This creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip is a tasty treat that brings together fresh spinach with rich cream and salty parmesan. Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in!
If you ask me, this dip is like a hug in a bowl. Pair it with crunchy chips or fresh veggies, and you’ve got a winning snack that everyone will love. Trust me, it disappears fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach is super handy, but you can use fresh spinach too. If you go that route, just sauté about 10-12 ounces until wilted and chopped.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: For a lighter dip, consider Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. It adds a great tang and protein! You could also mix half mayonnaise and half yogurt for a balanced flavor.
Cheeses: I love using mozzarella for its melty texture, but feel free to swap in gouda or even a sharp cheddar for added flavor. Parmesan is key, but in a pinch, Pecorino Romano works just as well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that punchy flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, jarred minced garlic can save you time. Just remember, 1 clove of fresh garlic equals about 1/2 teaspoon of jarred.
How Can I Prevent a Watery Spinach Dip?
A common issue with spinach dip is excess moisture. To keep it creamy without being watery, it’s crucial to remove as much water as possible from the spinach. Here’s how:
- After thawing frozen spinach, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out the moisture. You want it as dry as possible.
- Mixing too many wet ingredients can also cause problems, so keep an eye on how much mayo or sour cream you’re adding. Start with the measured amounts first.
With these tips, your dip should come out perfectly creamy and ready for dipping!
Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
For Serving:
- Sliced baguette or toasted bread slices
- Optional: carrot sticks or vegetable sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you can whip it up in under an hour! Perfect for game day, parties, or cozy evenings at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your dip bakes evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly and golden.
2. Prepare the Spinach:
Thaw your frozen chopped spinach completely. Then, using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, squeeze out as much water as possible. Removing excess moisture is key to a creamy dip!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. It should look delightful and creamy!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the spinach mixture into an oven-safe dish. If you’re using a cute wooden bowl, make sure it’s oven-safe first.
5. Add the Last Cheese Layer:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the spinach mixture. This will turn beautifully gooey in the oven.
6. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
For a little extra flavor and a lovely color, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the cheese.
7. Bake the Dip:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the dip to be bubbling and the cheese on top to have turned a nice golden brown.
8. Let It Cool:
Once it’s done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This gives it time to set a bit more.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm dip with sliced baguette, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable sticks. Trust me, it’s going to be a hit! Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness with family and friends.
Enjoy this rich, creamy, garlic-infused spinach dip that’s perfect for sharing!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 10-12 ounces. Just sauté it until wilted, chop it up, and then mix it into your dip. Fresh spinach adds a lovely flavor!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance! Just mix all the ingredients together and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, transfer it to the oven straight from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should I Store Any Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick!