This Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip is a creamy and cheesy delight. With fresh spinach, garlic, and savory Parmesan, it’s the perfect appetizer for any gathering!
I love serving it warm with crispy pita chips. It’s so good that I sometimes have to hide it from my family before the party! 😄
Making this dip is quick and easy; just mix everything and bake until bubbly. You’ll have a fantastic treat in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Spinach: Frozen spinach is a great time saver. If you prefer fresh, use about 1 pound of chopped spinach, blanch it quickly, and drain well. Fresh has a vibrant taste, but make sure it’s dry to avoid a watery dip.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dip. If you’re looking for lighter options, consider using Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. It won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan gives a lovely salty flavor. Feel free to swap it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Mozzarella Cheese: I love using shredded mozzarella for the gooey texture. If you want it lighter, use part-skim mozzarella. A dairy-free cheese can also work if you’re avoiding dairy altogether.
How Do I Properly Prepare Spinach for My Dip?
Getting the spinach right is key to a great dip. Here’s how to do it:
- Thaw the frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel. This prevents the dip from being soggy.
- If using fresh spinach, chop it finely and briefly cook it in boiling water (blanch) for 2-3 minutes. Drain and squeeze out water.
This ensures that your dip has the perfect texture and isn’t too watery. You’ll notice how the flavors really pop!
What’s the Best Way to Bake This Dip for Perfect Results?
Baking time is everything for a delicious dip! Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the dip as it bakes. You want it to be bubbly and golden brown on top. This usually takes 20-25 minutes.
- If you’re worried about the top getting too brown, you can cover it with foil for the first 15 minutes, then remove it to let the top crisp up.
This baking method helps achieve that perfect blend of creamy and golden texture that everyone will love!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish
For Serving:
- toasted baguette slices
- pita chips
- fresh vegetable sticks (carrots, celery)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This garlic Parmesan spinach dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of about 35-40 minutes. It’s quick to put together, and while it bakes, you can prepare your dippers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dip bakes evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a medium skillet, add your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Cook until it’s fragrant, but make sure not to brown the garlic because it can taste bitter.
3. Cook the Spinach:
Add the thawed and well-drained spinach to your skillet. Stir it in with the garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes. This helps to warm it through and removes any extra moisture. After that, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool a bit.
4. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
6. Combine with Spinach:
Now it’s time to fold in the spinach and garlic mixture into the creamy cheese mixture. Be gentle as you mix to keep the creamy texture!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the spinach dip mixture into a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Spread it evenly so it bakes nicely.
8. Bake the Dip:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top becomes golden brown and the dip is bubbling.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you like. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, garlicky delight that’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh spinach, about 1 pound should do the trick. Just chop it up, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dip.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of cream to restore some creaminess!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, definitely! You can prepare the dip a day ahead, just follow the recipe up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Are Some Good Dippers for This Spinach Dip?
Great question! This dip pairs perfectly with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh veggie sticks like carrots and celery. You can also serve it with tortilla chips or crackers if you like!