This Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor! The fresh spinach mixes perfectly with garlic and parmesan, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
Honestly, who can resist a dip that’s just begging to be slathered on crispy bread? It’s perfect for parties—or just a cozy night in front of the TV! 😋
I love serving this dip warm, right out of the oven. Pair it with some crunchy tortilla chips or veggies for an easy, tasty snack that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture, but frozen spinach is a great alternative. Just make sure to squeeze out excess water after thawing. I often go for fresh for the vibrant color.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you’re in a pinch, you could use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter or vegan option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor, but pre-grated works too. If you’re out, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: These add richness. If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can substitute Greek yogurt for both. I prefer sour cream for that tangy kick!
How Do I Ensure My Dip Has the Right Texture?
Getting the right creaminess in your dip is key, and it mainly comes down to how you mix your ingredients.
- Make sure your cream cheese is really soft. Let it sit at room temperature or microwave it for 10-15 seconds—this helps it blend smoothly.
- Mix all the creamy ingredients together well before adding in your spinach. This ensures every bit gets blended properly.
- Don’t skip on draining the spinach well (if using frozen). Excess moisture can make your dip watery. Squeeze out as much as you can before mixing!
With these tips, your Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip will come out perfectly creamy every time!
Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1 package frozen, thawed and drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers for serving
- Carrot sticks or other vegetable sticks (optional) for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time for a chat with friends or family while the dip is baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be ready for your dip once you’ve mixed all the yummy ingredients together.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells nice and fragrant—make sure it doesn’t turn brown!
3. Add the Spinach:
Next, add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook it until it’s wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, just heat it through and make sure to drain any excess liquid. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool a bit.
4. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix everything together well with a spatula or a hand mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
5. Combine It All:
Add in your cooked spinach and garlic mixture to the creamy base. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Mix everything until it’s well combined.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now, scoop the mixture into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top so it can get all melty and delicious!
7. Bake:
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dip is bubbling and the cheese on top is melty and just starting to brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a nice pop of color. Serve it warm with your toasted baguette slices, crackers, or crunchy vegetable sticks for dipping.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spinach Dip—it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dip. This will help maintain the creamy texture.
How Can I Make This Dip Lighter?
If you’d like a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and mayonnaise. Using a reduced-fat cream cheese is another way to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor!
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance! Mix all the ingredients together and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re putting it in the oven straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a little extra cheese on top to refresh the flavor!
