Go Back
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - ½ cup sour cream - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste For cream cheese, I suggest using Philadelphia or any good quality brand. Look for fresh Parmesan cheese that you can grate yourself. This adds a richer taste. For mozzarella, I like to use part-skim. It melts well and gives a nice stretch. You can swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter dip. If you don’t have sour cream, use plain yogurt instead. For the cheeses, try using Gouda or cheddar if you want a twist. Spinach can be replaced with kale for a different flavor. If red pepper flakes are too spicy, feel free to leave them out. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - ½ cup sour cream - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Make sure the cream cheese is soft. This helps the dip mix well. 1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 2. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Stir often. You want the garlic fragrant but not brown. 3. Next, add the chopped spinach. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts. 4. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly. 5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan. Mix until smooth. 6. Gently fold in the sautéed spinach and garlic mixture. 7. Mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese and red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Season with salt and pepper. 8. Transfer the creamy mixture to a greased baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. 9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 10. Once heated, bake the dip for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden, bubbly top. 11. After baking, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving warm. This dip is perfect for parties. Enjoy it with crunchy crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies! For a smooth dip, start with room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese is hard to blend. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan until smooth. Use a hand mixer for best results. Fold in the spinach gently. This keeps the dip light and creamy. Taste as you go. Start with a pinch of salt. Add black pepper for warmth. The red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice kick. Balance the flavors by adjusting the salt and pepper. Freshly ground pepper is best for a bright flavor. Serve the dip warm for the best taste. It should be bubbly and golden on top. If it cools, the texture changes. You can reheat it in the oven. Just bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with crackers or veggies. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Spinach: Always opt for fresh spinach over frozen for a vibrant color and better texture in your dip. Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cream cheese or cheddar for a unique flavor twist. Serve Warm: This dip is best enjoyed warm, so make sure to serve it immediately after baking for the creamiest texture. Perfect Pairings: Pair this dip with a variety of dippers like pita chips, crusty bread, or fresh vegetables to enhance the tasting experience. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in your dip. Try Gouda for a smoky taste. Use cream cheese and cheddar for a rich flavor. Mixing feta adds a tangy twist that pairs well with spinach. Each cheese gives a new spin on the classic dip, so feel free to experiment. Want to add more flavor? Fresh herbs work wonders. Chopped basil or parsley brightens the dip. For a kick, add some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. You can also mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet touch. Each of these adds depth and makes your dip unique. Baked dip is a crowd-pleaser, but cold dip has its charm too. Serve it cold with fresh veggies for a crunchy snack. If you bake it, let it cool a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to settle. Pair it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for fun. Each way brings a new vibe to your gathering. After enjoying your creamy spinach parmesan dip, let it cool first. Once it cools, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. Store it in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. Keep an eye on it to ensure freshness. You can freeze this dip for later use. To do this, place the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat the dip, you can use the oven or microwave. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dip to a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. Enjoy the warm, creamy goodness! The dip will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. If you notice any change in smell or color, it's best to throw it away. Yes, you can make the dip ahead of time. Prepare it a day before your party. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as directed. This lets the flavors blend well, making it even tastier! You can serve this dip with many tasty options. Here are some ideas: - Crunchy crackers - Thinly sliced baguette - Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots or celery - Pita chips - Toasted bread rounds These sides add fun and flavor to your dip experience! This blog post covered all you need for a great spinach parmesan dip. We discussed key ingredients, brands, and helpful substitutions. Next, I provided a step-by-step guide for easy preparation and cooking. You also learned tips for a creamy texture and best serving practices. We explored tasty variations like different cheese combos and herbs. Finally, I shared storage tips and answers to common questions. Enjoy making and sharing your delicious dip. The right ingredients and techniques make all the difference!

Creamy Spinach Parmesan Dip

A rich and creamy dip made with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, perfect for parties.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
  • Incorporate the chopped spinach into the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it's wilted, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a mixing bowl, blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese using a hand mixer or spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Add the sautéed spinach and garlic mixture to the cheese blend, folding it in gently to combine.
  • Mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese, red pepper flakes (if desired), and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated for a balanced flavor.
  • Transfer the creamy mixture to a well-greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even appearance.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top, with a slight crust forming.
  • After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Serve warm with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Keyword appetizer, cheese, dip, spinach