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Spinach Dip Appetizer: The Ultimate Guide to a Delicious Party Snack

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A classic, creamy spinach dip perfect for parties! Serve warm or cold with baguette slices, tortilla chips, and veggies. Easy to make ahead!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped water chestnuts, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Baguette slices, for serving
  • Tortilla chips, for serving
  • Vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers), for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Ensure spinach is fully thawed and squeeze out excess water. Add spinach to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stir to combine. Add water chestnuts (if using), red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the cooled spinach mixture to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold until evenly combined.
  5. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer dip to an oven-safe baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Broil for the last minute or two for a golden-brown top (watch carefully).
  7. Serve warm or cold with baguette slices, tortilla chips, and vegetables.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
  • If you don’t have water chestnuts, you can substitute them with chopped celery or bell peppers.
  • To make the dip spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • If you’re short on time, you can use pre-shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, fontina, or provolone would all be delicious in this dip.
  • If you’re making the dip ahead of time, wait to add the baguette slices, tortilla chips, and vegetables until just before serving, so they don’t get soggy.
  • To reheat the dip, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
  • Make it Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance. Store unbaked dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bake as directed, or simply serve it cold.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/spinach-dip-appetizer/