This hot spinach dip is a blend of cooked spinach, three types of cheese and seasonings, all baked together to melted cheesy perfection. An easy make-ahead party snack that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
I’m a huge fan of hot cheesy dips, especially when I’m throwing a party. I always have a selection of dips including pizza dip, jalapeno popper dip, and this fabulous spinach dip.
Spinach dip is such a classic recipe, and there are so many different ways to serve it! I’ve seen hot spinach dip, cold dip,dip in a bread bowl, no matter what it’s always a hit at a party. This cheesy version is my favorite out of the bunch, it takes just minutes to put together and will be the first thing eaten at your next gathering.
How to make spinach dip
This dip is a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, cooked spinach, garlic, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese and seasonings. All of the ingredients get stirred together and spread into a baking dish or skillet. The finishing touch is another layer of cheese. Bake your dip until it’s hot and melted, then add a sprinkling of parsley and serve.
Tips for spinach dip
- The most important part of making this recipe is to be sure all of the water is removed from your spinach. You can squeeze the spinach between your fingers to remove the liquid, press it in a potato ricer, or wrap the spinach in a few layers of paper towels to wring out all the liquid.
- I prefer to use freshly cooked spinach for this dip. You can use frozen spinach in a pinch, but I find that frozen spinach has a stringier texture.
- I use a blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses to flavor the dip. If you don’t have mozzarella cheese, other great options are Monterey Jack or fontina cheese.
Can you make spinach dip in advance?
You can assemble this dip up to 8 hours before you plan to bake it. Simply store it loosely covered in the fridge until you’re ready to heat it up. You may need to add a few more minutes to the baking time to compensate for starting with a cold dip.
How to make healthy spinach dip
This recipe is full of cheese, which makes it delicious, but it’s not necessarily the healthiest option. If you’re looking to save a few calories, you can use low fat cream cheese, low fat sour cream, and reduce the amount of shredded cheese in the recipe by 1/3.
Spinach Dip variations
This is a classic recipe, but you can add other ingredients into the mix to customize the flavors.
- Artichokes: Add 1/2 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts.
- Bacon: Add 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon.
- Sun Dried Tomatoes: Add 1/4 cup chopped oil-packed sun dried tomatoes.
- Mushrooms: Add 1/2 cup chopped cooked mushrooms.
Everyone loves a good cheesy appetizer option, and this dip is no exception. Whip up a batch and watch the rave reviews roll in!
More party dips
Spinach Dip Video
Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10 ounces fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided use
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- bread, crackers and vegetables for serving
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Steam or saute the spinach until wilted. Let cool, then wring out all the excess water. Coarsely chop the spinach.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a small baking dish or skillet with cooking spray.
- Place the cream cheese, sour cream, cooked spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the spinach mixture into the prepared dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until dip is bubbly and cheese is melted. Turn the oven to broil and cook for 2-3 more minutes or until cheese starts to brown.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley then serve with bread, crackers and vegetables.
This is an awesome recipe. Made it today for snacking through the week. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Making this tomorrow! I only have grated parmesan cheese. I see the recipe calls for that, but in the pics it looks like shredded parmesan. Is either ok to use in the recipe?
Yes that’s fine!
I’ve been making your recipe for a while now and….OHHHHHHH MYYYYYY, it’s always a hit (with me, and everyone else)!!! Thank you for sharing it! (Ahem, this week, I had a hankering for it and after I made homemade tortilla chips earlier, I just finished baking the dip tonight! Oooooh, I can’t wait to dig in! All the best this year!
Brought this for girls night and its honestly AMAZING
This went very quickly today at a football gathering. I will definitely make this again.
Love this recipe! However I have a question. I’m doing some freezer meals since I’m going to be first time Momma in five weeks from now. Can this recipe be frozen in anyway?
This should be fine to freeze after it’s fully baked!
This is a great and easy recipe! Added a little of the vegetable soup mix, garlic salt and pepper, everyone loved it and wanted the recipe lol. Thanks for sharing!
Is this fresh baby spinach or regular spinach?
I use baby spinach!
Can this be heated in a small crock pot instead of the oven?
I think it should work but I haven’t tested it this way!
I’ve made this a couple of times and it’s awesome. Everyone always asks me to make it for parties. I do use frozen chopped spinach because it’s just easier but always make sure it’s drained and dry. I usually make it a couple of hours ahead, put it in the frig and then cook it just before serving. Turns out great every time. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi there, excited to try this dip! Is there any reason why I can’t prepare the dip about 24 hours in advance and then bake it?
That should be fine!
Love this recipe!!! Made it as an appetizer for Thanksgiving and my children loved it. They could not stop coming back for more….They ate already asking when I will make it again!!!!
I made your recipe and made one the same but addendum queso fresca cheese and diced jalapeños and it went twice as fast.
Great recipe.
Reed
which cheese does the queso fresca replace or do you use all 3? do you use the whole round on queso fresca?
I made this and added chopped onions and cayenne pepper. DELISIOUS! Thx very much!
Great recipe!!! I’ve made it twice and it’s been a hot both times. If I prepare it beforehand and store in the fridge, should I put it on the oven longer since it will be cold? Or should I leave it out for a bit before putting in the oven?
Yes you can bake it for a few extra minutes!
Just made this and added shredded rotisserie chicken to it, so I also added a little extra cream cheese to compensate. Soooo good. Thank you for the recipe!
I made this for a bridal shower and it was a success!
Hi, Can you eat this dip cold?
You’d want to omit the top layer of cheese if you served it cold
Hoping you read this asap…… made 4 recipes of this….can I freeze uncooked?
yes that should be fine!
My favorite spinach dip recipe. I add though chopped up small onion, mushrooms and one jalapeño pepper. I sautee these before I add the spinach. In addition I add some chopped up artichoke hearts and some red pepper flakes. I also add about a third cup more sour cream. Turns out beautiful every time and is extra spicy which I like.