Spicy Spinach Fiesta Dip
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of our Spicy Spinach Fiesta Dip, a twist on a classic Mexican-inspired appetizer. This dip features a medley of sautéed onions, juicy tomatoes, and fiery jalapeños combined with rich Monterey Jack cheese and velvety cream cheese. Perfectly spiced and ideal for sharing, it’s the ultimate addition to your brunch table or game day gathering. Serve this delightful dish warm alongside crispy tortilla chips, and watch it disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium onion
1 (finely diced)
canola oil or olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
medium tomatoes
2 (peeled, seeded, and chopped)
chopped jalapeno peppers
2 tablespoons (fresh or pickled)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed and well drained)
half-and-half cream
1 cup (for creaminess)
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (for melting)
cream cheese
8 ounces (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
sliced ripe olives
2 (2 1/4 ounce) cans (drained)
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (for acidity)
kosher sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, heat the canola or olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onion is tender and translucent.
2
Stir in the peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes along with the chopped jalapeño peppers. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion mixture with the thawed and well-drained spinach, half-and-half cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cubed cream cheese, sliced olives, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
4
Spoon the dip mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Bake the dip in the preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 35 minutes or until it is golden brown and bubbly.
6
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this dip warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
15g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Spinach Fiesta Dip?
Spicy Spinach Fiesta Dip is a creamy and cheesy Mexican-inspired appetizer featuring sauteed vegetables, Monterey Jack cheese, and spinach.
What are the primary ingredients in this dip?
The main ingredients include frozen chopped spinach, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, and half-and-half cream.
How should the spinach be prepared for the recipe?
The spinach should be frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and well-drained before being added to the mixture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the dip need to bake?
The dip needs to bake for approximately 35 minutes or until it is golden brown and bubbly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients list provided, this Spicy Spinach Fiesta Dip is a vegetarian appetizer.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for shredded Monterey Jack cheese and cubed cream cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this dip?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
Can I use pickled jalapeños?
Yes, you can use either fresh or pickled chopped jalapeño peppers for this recipe.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 2-quart baking dish is needed to bake the dip evenly.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and chopped before being sauteed with the peppers.
What kind of oil should I use for sauteing?
You can use either canola oil or olive oil to saute the onions and tomatoes.
Are there olives in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes two 2.25-ounce cans of sliced ripe olives, which should be drained.
What is the purpose of red wine vinegar in this dip?
Red wine vinegar is added to provide a touch of acidity and balance to the rich, cheesy flavors.
How long should I saute the onions?
The onions should be sauteed for about 4 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This dip contains 18 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in the dip?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The dip contains 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I serve with this spinach dip?
It is best served warm alongside crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Do I need to mix the cream cheese before baking?
Yes, the cream cheese should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes and mixed with the other ingredients until thoroughly combined before baking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies medium tomatoes that are peeled, seeded, and chopped.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 teaspoon of kosher sea salt for seasoning.
Is this a good dish for game day?
Absolutely, it is described as the ultimate addition to a game day gathering or brunch table.
Should the dip be served hot or cold?
The dip should be served warm directly after it has sat for a few minutes out of the oven.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
While Monterey Jack is used for its melting properties, you could likely use other good melting cheeses like Pepper Jack or mild cheddar.
How many jalapeños are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped jalapeño peppers.
What is the texture of the dip?
The dip is described as having a creamy, cheesy goodness with a velvety texture from the cream cheese and half-and-half.
Do I need to cook the tomatoes before adding them to the bowl?
Yes, the tomatoes and jalapeños should be cooked for about 2 minutes with the onions until softened.
How do I ensure the dip isn't watery?
Ensure the frozen spinach is very well-drained and the tomatoes are seeded to remove excess moisture.
What seasonings are used besides salt?
In addition to salt, the dip is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.