Oh, the things I would do for a good dip—especially when it involves cheese and spinach mingling in delightful harmony! Just imagine, after a long day, cozying up with a warm, gooey bowl of cheesy spinach goodness.
It’s like a comforting hug in a dish, perfect for sharing. .
. or not.
Steps
- Steam or sauté the spinach until it is wilted, then let it cool. Squeeze out all the excess water from the spinach and chop it coarsely.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and coat a small baking dish or skillet with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the dip for 20 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese has melted. Switch to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve the dip warm with bread, crackers, or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 10 ounces of fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (divided for use)
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
- Cooking spray
- Bread, crackers, and vegetables for serving
FAQ
- Can spinach dip be made ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare spinach dip up to 8 hours before baking it. Simply cover it loosely and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Keep in mind you might need to add some extra baking time if starting with a cold dip.
- What are some tips for preparing spinach for the dip?
- It’s crucial to remove all the water from the spinach before using it in the dip. You can squeeze the spinach with your fingers, use a potato ricer, or wrap it in paper towels to wring out the liquid. Freshly cooked spinach is preferred, but frozen spinach can be used if necessary.
- How can I make spinach dip healthier?
- To make a lighter version of this dip, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of shredded cheese by one-third to cut down on calories.
- What are some variations to enhance spinach dip?
- You can customize the dip by incorporating other ingredients such as 1/2 cup of chopped marinated artichoke hearts, 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon, 1/4 cup of chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, or 1/2 cup of chopped cooked mushrooms.
- What cheeses can be used in spinach dip besides mozzarella?
- While mozzarella is a popular choice, you can substitute it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or fontina for a different flavor profile.
Tips
- Ensure you thoroughly remove all excess water from the spinach before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can do this by squeezing the spinach with your hands, pressing it in a potato ricer, or using paper towels to wring out the liquid.
- For a fresher taste and better texture, use freshly cooked spinach instead of frozen. If using frozen spinach, be aware it may have a stringier texture.
- If you don’t have mozzarella cheese on hand, consider substituting it with Monterey Jack or fontina cheese for a similarly delicious and creamy outcome.
- You can prepare the dip up to 8 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows you to save time on the day of your event, but remember to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the dip is heated thoroughly.
Equipment
- Potato ricer (for removing excess water from spinach)
- Small baking dish or oven-safe skillet