Creamy Spinach and Pepper Jack Dip
Indulge in this delicious Creamy Spinach and Pepper Jack Dip that is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. This cheesy delight combines the richness of cream cheese with flavorful Monterey Jack pepper cheese and zesty Rotel tomatoes, making it an ideal appetizer. Serve it warm with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing treat. It's a fantastic way to enjoy spinach while satisfying your cheesy cravings!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Spinach
20 ounces (thawed and well drained)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (at room temperature)
Monterey Jack Pepper Cheese
16 ounces (shredded (reserve 1/3 cup for topping))
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Medium Onion
1 (chopped)
Rotel Tomatoes
10 ounces (well drained)
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, place the thawed and well-drained spinach.
3
Add the cream cheese to the spinach and beat until smooth using an electric mixer.
4
Incorporate the shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese (reserving 1/3 cup for the topping), drained Rotel tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped onion, and Parmesan cheese into the spinach mixture. Blend thoroughly until well combined.
5
Transfer the spinach mixture into a 9 x 11-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Sprinkle the reserved 1/3 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the mixture.
7
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
8
After 30 minutes, remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and lightly golden on the edges.
9
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite chips, crackers, or dippers!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
7g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and Pepper Jack Dip?
It is a rich and cheesy appetizer featuring frozen spinach, cream cheese, Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes.
What are the main ingredients for this dip?
The key ingredients include 20 ounces of frozen spinach, 8 ounces of cream cheese, 16 ounces of Monterey Jack pepper cheese, garlic, onion, Rotel tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the spinach for the recipe?
The frozen spinach should be thawed and very well-drained before being added to the mixing bowl.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the dip need to bake?
The dip bakes for a total of 45 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 15 minutes uncovered.
How much Monterey Jack pepper cheese is required?
You will need 16 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese, reserving 1/3 cup for the topping.
Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
Yes, the 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes must be well-drained to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
What size baking dish is used for this recipe?
A 9 x 11-inch baking dish is recommended for spreading the mixture evenly.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, using cream cheese at room temperature makes it easier to beat until smooth with the spinach.
Is this spinach dip vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture and place it in the baking dish in advance, then bake it fresh when you are ready to serve.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can this dip be frozen?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the cream cheese and spinach may change slightly upon thawing.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
This dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
Is this dip spicy?
The dip has a mild kick due to the Monterey Jack pepper cheese and the diced green chilies in the Rotel tomatoes.
What is the purpose of the Parmesan cheese?
The 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor to the mixture.
Do I need to use an electric mixer?
An electric mixer is recommended to beat the cream cheese and spinach together until they reach a smooth consistency.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Covering the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes ensures the dip heats through without the cheese on top burning.
How do I know when the dip is ready?
The dip is ready when it is bubbly and the edges are lightly golden after the final 15 minutes of uncovered baking.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you would need to sauté and drain it thoroughly to match the volume and texture of the 20 ounces of frozen spinach.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe suggests using one medium onion, finely chopped.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dip?
The dip contains 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use plain Monterey Jack cheese instead?
Yes, if you prefer less heat, you can substitute plain Monterey Jack for the pepper jack variety.
What is Rotel?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds a zesty flavor to the dip.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on canned goods and cheeses to ensure no cross-contamination.
Can I bake this in a smaller dish?
A smaller dish will result in a thicker dip and may require a longer baking time to heat through completely.