Decadent Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip
Indulge in this warm and creamy Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip, a delightful blend of rich flavors and creamy textures that will transport you to your favorite restaurant! Made with real cheeses, a pop of flavor from Knorr vegetable soup mix, and perfectly combined with fresh, thawed spinach, this dip is the ultimate party starter or game day snack. Pair it with crunchy tortilla chips or your favorite tortilla salsa for an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or just as a cheesy indulgence, this dip is sure to impress!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped spinach
1 box (thawed and drained)
Sour cream
16 ounces
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup
Knorr vegetable soup mix
1/2 package
Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (shredded (NOT powdered))
Tortilla chips or salsa
to serve
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the thawed and drained spinach with the sour cream, mayonnaise, and Knorr vegetable soup mix until smooth.
3
Add the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses to the mixture, blending well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
4
Transfer the spinach and cheese mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
6
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
7
Serve warm with crunchy tortilla chips or salsa for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Hot Spinach and Cheese Dip?
It is a warm and creamy appetizer made from a blend of spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheeses, and vegetable soup mix, perfect for parties and game days.
What kind of spinach should I use for this dip?
The recipe calls for one box of frozen chopped spinach that has been thoroughly thawed and drained.
Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it to the mixture?
No, you do not need to cook the spinach. Simply thaw it and squeeze out all the excess water before mixing.
What is the best way to drain the spinach?
You can squeeze the thawed spinach by hand or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out until it is as dry as possible.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you will need to sauté and wilt a large amount of fresh spinach first, then drain and chop it to equal the amount in a standard frozen box.
What provides the main creamy base for this dip?
The base is created by combining 16 ounces of sour cream and 1/3 cup of mayonnaise.
What flavor enhancer is used in this recipe?
A half package of Knorr vegetable soup mix is used to provide a concentrated pop of savory flavor.
What types of cheese are included in the dip?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
Can I use powdered Parmesan cheese?
No, the recipe specifies using shredded Parmesan cheese, not the powdered or canned variety, for the best texture and melt.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the spinach dip need to bake?
The dip should bake for 15 to 17 minutes until it is hot and bubbly.
How do I know when the dip is finished cooking?
It is ready when the cheese is bubbly and the top of the dip has turned a light golden color.
What should I serve with this hot spinach dip?
It pairs perfectly with crunchy tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite tortilla salsa.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients together and store the unbaked dip in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake and serve.
How should I store leftover dip?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this cheese dip?
Freezing is not recommended as the sour cream and mayonnaise base can separate and become grainy when thawed.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
You can reheat portions in the microwave for 30-second intervals or place it in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this is a savory and creamy dip, though you could add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or Swiss, though Cheddar and Parmesan provide the classic flavor.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream for a slightly different tang and higher protein content.
Is this spinach dip vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, provided the vegetable soup mix you choose does not contain meat-derived ingredients.
Can I add artichokes to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a can of drained and chopped artichoke hearts will easily turn this into a spinach artichoke dip.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, it is recommended to use a greased casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine the ingredients in a small slow cooker and heat on low for 1 to 2 hours until melted.
What if I don't have Knorr brand soup mix?
You can use a similar vegetable recipe mix or a bouillon-based seasoning, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
Can I add garlic to the recipe?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic is a popular way to enhance the savory flavor.
Should the dip be served hot or cold?
This specific recipe is designed to be served hot and bubbly straight from the oven.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients for a larger crowd; just ensure you use a larger baking dish.
Is this dip gluten-free?
You must check the label of your vegetable soup mix, as some contain wheat or barley-based thickeners.