Description
Creamy spinach dip brings together classic Mediterranean flavors in a quick, irresistible appetizer. Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, offering guests a delightful starter that pairs perfectly with crisp vegetables or warm bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 (10 oz / 280 g) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (8 oz / 226 g) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Moisture Elimination: Thoroughly press frozen spinach between clean kitchen towels to extract excess liquid, preventing a soggy dip texture.
- Base Preparation: Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until achieving a luxuriously smooth, lump-free consistency that provides a rich foundation.
- Cheese Integration: Fold mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the creamy mixture, ensuring comprehensive distribution for a harmonious flavor profile and optimal melting potential.
- Seasoning Enhancement: Gently incorporate minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, blending these aromatic ingredients throughout the mixture to create depth and complexity.
- Spinach Incorporation: Delicately fold prepared spinach into the mixture, maintaining a light touch to preserve the dip’s airy texture while ensuring even green distribution.
- Baking Preparation: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe ceramic dish or cast-iron skillet, spreading it in a shallow layer to promote uniform heating and golden browning.
- Thermal Transformation: Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven until edges turn golden and the surface becomes irresistibly bubbly, typically 20-25 minutes.
- Serving Finesse: Allow the dip to rest 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the intense heat to stabilize and creating the perfect serving temperature.
- Accompaniment Selection: Present the hot dip with an assortment of dipping companions such as artisan bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable crudités for a versatile appetizer experience.
Notes
- Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Press frozen spinach between kitchen towels to remove maximum moisture, preventing a soggy, watery dip texture that could ruin the creamy consistency.
- Whisk Cream Base Smoothly: Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise at room temperature to eliminate lumps, creating a silky-smooth base that ensures a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Layer Cheese Strategically: Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan evenly throughout the mixture to guarantee consistent flavor and optimal melting, preventing cheese clumping or uneven distribution.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes and garlic to personal heat preference, allowing flexibility for different palates while maintaining the dip’s signature zesty profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg