Spinach Queso Dip

When you’re set to craft a Spinach Queso Dip, precise attention to ingredients is key.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic to lay a flavorful foundation.

Combine cream cheese and heavy cream to achieve a velvety base, then fold in shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar for richness.

Spinach adds freshness, while jalapeños introduce spice.

With cumin enhancing depth, this dip’s balance of creaminess and zest awaits your expertise.

What’s the next essential step in perfecting this appetizer?

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 saucepan
• 1 mixing spoon
• 1 set measuring cups
• 1 set measuring spoons
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 serving bowl

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup jalapeños, sliced

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Spinach Queso Dip, follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Read through the recipe and instructions to understand the steps and ingredients needed.
   • Gather all the ingredients and kitchen tools required for the recipe.
2. Prep Work (10 minutes)
   • Dice the yellow onion and tomatoes.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Chop the fresh spinach.
   • Slice the jalapeños.
   • Cube the cream cheese.
   • Measure out the olive oil, salt, black pepper, cumin, heavy cream, and shredded cheeses.
3. Cooking (25 minutes)
   • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat (1 minute).
   • Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until onion is translucent (3-4 minutes).
   • Stir in diced tomatoes and chopped spinach; cook until spinach wilts (4-5 minutes).
   • Season with salt, black pepper, and cumin (1 minute).
   • Add cubed cream cheese; stir until melted and combined (2-3 minutes).
   • Gradually pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously (2 minutes).
   • Slowly add shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth (5-6 minutes).
   • Stir in sliced jalapeños (1 minute).
   • Transfer queso dip to a serving bowl (2 minutes).
4. Resting Time (5 minutes)
   • Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dip to slightly thicken.

Using this timeline, you’ll be able to prepare and cook the Spinach Queso Dip efficiently, ensuring everything is ready to enjoy in about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Serve warm with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for best results.

Recipe Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.

Stir in the diced tomatoes and chopped spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and cumin.

Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until melted and combined.

Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.

Slowly add the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Stir in the sliced jalapeños.

Transfer the queso dip to a serving bowl and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up the creamy dip with a satisfying crunch.
• Fresh Vegetables: Use carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices as a healthier alternative to chips.
• Warm Pretzel Bites: Adds a soft, salty contrast to the cheesy dip.
• Toasted Baguette Slices: Provides a crispy, yet sturdy base for holding the dip.
• Nachos: Layer the dip over nachos for a deliciously cheesy and hearty snack.

Storage

To store Spinach Queso Dip, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding milk if needed for consistency.

Freezing

To freeze Spinach Queso Dip, allow it to cool completely.

Then transfer it to an airtight container.

Label and date the container.

Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Reheating

To reheat Spinach Queso Dip, use low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently.

Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore its creamy consistency.

Avoid microwaving.

Final Thoughts

The Spinach Queso Dip is a delightful blend of flavors that makes for a perfect appetizer.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a hint of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Serve it with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for a satisfying snack.

The recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

If the dip becomes too thick after resting, simply reheat it with a splash of milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Enjoy the rich, savory taste of this dip, and watch it disappear at your next gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh Spinach?

You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Measure the same quantity. Adjust cooking time slightly, as frozen spinach cooks faster. Make certain it’s well incorporated with other ingredients.

Is There a Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Recipe?

You can substitute cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese or mascarpone. Make certain you achieve the same creamy consistency by adjusting the amount. Both alternatives maintain the rich texture while slightly altering the dip’s flavor profile, enhancing versatility.

How Do I Prevent the Queso Dip From Becoming Grainy?

To prevent graininess, you should consistently stir while gradually melting cheeses over low heat. Avoid high heat, as it can cause separation. Make certain all ingredients, especially cheese, are at room temperature before adding to the mixture.

What Type of Tomatoes Work Best for This Dip?

You should use Roma tomatoes because they have less moisture and fewer seeds, providing better consistency. Dice them evenly to guarantee they cook uniformly and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, enhancing the dip’s overall texture and flavor.

Can This Dip Be Made in a Slow Cooker?

You can make this dip in a slow cooker by first sautéing onions, garlic, and spices in a pan. Transfer to the slow cooker, add remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.