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.
Sara, this was great! I cut the recipe in half and the 2 of us ate it in 1 sitting because we couldn’t help ourselves. Thanks for sharing!
Would like to make this the day before won’t have time day of. Is this okay? Thanks!
I’d assemble it the day before then bake right before serving.
Easy and Delicious recipe 😋
This happened to be the first recipe that came up when I search “spinach dip.” I made it for a holiday appetizer and the family loved it-said it was the best they’ve had. Making again for another gathering this weekend.
I want to add artichoke to it, but I see that some of those use Mayo. What do you suggest?
Here is my recipe for spinach artichoke dip: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/spinach-artichoke-dip/
Could this dish made ahead of time, and refrigerated until putting in the oven?
Yes that’s fine!
This looks great! Can i put this in a bread bowl? How would you recommend preparing it in a bread bowl?
I think that would be fine, you may just want to wrap the bread in foil while the dip is in the oven so that it doesn’t get overly toasted.
Could you cook on high in the crockpot instead of baking? Or would it be better to bake and then convert to the crockpot on warm?
You could use a crock pot just be aware that the cheese will not brown on top!
This is a great-tasting recipe!
Fabulous recipe. It got rave reviews from our table of six and all wanted the recipe! Note: I added a heavy cup of chopped, fresh baby Bella mushrooms. YUM!
Can this dip be refrigerated after cooking for leftovers, and if so, how would you recommend reheating it?
Yes you can refrigerate it, I’d reheat in the oven or in the microwave.
Next level yumminess! Everyone loved it. Thank you for an awesome recipe.
My husband and I have made this a few times for get togethers with friends. Everyone loves this recipe/dip. They now request it every time. But can’t blame them. It’s DELICIOUS!!
Thanks for sharing
Is it a no-no to used drained, frozen chopped spinach? Thank you (really enjoy reading all your recipes)…I am 75 so do not do much cooking any more but enjoy reading good recipes that you provide.
Frozen spinach will work!
HAVE YOU EVER TRIED UBSTITUTING RICOTTA FOR THE CREAM CHEESE. SEEMS BACK IN MY YOUNGER DAYS I MADE A SPINACH DIP WITH RICOTTA (LOST THE RECIPE) AND THIS ONE SOUNDS SIMILAR.
I have never tried it with ricotta but I think it would work fine.
I corked potted this recipe. Good recipe , next time I think I’m going to use fresh garlic to give it a little more of a stronger flavor. I’ll be using this recipe again as a base for my next batch thank you
Can I replace Sour Cream with Greek Yogurt?
I haven’t tested the recipe this way, I think it would change the flavor of the dish!
How many days can spinach dip be kept in the fridge?
3 days!
I have been making my husband a new football appetizer every time football is on. This week I did this spinach cheese dip. Wow! This was amazing and very delicious. Really easy ingredients and easy to make. Will be making this again and for super ball.
Try serving with a pumpernickel bread bowl or slice pumpernickel
bread into wedges. If you’re feeling super fancy, cut the bread into football shapes. Perfect for Superbowl.
Eating this while I type this. I love it! Very balanced and delicious!