Cooler weather means it's time for hot and cheesy appetizers like this Creamy Spinach Dip. An easy to whip up combination of creamed spinach, 3 cheeses, onion, and garlic. No cream cheese needed! Serve with tortilla chips, crostini, and vegetables for a hands-down appetizer favorite.
Don't you just love when there is something hot on the table when it's cool outside? And that goes for my appetizers too!
When fall rolls around, I'm all into Meatball Sliders and Southwest Egg Rolls and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms. I mean, who wouldn't be?! And this hot spinach dip falls into that must-make category.
When I first made this hot spinach dip, the idea of using packaged creamed spinach seemed like a great way to omit cream cheese from the recipe and still finish with a smooth and creamy dip. Boy, I didn't know how brilliant that was!
With three types of cheeses added to the mix and a little flavor from sautéed onions and garlic, it was easy to make and over the top delicious. I can't tell you how many guests have asked for the recipe throughout the years.
I've started doubling the recipe when I make it for parties so that I don't run out.
Just look at that ooey gooey cheese pull above! It's hard to resist this hot cheesy spinach dip when it's put before you. I like to change it up from time to time and you can check some of my favorite variations below.
Recipe Variations
- Garnish it with crispy bacon or chopped red pepper.
- Make it into the popular spinach artichoke dip by adding ½ cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
- Want a little more salty with your cheesiness? Add ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon into the dip before baking
- Like your dips a little on the spicy side? Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to mix.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spinach Dip
Absolutely! This actually freezes, both unbaked and baked, very well. When ready to serve, thaw in refrigerator overnight then bake as directed in recipe.
Spinach dip should keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator. When ready to heat, leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Heat it in the oven as directed in the recipe or, if previously baked, pop it into the microwave until hot.
How to Make Hot Spinach Dip
- Gather your ingredients - 2 thawed packages of creamed spinach, 3 cheeses, some olive oil, garlic and onion. (photo 1)
- Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil for 3-5 minutes. You want the onions to be cooked through and soft. (photo 2)
- In a medium bowl, stir together the thawed creamed spinach, cheeses and cooked onion garlic mixture. (photo 3)
- Pour into prepared baking dish and bake. (photo 4)
This creamy spinach dip is comfort food at its best! It's always popular when I bring it out for holiday parties, game time, and date night.
I love to serve it with tortilla chips but you can also add vegetables, such as carrots, celery, broccoli heads, and red pepper slices. I've even put it into a bread bowl before and let everyone break off pieces and dip.
Whatever way you have it, it will be gone way sooner than you want it to be. Enjoy!
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs is an easy appetizer. Put 5 simple and surprising ingredients into a crockpot, then set it and forget it until party time! Serve with toothpicks right out of the pot.
Gluten Free Spinach Balls are cheesy finger food that is easy to make and just as easy to gobble up. Serve them warm for the perfect cool weather appetizer.
Baked Jalapeno Poppers are a combination of Italian sausage, ooey gooey cheese, and stuffing inside a spicy jalapeno. Great for after Thanksgiving tailgating or just something to warm you up on a cold day.
Smoked Fish Dip is perfect for seafood lovers! Serve with crackers and watch it disappear.
Find lots of healthy appetizer recipes here on 2CM!
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Creamy Spinach Dip
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 packages creamed spinach thawed
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Jack cheese shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella shredded
- Bacon bits for top optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil for 3-5 minutes, until soft.
- In a medium bowl, combine thawed creamed spinach, cheeses and onion garlic mixture.
- Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bubbling hot.
- Serve dip with tortilla chips, carrots, celery, sliced red peppers and bread crisps.
Notes
Variations
- Garnish it with crispy bacon or chopped red pepper.
- Make it into the popular spinach artichoke dip by adding ½ cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
- Want a little more salty with your cheesiness? Add ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon into the dip before baking
- Like your dips a little on the spicy side? Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to mix.
Popular questions
Can I freeze this dip? Absolutely! This actually freezes, both unbaked and baked, very well. When ready to serve, thaw in refrigerator overnight then bake as directed in recipe. How long will this dip keep? It should keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator. When ready to heat, leave out at room temperature about 30 minutes. Heat in oven as directed in recipe or, if previously baked, pop it into the microwave until hot.Nutrition
This post has been updated and was first published on October 11, 2020.
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