Creamy Garden Spinach Dip

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Welcome to your soon-to-be favorite appetizer! This Creamy Garden Spinach Dip is rich, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, it's an easy way to bring a touch of gourmet to your table.

Ingredients for Creamy Garden Spinach Dip

The star here is obviously the spinach, bringing a fresh, earthy flavor and vibrant color to the dip. The olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness, while the onion and garlic layer in savory depth. Cream cheese and sour cream contribute to the creamy texture, with the mayonnaise adding a slight tang. The Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses not only melt beautifully but also add a rich, cheesy flavor. A pinch of salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes round everything out with a perfect balance of seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your cream cheese isn't soft enough, microwave it for 10-15 seconds; it’ll mix easier.
  • To save time, use pre-washed baby spinach.
  • For extra flavor, add a touch of nutmeg when sautéing the spinach.

Serving Suggestions

This dip pairs beautifully with crusty bread or artisan crackers. For a lighter option, serve it with fresh vegetables like bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or carrot sticks. It's also divine spread on a warm baguette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture.
How can I make it spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative without losing creaminess.

Creamy Garden Spinach Dip Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by heating up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onions and garlic. You'll want to sauté these until the onions are soft and translucent, which should take about five minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen and get everyone excited for what's to come.

Next, stir in the chopped spinach. Watch it wilt down; this only takes about three minutes. It’s amazing how it shrinks and deepens in color, creating a lovely base for your dip.

While the spinach is cooking, grab a large bowl and mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Once your spinach mixture is ready, add it to the bowl and stir everything together until well combined.

Now, season your mixture with salt, black pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, throw in those red pepper flakes. Give it one final stir before transferring it to a baking dish. Spread it evenly for a nice, uniform bake.

Finally, pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F and let it bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and golden on top. Serve it warm with your choice of dippers.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch.
  • Perfectly creamy texture with a hint of spice.
  • Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Versatile enough to serve with a variety of dippers.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Add the cooked spinach mixture to the bowl and stir until well combined.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Serve warm with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.

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