it sit out for more than two hours at room temperature. After that, bacteria can thrive. Make certain the creamy, savory aroma stays fresh by refrigerating it promptly to maintain its delightful taste and texture.
Hot Spinach Dip
Equipment
- 1 oven-safe baking dish
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Mixing spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked spinach and garlic mixture until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
