Cheesy Baked Spinach Dip

$- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts (optional) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling) When I make my cheesy baked spinach dip, I focus on fresh ingredients. The star is always the spinach. I use two cups of freshly chopped spinach. It gives the dip a bright taste and lovely color. Cream cheese is next. You need one cup of it, softened for easy mixing. Sour cream adds creaminess too, and I use one cup of that as well. For the cheesy goodness, I add one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. It melts nicely and pulls apart when you dip in. I also include a half cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp flavor. If you want to jazz it up, I suggest some optional add-ins. Chopped artichoke hearts bring a nice twist. You can add half a cup if you like. Garlic adds depth, so I use two cloves, minced finely. One teaspoon of onion powder gives a nice taste too. If you enjoy heat, add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can change this based on your spice preference. Finally, we need salt and pepper to taste. For a crunchy topping, mix half a cup of breadcrumbs with two tablespoons of olive oil. This gives a nice texture when baked. Using these ingredients, you will create a dip that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Step 3: Stir in the chopped spinach, minced garlic, and artichoke hearts if you like. Add onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is mixed well. - Step 4: Spread the spinach dip mixture into an 8x8-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. - Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dip for a crunchy top. - Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The dip should be bubbling and the top golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. - Tip: Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing. This helps them blend smoothly. - Tip: Adjust red pepper flakes for spice preference. A little adds heat, more adds kick. - Recommendation: Pair with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or veggie sticks. Each adds a fun crunch. - Garnishing ideas: Add extra Parmesan and fresh spinach leaves. They make your dip look great. - Option: Substitute low-fat cream cheese for a lighter dip. This keeps the flavor but cuts calories. - Option: Use different cheese varieties for unique flavors. Try cheddar or gouda for a twist. Pro Tips Fresh Spinach Matters: Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter flavor and better texture in your dip. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it right before serving for a warm, gooey treat. Add a Kick: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference or add some diced jalapeños for an extra spicy version. {{image_2}} You can make your spinach dip even better. One idea is to add cooked bacon or sausage. This gives the dip a hearty twist that everyone will love. You can also use different cheeses, like cheddar or gouda. Each cheese adds a unique flavor and texture that makes the dip special. If you want a vegan or dairy-free option, I have great suggestions. Use vegan cream cheese and yogurt instead of regular ones. They still taste creamy and delicious! You can swap mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese option. This way, everyone can enjoy the dip. To boost the flavor, consider adding caramelized onions. They add a nice sweetness that balances the cheese. Another option is to mix in sun-dried tomatoes. This gives the dip an Italian flair that is simply delightful. Store your cheesy baked spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh and tasty. I recommend eating it within 3-4 days for the best quality. After that, it may lose some of its creamy goodness. You can reheat the dip in the oven or the microwave before serving. If you use the oven, aim for 350°F (175°C). To keep the dip moist, add a little olive oil when reheating. This helps it stay creamy and delicious. If you want to save some for later, freeze the dip before baking. This makes it easy to enjoy a tasty snack anytime. When you're ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This way, it will be ready for the oven when you are! Prepare the dip and store it unbaked in the refrigerator. This way, you can save time. Just pull it out when you are ready to bake. It’s perfect for parties or game nights. Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach before using. This makes it easy and quick. Frozen spinach works well if fresh is not available. Just squeeze out any extra water to avoid a watery dip. Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free. This way, more people can enjoy it. Check the label on the breadcrumbs to ensure they are safe. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. The dip should be hot and melted in the middle. Keep an eye on it for that perfect golden top. This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for cheesy baked spinach dip. You learned about fresh ingredients, optional add-ins, and topping choices. The step-by-step instructions guide you through the mixing and baking process. Plus, I shared helpful tips, serving suggestions, and variations to make it your own. Enjoy making this dish for any occasion. Your guests will love its rich flavor. With easy storage and reheating options, you can enjoy it later too! Dive in and create your new favorite dip!$

Cheesy Baked Spinach Dip

A creamy and cheesy spinach dip baked to perfection, perfect for parties or gatherings.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup chopped artichoke hearts (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
to taste Salt and pepper
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
Stir in the chopped spinach, minced garlic, artichoke hearts (if using), onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Make sure the spinach is evenly distributed in the mixture.
Spread the spinach dip mixture into a baking dish (about 8x8 inches) and smooth the top with a spatula.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the spinach dip for a crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the dip is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks. Garnish with extra Parmesan and spinach leaves for presentation.

Keyword baked dip, cheesy dip, spinach dip