This Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip is a creamy and cheesy delight that everyone loves! Packed with fresh spinach and a hint of garlic, it’s so tasty you might just want to eat it with a spoon!
I like to serve it warm with crunchy chips or fresh veggies. Just remember, if anyone asks for the recipe, it’s our little secret. 😉 You won’t want to share this one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant flavor, but frozen spinach works just as well. Just make sure to squeeze out excess water. If you’re not a spinach fan, try kale or Swiss chard as alternatives!
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the dip its creamy consistency. If you want a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese or a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Using grated Parmesan gives a great flavor boost. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute. You could also use nutritional yeast for a vegan twist!
Mayonnaise: It adds richness, but if you prefer, Plain Greek yogurt is a healthy swap that still keeps things creamy.
How Do You Prepare Spinach for the Best Flavor?
Cooking the spinach properly enhances its flavor. Here’s a simple method:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute for a fragrant base.
- Next, toss in the fresh spinach or thawed frozen spinach.
- Cook until wilted (about 3-4 minutes) and then chop it finely before adding it to your dip mixture.
This method brings out the sweetness of the spinach, while the garlic gives a nice kick to your dip!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Cheeses:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking garlic/spinach if fresh)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake, making it a total of roughly 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious option for parties or cozy evenings at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spinach:
If you’re using fresh spinach, start by heating olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Now add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool a little, then chop it finely.
If you’re opting for frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and squeeze out any excess water so your dip doesn’t become too watery.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or a mixer to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the delicious creamy base of your dip!
3. Add Cheeses and Seasonings:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese along with the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Mixing these in will give your dip that cheesy goodness we love!
4. Combine Spinach and Mixture:
Now, fold in your cooled and chopped spinach along with the sautéed garlic into the creamy cheese mixture. Make sure everything is evenly combined for perfect flavor in every bite!
5. Bake the Dip:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer your dip mixture into an oven-safe baking dish or a small cast iron skillet. Bake it uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
After baking, remove your dip from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch. Serve it warm with toasted bread slices, crackers, or cut veggies like carrots and celery for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness of this Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess liquid to avoid a watery dip.
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day ahead! Simply mix all the ingredients, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick.
What Can I Serve with This Dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with toasted bread, chips, crackers, or fresh veggies like carrots and celery. Feel free to get creative with your dippers!