This creamy Santa Fe Spinach Dip is packed with fresh spinach, tangy cheese, and a hint of zest. It’s warm, cheesy, and perfect for sharing with friends!
You can’t help but smile when you scoop it up with chips! I love serving it at gatherings—just watch it disappear as everyone digs in for more! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great, but you can use frozen spinach for convenience. Just make sure it’s well-drained. Personally, I love the taste of fresh, but frozen works just fine if you’re in a hurry!
Red Bell Pepper: This adds a sweet crunch. If you’re out of red bell peppers, any color will do, or you could use diced green chilies for an extra kick.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a good alternative. Tofu cream cheese also works well for a dairy-free option!
Cheese: Monterey Jack and cheddar are delicious, but you can substitute with any melty cheese like Gouda or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Spinach for the Dip?
Preparing your spinach properly is key to this dip. If you use fresh, sautéing it first will enhance its flavor and reduce moisture. For frozen spinach, ensure it’s totally thawed and squeezed dry—this avoids a watery dip. Here’s how:
- For fresh spinach: Sauté in a bit of olive oil on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until wilted. Chop finely after cooling.
- For frozen spinach: Thaw it completely, then place it in a clean dish towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the mix.
Cheddars Santa Fe Spinach Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare this dip and then 20-25 minutes to bake it. So, in roughly 35 minutes, you’ll have a warm, delicious dip ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be ready when you’re done mixing everything together.
2. Prepare the Spinach:
If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan with a splash of olive oil over medium heat until it’s wilted, just about 3-4 minutes. Then, chop it finely. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a watery dip.
3. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend them until smooth and creamy.
4. Add Cheeses and Spices:
Next, sprinkle in the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Fold in the Spinach and Peppers:
Carefully stir in the prepared spinach and the diced red bell peppers. Ensure that everything is evenly incorporated throughout the creamy mixture.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even baking.
7. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be melted and slightly golden, which gives it a lovely color and flavor!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. This helps prevent burns. Serve it warm with tortilla chips—perfect for dipping!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy Santa Fe spinach dip! It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any get-together!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure it’s completely thawed and thoroughly drained to remove excess moisture. This will help keep your dip from becoming watery.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a good substitute for cream cheese. You can also try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan version!
How Should I Store Leftover Spinach Dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip up to a day ahead. Mix everything and store it in the fridge, then bake it just before serving for warm, gooey goodness. If baking from cold, you might need to extend the baking time by a few minutes.