Ultimate Cheesy Spinach & Jalapeño Dip
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Ultimate Cheesy Spinach & Jalapeño Dip, inspired by Cheddar's Restaurant’s classic appetizer. Packed with flavor and richness, this dip combines the earthiness of spinach, the zing from jalapeño and green chilis, and the velvety texture of a cheese blend including Monterey Jack and cream cheese. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this dip is meant to be shared with friends and family. Serve it warm with crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggies for a delightful appetizer that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
half-and-half
1 cup (none)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (shredded)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
green chili peppers
4 ounces (chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
jalapeño pepper
1 (chopped)
frozen spinach
10 ounces (defrosted, drained, and squeezed of excess liquid)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the half-and-half, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, green chili peppers, chopped onion, and chopped jalapeño.
3
Add the defrosted and drained spinach to the mixture and stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
4
Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe serving dish and spread it evenly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
6
Serve immediately with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Cheesy Spinach & Jalapeño Dip?
It is a creamy and indulgent dip inspired by the classic appetizer from Cheddar's Restaurant, featuring spinach, peppers, and multiple cheeses.
What inspired this spinach dip recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the signature flavor profile of Cheddar's Restaurant's appetizer.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The dip uses a blend of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and softened cream cheese.
How much cream cheese do I need?
You will need 8 ounces of cream cheese, which should be softened for easier mixing.
What kind of spinach should I use?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of frozen spinach that has been defrosted, drained, and squeezed of excess liquid.
Is this dip spicy?
Yes, it has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the addition of one chopped jalapeño and 4 ounces of green chili peppers.
How long does the dip need to bake?
Bake the dip for 30 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly.
Can I serve this dip cold?
The dip is meant to be served warm immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.
What are the best sides for serving with this dip?
It is best served with crispy tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks like celery or carrots.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: half-and-half, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, green chili peppers, onion, jalapeño pepper, and frozen spinach.
Do I need to cook the onion before mixing?
No, the chopped onion is added raw to the mixture and cooks while the dip bakes.
What is the purpose of half-and-half in this dip?
Half-and-half helps create a smooth, velvety consistency for the cheese and spinach mixture.
Can I use fresh jalapeños?
Yes, the recipe specifies one fresh jalapeño pepper, chopped.
What type of baking dish should I use?
You should use an oven-safe serving dish so you can bake and serve the dip in the same container.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly appetizer as it contains no meat.
What is the best way to prepare the frozen spinach?
After defrosting, ensure you squeeze the spinach thoroughly to remove all excess liquid to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, while Monterey Jack is ideal for melting, you could use Mozzarella or a mild white cheddar as a substitute.
How much Monterey Jack cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How many green chili peppers are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of chopped green chili peppers.
Why should the cream cheese be softened?
Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the other ingredients, ensuring a creamy texture without lumps.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes, you can mix all the ingredients together and store the mixture in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
What does 'hot and bubbly' mean for this recipe?
It means the cheese is completely melted and small bubbles are forming around the edges and surface of the dish.
Does this recipe include garlic?
The original version of this recipe relies on onion and peppers for flavor and does not specifically list garlic.
What should I do if the dip is too thick?
If the mixture seems too thick before baking, you can add an extra splash of half-and-half.
Can I add artichokes to this recipe?
While not in the original list, adding chopped artichokes would be a delicious variation of this dip.
How much half-and-half is used?
The recipe calls for exactly 1 cup of half-and-half.
Can I double this recipe for a large party?
Yes, the ingredients can easily be doubled; just ensure you use a larger oven-safe dish.
Can I use light cream cheese?
Yes, light cream cheese can be used, though full-fat will result in a richer flavor.
What is the first step in making this dip?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F.